84 boats set for iconic Jabuka Regatta - Croatia's largest offshore race
by JK Tijat Vodice 13 Nov 06:35 PST
13-15 November 2026
22nd Jabuka Regatta © Hrvoje Duvancic / regate.com.hr
As Croatia's largest and most demanding offshore race, the iconic Jabuka Regatta challenges fleets to sail a 110 nautical mile course from Vodice to the remote volcanic islet of Jabuka in the middle of the Adriatic and back.
For this 23rd edition, organized by the Tijat Sailing Club, a massive fleet of 84 yachts and nearly a thousand sailors have gathered in Vodice.
Because of a forecast predicting strong Bura winds, the Race Committee has postponed the traditional night start to Saturday morning. This marks only the third time in the regatta's 23 year history that the fleet will set sail in daylight.
"The safety of our crews and boats always comes first. Given that tonight's forecast predicts strong Bura with gale force gusts on the open sea, we determined that the most responsible decision is to move the start to Saturday morning, when we expect the wind to ease and provide more stable sailing conditions. The Jabuka Regatta is famous for its demanding nature, and under these circumstances, a morning start guarantees all participants a safer, yet still thrilling, race," said Stanko Skocic, President of the Tijat Sailing Club.
All of Vodice is currently living in the rhythm of the regatta as crews eagerly await Saturday's departure. The remote volcanic islet holds an almost mythical appeal in the sailing community, and rounding Jabuka during a race is considered one of the Adriatic's most coveted achievements. With a devoted following across Croatia and the globe, over 60 percent of the registered crews this year are international competitors.
"What began more than two decades ago as the vision of a few sea enthusiasts has today become the trademark of Vodice and an unmissable Adriatic regatta. The Jabuka Regatta has long outgrown the boundaries of a mere sporting competition; above all, it is a gathering of people united by the sea and a true passion for sailing. With the strong support of the City and our partners, we have created a true sailing festival that every year brings together nearly a thousand participants eager for the unique experience of sailing around Jabuka," Skocic added.