Sea, Sport and Sustainability

This year’s edition gathered 65 sailboats and around 400 sailors from across Europe, reaffirming its position as one of the region’s notable spring nautical events.

Adding a distinctive dimension to the programme was the offshore regatta ST 105 Bari – Dubrovnik, which reconnected Italy and Croatia after 18 years, further highlighting the international character and significance of the event.

In the competitive segment, several crews stood out for their performance and teamwork. The overall winner was Nera Etwa, led by skipper Ivan Grgić, while Stravaganza, helmed by Niko Kmetović, recorded the fastest time of the regatta. Their results reflect experience, precision, and a deep understanding of sea conditions.

What makes Elafiti Slalom particularly relevant from a sustainability perspective is its approach to organisation. The awards were made from recycled plastic collected over recent months by young sailors from Sailing Club Orsan Dubrovnik, actively promoting awareness of marine and environmental protection.

The ceremonial start of the regatta took place on Friday from the Old City harbour, aboard the Karaka ship, set against the unique backdrop of Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik’s city walls, marked by traditional gunfire from the Dubrovnik trombonjeri. The event was further elevated by the presence of representatives of the City of Dubrovnik and sporting icons such as Ivano Balić, who carried the flag of St. Blaise. Acclaimed sailor Ivan Kljaković Gašpić added valuable expert commentary, offering participants and spectators a clearer understanding of the sailing conditions at sea.

Alongside the races, the programme featured a diverse line-up of entertainment and educational content, welcoming guests from various fields – from music to science. Notable contributors included Rambo Amadeus, Feđa Štukan and Zoran Vakula, further opening the regatta to a wider audience and the local community.

Through long-standing support of sailing initiatives, we view events like this as an integral part of the destination’s identity. Elafiti Slalom promotes not only sport and active time in nature, but also a responsible relationship with the sea – a resource at the heart of Dubrovnik’s tourism and everyday life.