March the 18th, 2026 – Croatia will host its very first international non-competitive regatta – Life at Sea. Gear up for something special this May.
In an era of constant rushing and rare moments of stillness, an event is arriving that calls for a different rhythm, one that follows the wind, the sea, and the inner compass. From May the 23rd to May the 30th, 2026, the heart of the Adriatic will become the stage for the first Croatian international regatta, “Life at Sea” – a unique project by the Center Ignatius that weaves together sailing, spirituality, and ecology.
The fleet will embark on a week-long journey through some of the Adriatic’s most beautiful and serene locations: the island of Žut, the Kornati archipelago, Dugi Otok, and Telašćica Nature Park. However, Life at Sea is not a typical regatta. There are no winners or losers, no stopwatches, and no leaderboards. There is only the sea, the crew, and the space for what is often neglected in everyday life- true rest.
“The Life at Sea programme has existed within the Center Ignatius before, but with this edition, we wanted to open it to a wider circle of people and transform it into a non-competitive regatta format. This journey offers an authentic spiritual experience that more and more people are seeking through faith-based tourism,” emphasises Tvrtko Barun SJ, founder of the Center Ignatius.
What sets the Life at Sea regatta apart is its authentic blend of nautical tradition, spirituality, and deep environmental awareness. Care for the environment is an integral part of the event. The organisers have designed educational workshops on ecology and sustainability, with the central ecological highlight being a large-scale cleanup action in Telašćica Nature Park. In this way, the regatta transcends personal experience and becomes a concrete act of caring for our “common home.”
The program is further enriched by powerful symbolic moments: a visit to the site of the Kornati tragedy to pay tribute and respect, a traditional fisherman’s evening in Sali featuring a klapa (a cappella) performance to introduce local culture, and social activities such as a “circle raft” gathering.
The regatta’s international character is highlighted by crews arriving from across Europe, with the official programme conducted in English. Registrations are organised by crew, making Life at Sea an ideal choice for groups of friends, communities, or companies seeking an authentic and meaningful team-building experience far from traditional conference halls.
The regatta is under the organisation of the Center Ignatius, an organisation that combines the rich Ignatian tradition with the needs of modern individuals, offering experiences that leave a lasting impact long after returning to shore.
More information and registration details are available here.
