Solaris Yachts and Barcolana join hands for the first Barcolana Solaris Adriatic Cup

Solaris Yachts and Barcolana join hands for the first Barcolana Solaris Adriatic Cup © Solaris Yachts

In 1974, in Aquileia, at the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia's industrial hub, a shipyard emerged, shaping the course of sailing in Italy and earning global recognition for its production excellence.

Five years prior, in 1969, on the second Sunday of October, the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano launched the Regatta Coppa d'Autunno Barcolana, initiating a journey that, to this day, draws thousands of boats and sailors to the Gulf of Trieste.

"Solaris Yachts holds deep gratitude and a strong connection to the region," states Federico Gambini, President of Solaris Yachts. "Our shipyard has flourished, and our vessels are esteemed by sailors worldwide. While we've long hosted the Solaris Cup in Sardinia, with over 100 boats expected this year, we recognized the importance of extending our reach to our Adriatic owners. With this second act of the Solaris Cup in its Adriatic version, we aim to continue honoring our 50-year milestone, engaging with the community amidst the unmatched sailing festivities of Barcolana."

Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, adds, "Welcoming the Solaris fleet to the Adriatic Sea for the first time fills us with immense pride. Solaris, with its rich history, artisanal tradition, and magnificent vessels, stands as a beacon not only for our region but for the entire Italian nautical industry. The Barcolana Solaris Adriatic Cup embodies the perfect celebration of the shipyard's fifty-year anniversary."

Solaris Yachts and its fleet of boats will take part in the Barcolana week with a series of regattas and events dedicated to boat owners from Thursday, October 10, to Saturday, October 12. This includes two days of races on the same courses as the Barcolana Maxi Trophy Portopiccolo, an event dedicated to boats over 16 meters in length, organized by SVBG and Yacht Club Portopiccolo. The festivities culminate on Saturday, October 12, with the awards ceremony and grand celebrations honoring the shipyard's 50th anniversary, Barcolana-style. Following their dedicated races, the Barcolana Solaris Adriatic Cup boats will head to the Rive di Trieste to partake in the Barcolana56 presented by Generali on Sunday, October 13.

This new initiative stems from partnerships fostered through PromoturismoFVG. In 2023, a shipyard vessel, moored on the Rive, served as a branding focal point for "I am Friuli Venezia Giulia," promoting regional excellence and hosting various gatherings. The same vessel took part in the Coppa d'autunno, proudly displaying the "I am Friuli Venezia Giulia" logo at the heart of the sailing event.