The first ACI Diplomatic Regatta was successfully held in Split, confirming the Adriatic as the center of the Croatian and international nautical scene

The premiere edition of the ACI Diplomatic Regatta was successfully held under the high patronage of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, connecting diplomacy, sport and the sea in a special way. The event brought together almost twenty ambassadors and numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps at the ACI Marina Split, providing a unique opportunity for the top-notch promotion of Croatian tourism, strengthening existing ties and making new acquaintances. Gold medals were awarded to all crews in recognition of the togetherness, fair play and sportsmanship that characterized the entire regatta. The day of the premiere edition of the ACI Diplomatic Regatta was rounded off with a reception and socializing of guests and journalists with athletes and guests in Podstrana on the occasion of the fourth edition of the charity race Sail with the Croatian Athletes Foundation & Rotary, which was held as part of the 94th Mrduj Regatta.

Representatives of many countries gathered on the Adriatic, where sails have become a symbol of friendship and international connections

The planned ACI Diplomatic Regatta included four crews with two skippers each on ACI’s ClubSwan36 sports sailboats. The crews were named after the nearby ACI marinas – Skradin, Trogir, Palmižana and Milna, further highlighting the richness and connectivity of the Croatian coast. However, due to challenging weather conditions, two sailboats with four skippers each and a diplomatic crew set sail. Some diplomats followed the race from ACI’s accompanying VIP catamaran.
Among the participants in the unique event were the ambassadors of the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Chile, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, the State of Israel, Japan, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Portuguese Republic and the Kingdom of Spain, as well as the military attaché of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Upon returning to the ACI Marina Split, an awards ceremony and a joint lunch followed. The gold medals were awarded to the participants by Kristijan Pavić, President of the Board of Directors of ACI d.d., who stated: “The Diplomatic Regatta is a superb promotion, not only of ACI and nautical tourism, but also of Croatian tourism in general. We are honored to have had the opportunity to host ambassadors and diplomats from all over the world on our ships.”
With the support of Ivana Vladović and the Split Tourist Board, this special event was a wonderful promotion of Croatian tourism and the beauty of central Dalmatia, and we believe that this is just the beginning of a new tradition of diplomatic gatherings at sea.
“This prestigious sailing event is a great recognition for the Split-Dalmatia County and a strong confirmation and promotion of Central Dalmatia on the international nautical map. It is here, where the sea is more than just a place – it is a way of life – that we have the opportunity to show everything that makes our region unique: the rich tradition of sailing, the exceptional beauty of the waters and an authentic experience. This regatta once again confirms our role as the center of Croatian nautical life and a destination that rightfully occupies a special place among the most desirable in the world,” said Ivana Vladović, Director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board.
William De Baets, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium, expressed his satisfaction with the regatta: “The impressions are truly excellent. It was a special experience to sail on ACI sports sailboats, and in such challenging conditions. However, our hosts showed professionalism and we hope that the ACI Diplomatic Regatta will become a tradition. Since all embassies are located in Zagreb due to business obligations, this regatta was an excellent opportunity for us to experience the beauties of the Croatian coast, one of the greatest jewels of the country, and we are truly glad that we had the opportunity to see them.”
The first ACI Diplomatic Regatta showed how Croatia builds bridges of friendship and cooperation through the sea and sport, confirming its position among the top nautical destinations. Diplomacy and sport are combined in an event that presents the Croatian identity to the international community in the most positive light.

As part of the 94th edition of the iconic Mrduja, the fourth edition of the charity race Sail with the Croatian Athletes Foundation & Rotary was held in the Split waters

The day of the ACI Diplomatic Regatta ended with a reception and a relaxed gathering of guests and journalists with the athletes in the garden and park of the Cindro family summer house, the day before the fourth edition of the charity race Sail with the Croatian Athletes Foundation & Rotary, which was the reason for the gathering. Numerous Olympians and athletes supported this action, including Ivica Kostelić, Milivoj Bebić, Željko Jerkov, Zoran Primorac, Petar Metličić, Nikša Kaleb, Vlado Šola, Ivan Ninčević, Tomislav Paškvalin, Marija Anzulović, Duško Mrduljaš, Josip Reić, Damir Polić, Deni Lušić, Anđelo Šetka, Filip Jurišić, Palma Čargo, Dina Levačić and many others.

The charity regatta, which this year brought together ACI, Rotary, the Croatian Olympic Committee and athletes to support those in need, was held as part of the 94th edition of the Mrduj Regatta, the oldest regatta in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe. More than 20 famous Olympians and other athletes supported the regatta with their presence, gathering at the ACI Marina Split, and the program was given a special sporting touch with the participation of ACI ambassadors, windsurfer Palma Čargo, who sailed on the ACI Sail sailing yacht ClubSwan 36, and famous Olympian Ivica Kostelić, who served as skipper. About ten ambassadors followed the regatta from the ACI Sail catamaran, enjoying the unique combination of sports competition, natural beauty and socializing, which gave the entire event a special atmosphere. All proceeds, through the Croatian Athletes Foundation, will be donated to former athletes who faced existential and health difficulties after their careers.

Photos: ACI d.d., Jozo Čabraja, HOO