The 18th ‘Labud Classic’ regatta will be held this weekend, September 9-10!
Split will see yet another edition of the beloved regatta that’s about to play out in two parts: the first leg will take the participants on a route from Split to Bobovišća on Saturday, September 9, departing from the city port at noon. A day later, the second leg measuring the same distance of 9.5 nautical miles will take them back to Split.
The ‘Labud (Swan) Classic’ regatta was first organised in 1999; back then, both legs were carried out on the route Split – Milna –Split. Bobovišća was introduced as a destination a couple of years ago.
In the early days, only wooden ships competed in the race, but the rules were since modified to include all ships older than 30 years. Nowadays, each edition of the regatta sees anywhere from 15 to 30 boats and around 100 participants. It’s traditionally held on the second weekend in September.
Journalist and writer Renato Baretić once wrote the regatta was devised by the members of the Labud Sailing Club after they came to a conclusion that modern regattas were increasingly missing the point of sailing. “The rough competitiveness completely overshadowed the good spirit of racing and gathering together for some friendly bickering, accompanied by some grilled fish and singing… Every detail of every ship they own has its own story, one that’s incredibly fascinating – and older than most nouveau capitalists in gigantic, polished plastic beasts. The people of Labud don’t see or show off their ships as a new Rolex, but like an old wedding ring”, say the lovely words of Baretić.
The tradition lives on, and starting on Saturday, the sailors will again meet for some friendly racing and a wonderful weekend at the sea.
Source: Dalmacija Danas
