ACI Diplomatic Regatta: When Diplomacy Meets Sport

In its debut, the ACI Diplomatic Regatta, held under the high patronage of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, transformed the Adriatic into a place of meetings, sports, diplomacy and togetherness. 

This fall, almost twenty ambassadors gathered at the ACI Marina Split, along with numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, giving the host an ideal opportunity to promote Croatian tourism, strengthen existing ties and make new connections. 

The regatta was an overture to the fourth edition of the humanitarian race 'Sail with the Croatian Athletes Foundation & Rotary', held as part of the 94th Mrduja Regatta, the oldest regatta in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe, which further emphasizes the tradition of sailing in Split and the special significance of this fall nautical event.

The participants of the ACI Diplomatic Regatta competed on ACI's ClubSwan 36 sports sailboats, and the crews aptly named after nearby marinas – Skradin, Trogir, Palmižana and Milna, further highlighted the diversity and richness of the Croatian coast. 

Although weather conditions reduced the planned number of sailboats from four to two – with four skippers and diplomats as crew – the enthusiasm of the participants remained vigorous. Some of the diplomats also followed the race from a VIP catamaran, courtesy of ACI.

Among the participants of 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, all involved were treated to an award ceremony and a luncheon followed. The gold medals were awarded to the participants by Kristijan Pavić, President of the Board of ACI, who stated: 

'The Diplomatic Regatta is a superb promotional event, not only for ACI and nautical tourism, but also for Croatian tourism in general. We are honored to have had the opportunity to host ambassadors and diplomats from all over the world on our boats'.

With the support of Ivana Vladović and the Split City Tourist Board, the regatta also offered a wonderful promotion opportunity to central Dalmatia, emphasizing its natural beauty, sailing tradition and cultural significance, as well as demonstrating how well Croatia builds bridges of friendship and cooperation through the sea and sport and confirming its status among the top nautical destinations.

The day of the ACI Diplomatic Regatta ended with a reception and socializing of guests and journalists with the athletes in the garden and park of the Cindro family summer house, only a day before the fourth edition of the humanitarian race 'Sail with the Croatian Athletes Foundation & Rotary', which was the cause for the gathering. 

The event brought together numerous renowned athletes and Olympians, including ACI ambassadors Ivica Kostelić, Palma Čargo and Dina Levačić. The regatta was held as part of the 94th edition of the Mrdujska Regatta. Palma and Ivica sailed on the ACI Sail sailing yacht ClubSwan 36, while a dozen ambassadors followed the regatta sailing on the ACI Sail catamaran. 

All proceeds will be donated, through the Croatian Athletes Foundation, to former athletes facing existential or health difficulties after the ending of their athletic career.