(by Francesco De Filippo) (ANSA) - TRIESTE, OCT 10 - For the first time, the Barcolana, at its 54th edition, was won by a yacht helmed by a woman. It's the 'Deep Blue,' and she's not just any sportswoman, but she's Wendy Schmidt, aka 'Lady Google,' wife of Eric Schmidt, former CEO at Mountain View.

After years of pandemic and weather adverse weather - too much wind or too much calm - on Sunday, October 9, finally, at the end of an eventful week, in a city enjoying redemption and entertainment, the regatta was held in the best weather conditions.

This edition, focusing on sustainability, was also held under the banner of the feminine. First, a crew of only female Coop employees called for the extension of the paternity leave, with skipper Francesca Clapcich and then the philanthropist Wendy Schmidt who also won the Generali women in the sailing trophy, raffled off by Generali and intended for inclusion and solidarity.

Barcolana 54 crosses the ocean and enters the showcase of the New York Yacht Club. Still, the spirit of world's most crowded boat race remains in Trieste to celebrate the sea and the people of Trieste and the fans of the sea and sailing.

It was enough to walk around the crowded Rive thronged with stands. There were many vessels of all sizes at the moorings: small family boats and big racing yachts, smooth and gleaming with fierce crews all dressed in uniforms aboard, along with boats like caiques with Latin sails and luxurious wooden yachts.

With more and more women at the helm. (ANSA).