The Croatia Regatta 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting sailing event, with teams already registering from the Netherlands, the United States, Slovenia, Spain and Germany. Scheduled for 26 September to 3 October, the regatta promises a unique mix of high-stakes One Design racing and a scenic sailing journey through the islands and ancient harbors of Central Dalmatia. Participants will experience some of the most beautiful parts of the Croatian coastline, all while competing in top-level sailing conditions.
Competitors can take part in a number of ways, depending on their experience and interests. Crews can bring their own teams and yachts, join individually on board one of the organisation's boats, or participate in the Open Class using their own yachts. This approach allows both expert sailors and those with little or no sailing background to take part in the event.
What sets the Croatia Regatta apart from many other events is that it is designed as a destination regatta. Instead of returning to the same marina every evening, the fleet travels to new locations each day. This structure allows participants to discover and experience the Croatian coast as it was intended to be explored—by sea. It's not just about racing; it's about enjoying the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
All-inclusive Concept and Organised Experience
One of the defining features of the Croatia Regatta is its all-inclusive setup. The organisation takes care of all the logistical details so participants can focus entirely on racing. This includes reserved mooring space for the entire fleet, race management, technical support, airport transfers and private water taxi rides to key destinations like Hvar. Evenings begin with daily prize-givings, followed by the traditional jetty drinks and carefully arranged dining experiences at local restaurants.
Participants don't need to worry about finding a place to stay or making restaurant reservations. Everything—accommodation, dining and social events—is arranged by the organisation. This comprehensive approach ensures that crews can fully immerse themselves in the regatta experience without any distractions.
One Design Racing and Open Class
The core of the Croatia Regatta is its One Design racing format, centred around the Salona 46 yachts. These high-performance yachts are all identical, making the competition focused purely on skill, teamwork and tactics. Eight of the Salona 46s have already been confirmed for the 2026 edition, with two more still available for charter. The event also includes an Open Class, where participants can race their own yachts, and a limited number of Beneteau First 45s can be arranged through the organisation.
For individual participants who are unable to form a full crew, the organisation offers a special option. Sailors can join one of the yachts reserved for this purpose, with an experienced skipper provided by the organisation. Two such yachts are already confirmed for the 2026 edition, and more may be added depending on demand. All participants in this category receive cabin accommodation for the entire week, making it an ideal choice for those new to sailing or those with limited crew availability.
The Croatia Regatta will begin and end at Marina Kaštela, located near Split Airport. The itinerary includes stops at Vrboska, Palmižana, Hvar, Milna and finally Split. Each destination offers a distinct character, from peaceful island harbors and crystal-clear anchorages to vibrant waterfronts and the lively nightlife of Hvar and Split. Evenings will feature chill-out DJ sessions, drinks on the quay and relaxed gatherings, creating a laid-back yet festive Mediterranean atmosphere. Despite the social elements, the focus remains on sailing and the competitive spirit.
According to Leo de Weert, the event’s organiser, the goal was to create a regatta that showcases the best of what Croatia has to offer. The event has already seen strong participation, with women making up half of the registered sailors. This includes three all-female teams from the Netherlands, which adds a notable and empowering presence to the regatta. The organisation welcomes more entries, especially from European crews, as they continue to build a vibrant and inclusive sailing community.