Adriatic Offshore Challenge: 115 boats and 1,000 sailors kick off the 22nd Jabuka Regatta
by JK Tijat Vodice 8 Nov 00:24 NZDT
7-9 November 2025
22nd Jabuka Regatta © Hrvoje Duvancic / regate.com.hr
Born from the vision of a few sea enthusiasts, the Jabuka Regatta has, over two decades, blossomed into a recognized symbol of Vodice and established itself as one of the most significant sailing events on the Adriatic.
Vodice is once again the epicenter of Croatian sailing as the 22nd edition of the Jabuka Regatta gets under way. Organized by JK Tijat, the event runs from November 7-9 and has attracted an impressive fleet of 116 boats and over 1,000 sailors.
Among those ready to face one of the Adriatic's most challenging routes are renowned Croatian athletes Šime Fantela and Ivica Kostelic. The town is pulsing with regatta rhythm as crews eagerly await the demanding night start and the voyage toward the legendary volcanic islet of Jabuka.
The volcanic island, situated in the middle of the Adriatic, holds a near-mythical allure for sailors, and successfully rounding Jabuka is a highly coveted trophy in sailing circles. This stunning blend of natural beauty and human endurance draws fans from across Croatia and the world; notably, more than 60 percent of the competing crews are international.
Stanko Skocic, President of the Tijat Sailing Club, highlighted the event's evolution: "The Jabuka Regatta began as the dream of a few enthusiasts, and today it is a recognized symbol of Vodice and one of the most special sailing experiences on the Adriatic. Two decades later, it is more than a competition; it is a gathering of people united by the sea and a shared passion for sailing. Thanks to the support of the town and numerous partners, we have succeeded in creating a sailing holiday that attracts over a thousand sailors keen to feel the magical beauty of Jabuka."
The 115-boat fleet features several noteworthy names, including two celebrated Croatian sports heroes.
Olympic sailing gold medalist Šime Fantela is making his return to Jabuka after a 15-year absence, racing on the TP52 speedster named Scorpio.
"The first and only time I sailed Jabuka was in a double-handed race with Šime Stipanicev in a Transat Mini 650. This year, we've assembled a proper crew with top sailors like Stjepan Vitaljic, Pave Pleslic, and Marko Soric, and a brilliant TP52 sailboat, so I'm really looking forward to this year's regatta," Fantela announced.
Joining the offshore challenge is skiing legend Ivica Kostelic, who arrives in Vodice with his Figaro 3 Amelicor fresh off a superb second-place finish (real time, double-handed) in the Mediterranean offshore classic, the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
"The Jabuka Regatta will be an excellent test," Kostelic stated. "I will be competing double-handed here as well, which is another good training session before heading to France."