June the 2nd, 2026 – The first international non-competitive regatta, Life at Sea, organised by The Centre Ignatius, has successfully concluded in the sea of the Croatian Adriatic.
From May the 23rd to the 30th, the project brought together individuals from more than a dozen European countries. Over the course of a week-long intensive life at sea, participants sought a more authentic, slower pace of life, far from everyday noise and digital screens.
Instead of conventional tourism, the project offered a return to nature through intensive life at sea. Alongside deeply moving moments of silence, such as a visit to the memorial crosses on the Kornati islands to pay tribute to the fallen firefighters, the project also featured a tangible environmental impact. In cooperation with the Telašćica Nature Park Public Institution, the participants joined forces with local nature rangers for a major eco-action, cleaning up a section of the park and leaving behind a concrete contribution to environmental protection.
“Living as a crew, in a confined space and under very simple conditions, opens up a new perspective on one’s relationship with oneself, others, and the environment. The sea challenges us to confront our own weaknesses and fears, but at the same time, it teaches us patience and heightens our awareness of what is happening within and around us. The goal was to discover the beauty of the Adriatic and encourage people to take a step further toward a more mindful way of living. Judging by the reactions of the participants, we have fully succeeded,” said Tvrtko Barun SJ, head of The Centre Ignatius.
The international character of the regatta provided an excellent opportunity for participants to connect through a rich social program. Competitive games, an evening pub quiz, a firsthand account from a seasoned seaman, informal gatherings, and an eye-catching “circle raft” in Telašćica Bay created a unique atmosphere of community, solidarity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Veronika, a participant from London, shared how timely and meaningful this experience was for her: “I was deeply longing for time spent in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of London, and I knew this regatta would give me exactly that. I put together a crew, and we set off on this adventure together. We are returning to London feeling truly rested, amazed by the beauty we witnessed, and enriched by new friendships.”
The finest example of how unique this concept is was an evening spent in the town of Sali on Dugi Otok. The town hosted a one-of-a-kind Croatian-Iranian poetry evening where Iranian poet Mehrdad Khameneh and Ante Mihić, the local library director, recited their own poetry about life at sea in three languages (Farsi, English, and Croatian). This inspiring cultural dialogue concluded with an authentic island celebration – singing and dancing alongside Klapa Levanda.
Through its three core dimensions – sailing, ecology, and spirituality – Life at Sea demonstrates a new vision of tourism: one that does not merely take from nature and society, but actively restores value to them. The Center Ignatius highlights that this is just the beginning of a beautiful new tradition on the Croatian coast, as they have already announced the second edition of the regatta, which will take place from May the 22nd to the 29th, 2027.M ore photos and videos showcasing the rich experience of this regatta are available on the Life at Sea social media channels (Instagram and Facebook), as well as on the official website.
