Historic boats, regattas, and culture: Lake Como celebrates its nautical tradition with a packed calendar of events
September 2026 brings a program to Lake Como dedicated to boating, historic boats, and the local culture. Exhibitions, regattas, and special events will allow the public to discover a heritage that continues to thrive both inside and outside the halls of the Museo Barca Lariana.
The boats in the collection are once again taking to the water and being displayed in some of the lake’s most charming locations. A way to tell the story of boating on Lake Como through events that bring together culture, sports, and elegance.
The program isn’t limited to Lake Como; it also includes Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda, creating an itinerary that takes in some of Northern Italy’s most important nautical traditions.
September Kicks Off at the Barca Lariana Museum
The calendar kicked off in the first few days of the month with the Verbano Classic Festival, held in Laveno Mombello from September 3 to 6. Four days dedicated to vintage boats, featuring regattas, boat tours, gatherings, music, and culinary experiences.
For the occasion, the Barca Lariana Museum also unveiled the Firefly, a steam launch inspired by the style of 19th-century British boats.
On September 6, attention then shifted to Pianello del Lario, home to the museum, with the conference “Engineering Becomes Magic.” The event traced the history of hydrofoils on Lake Como and was followed by a tour of the Freccia dei Gerani, the last surviving example of the RHS70 model in the world.
The day concluded with the “Sails, Music, and Regattas” concert, organized as part of the ArteSolidaleFestival 2026.
Historic Boats in the Gardens of Villa d’Este
One of the most anticipated boating events on Lake Como is the Villa d’Este Grand Tour, which runs through September 19.
Eleven boats from the Barca Lariana Museum’s collection are on display in the gardens of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este. A true open-air museum, set in one of the most elegant and well-known settings in the Larian area.
The exhibition offers a close-up look at models that have marked different eras of navigation, highlighting the evolution of nautical style, technology, and design.
On September 12, the Villa d’Este Style Vintage Yachting event will also take place, organized in collaboration with ASDEC—the Association of Vintage and Classic Boats.
The event will be dedicated to motorboats built more than thirty years ago. The Barca Lariana Museum will participate with the Taxi Elisa and the SuperAriston Lava, two historic boats that will once again take to the waters of the lake.
The theme chosen for this edition will be “Futurism on Lake Como, ” a preview of a new exhibition series that will be developed at the Barca Lariana Museum with the support of the Cariplo Foundation.
From Lake Garda to the Villa Serbelloni Trophy
The museum’s collection will also take center stage far from Lake Como. From September 10 to 13, in the waters off Malcesine on Lake Garda, the historic yachts Rabicano and San Michele will compete in the Multi Nations Championship 5.5 S.I. regattas.
Once the event on Lake Garda is over, the two sailing ships will return to Lake Como to take part in the 22nd Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Trophy, scheduled for September 18–20.
The gathering, organized by the Circolo della Vela Pescallo, will bring together vintage and classic sailboats in Bellagio. It will be another opportunity to see boats of great historical value sailing on the lake, set against the unique backdrop of the central lake.
A sailing school to introduce young people to boating
In addition to events and regattas, the Barca Lariana Museum also runs a project aimed at the younger generation.
A partnership with the Circolo Vela Cernobbio has led to the creation of a sailing school within the museum park. The goal is to introduce young people to sailing and teach them not only technical skills but also the value of teamwork, the ability to understand the wind, and respect for the lake.
The project fulfills the Foundation’s mission: to preserve historic boats without turning them into mere museum pieces. Returning them to the water means restoring their movement, function, and ability to tell the story of the region.
The Calendar of Boating Events for September
- Through September 13: Multi Nations Championship 5.5 S.I. in Malcesine
- Through September 19: Grand Tour of Villa d’Este with Eleven Historic Boats
- September 12: Villa d’Este Vintage Yachting
- September 18–20: 22nd Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Trophy
September thus becomes an opportunity to discover Lake Como through one of its most important traditions. From motorboats to vintage sailing ships, each event highlights the deep connection between the Lake Como region and the water and sailing.
Discover more events, itineraries, and places to visit on Lake Como at comolake.com.
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