(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 25 SET - The 55th edition of Barcolana presented by Generali is about to begin: the world's largest regatta, kicking off on September 29, was launched today by the president of the Barcola and Grignano sailing society, Mitja Gialuz, together with Generali's president, Andrea Sironi.
    The event, the organizers explained, will focus on people, and this edition "will be the most inclusive in the history of the regatta." Ready to go then are the Women in sailing programs and the Para sailing project: "The participation of the World Sailing Federation, which has recognized the role of Barcolana as a promoter of a sailing dedicated to all," said Gialuz, "has allowed us to be even more focused on proposing a sailing and sporting event capable of promoting important values, and involving more and more people." Testimonial of this edition will be the sailor Francesca Clapcich, from Trieste, who is a resident of the United States and winner of the last edition of the Ocean Race.
    "Generali," Sironi underlined, "supports sports for the benefit of individuals and communities. Sports disciplines contribute to individual and collective growth and through which some significant values, such as the culture of diversity and inclusion, can be promoted. The Generali Trophy - Women in sailing brings all these themes into the Barcolana to show how we can contribute to change towards a more equitable and resilient society through the professionalism and passion of women sailors." Barcolana 55 will also see last year's winner, American yachtswoman Wendy Schmidt, in Trieste on the eve of the regatta.
    Meanwhile, Gialuz announced that more than 1,000 entries have already been received for the regatta scheduled for October 8.
    Starting Friday, "nearly 300 events in 10 days" will kick off, including music, sports, and the Barcolana Sea Summit. (ANSA).