Croatia Regatta 2026 - Preview
by Croatia Regatta 5 Aug 08:19 PDT
26 September - 3 October 2026
Croatia Regatta - The Blue Lagoon © Shaun Roster
With participants already entered from the Netherlands, the United States, Slovenia, Spain and Germany, the Croatia Regatta is preparing for its 2026 edition from 26 September to 3 October.
This boutique regatta combines competitive One Design racing with a week-long sailing journey through the islands and historic harbour towns of Central Dalmatia. Sailors can participate with a complete crew, join individually aboard one of the organisation's yachts, or enter the Open Class with their own yacht. Individual participation is open to both experienced sailors and those with little or no previous sailing experience.
Unlike many regattas that return to the same marina every evening, the Croatia Regatta is a true destination regatta. Every day, the fleet sails to a new destination, allowing participants to experience Croatia's spectacular coastline exactly as it was meant to be explored: by sea.
The event deliberately keeps the fleet small, creating a personal atmosphere where crews race hard during the day and enjoy the Croatian coast together after racing. Every evening, the yachts moor stern-to alongside one another on a reserved section of the quay, bringing the entire fleet together for daily prize-givings, the traditional Croatia Regatta jetty drinks and dinners in carefully selected local restaurants.
"We wanted to create a regatta where sailors experience the very best Croatia has to offer. Serious racing, beautiful yachts, historic harbour towns, excellent food and a relaxed atmosphere. Participants quickly get to know one another and become part of one sailing community." - Leo de Weert - Organiser, Croatia Regatta.
One another on a reserved section of the quay, bringing the entire fleet together for daily prize-givings, the traditional Croatia Regatta jetty drinks and dinners in carefully selected local restaurants.
All-inclusive, with everything arranged
One of the Croatia Regatta's defining characteristics is its all-inclusive concept. Participants do not have to worry about finding a place to moor or booking restaurants. Throughout the official programme, the organisation arranges reserved mooring space for the complete fleet, race management, technical support, airport transfers, the private water taxi to Hvar, welcome drinks, daily prize-givings, jetty drinks, dinners and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
EVERYTHING IS ORGANISED. ALL THE CREWS HAVE TO DO IS SAIL.
One Design racing in Croatian-built Salona 46s
The heart of the regatta is the Salona 46 One Design Class. With every crew racing an identical Croatian-built Salona 46 performance yacht, success depends entirely on teamwork, tactics, sail trim and boat handling. The sheltered yet tactically demanding waters of Central Dalmatia provide the perfect setting for close competition.
Eight Salona 46 yachts have already been confirmed for the 2026 edition. Only two Salona 46s remain available and can be chartered, with or without a professional skipper, through the Croatia Regatta organisation. Once these final yachts are booked, the class will be complete with ten identical yachts on the starting line.
The Croatia Regatta also welcomes entries in an Open Class. Owners wishing to race their own yacht are invited to participate, while a limited number of Beneteau First 45 yachts can also be arranged through the organisation.
No team or sailing experience required
Individual sailors can join one of the yachts set aside for this option, with an experienced skipper arranged by the organisation. Two such yachts are already confirmed for the 2026 edition, and additional yachts can be added as demand grows. Cabin accommodation is included throughout the week.
This increasingly popular option is ideal for those who cannot assemble a full crew at short notice, as well as for anyone with little or no previous sailing experience. It offers an accessible way to experience an international regatta, meet new people and become part of a crew for an entire week.
Women make up half the fleet
Half of all currently registered participants are women, which remains exceptional in competitive sailing. The 2026 fleet also includes three complete all-female teams from the Netherlands, adding a strong and highly visible female presence to the regatta.
From Vrboska to Split
The Croatia Regatta starts and finishes at Marina Kaštela, near Split Airport. Following an optional training weekend, the official programme takes the fleet to Vrboska, Palmižana, Hvar, Milna and finally Split. Every destination offers its own character, from quiet island harbours and crystal-clear anchorages to lively waterfronts, excellent restaurants and the famous nightlife of Hvar and Split.
As the sun sets, chill-out DJ sessions, jetty drinks and lively gatherings on the quay create a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, while the focus always remains on sailing.
More European crews welcome
The organisation welcomes additional entries from across Europe. With One Design charter yachts available, as well as the possibility to compete in the Open Class with a privately owned yacht, the event offers opportunities for both experienced racing teams and sailors looking for a new Adriatic challenge.
Croatia Regatta Magazine
A digital edition of the Croatia Regatta Magazine accompanies this media release. The magazine includes the complete 2026 programme, practical information for participants, and an illustrated report on the previous edition, offering editors and readers a first-hand impression of the event, its destinations and its unique atmosphere. High-resolution editorial photography can be supplied separately with the appropriate credits.
Event information
Dates: 26 September - 3 October 2026
Start & Finish: Marina Kaštela, Split, Croatia
Route: Marina Kaštela - Vrboska - Palmižana/Hvar - Milna - Split - Marina Kaštela
Classes: Salona 46 One Design | Open Class
Participation: Full team charter | Join as an individual sailor | Own yacht
Event website: croatiaregatta.com