Photos: ClubSwan Racing / Studio Borlenghi / ACI Sail
Croatia and ACI have received high praise for the organisation of two ClubSwan 36 regattas, which saw the participation of the world’s mightiest fleet of sailing boats in this one-design class
The Adriatic Sea and its unique coast are undoubtedly the main reason why Croatia is one of the ideal sailing destinations for many international boaters – it offers not only a perfect holiday but also top-notch sport challenges. In both of these cases, the common denominator of all the boating potentials of Croatia is the largest marina chain in the Adriatic, ACI, to whose marinas – thanks to their infrastructure and the world-class services they offer – boaters faithfully return year after year. However, ACI is, first and foremost, characterised by a rich tradition, love of and passion for sailing, which ultimately resulted in the ACI Sail project. Thanks to this project, unique in the world, Croatia got the opportunity to be on a par with the world’s most elite sailing nations.
During the last two years, Split was the centre of the sailing world as the host of the ClubSwan 36 European championship premiere, which took place in October 2022, and the Swan Croatia Challenge, which occurred in April 2023, with both events attracting the world’s mightiest fleet of sailing boats in this one-design class. ACI Marina Split and the vistas of the old town were the perfect backdrop for this first-class sailing experience.
‘ACI had a rare honour of hosting the ClubSwan 36 Europeans and the Swan Croatia Challenge. Organising races in Croatia was a dream come true for ACI, the realisation of an idea that was conceived several years ago in partnership with the Ferragamo family and Nautor Swan. The sea is one of the best ‘influencers’ in Croatian tourism, and in addition to great conditions for holding a regatta, the many participants were able to taste the first-class Croatian cuisine and to get to know its rich cultural heritage. I am proud that ACI and Croatia were able to show to the participating teams, through these ClubSwan regattas, the best that the Adriatic has to offer. Sports events such as these regattas help promote our tourist assets, and I would especially like to point out that sailing is an extremely environmentally friendly sport, which will additionally position the Adriatic as a sustainable tourist destination’, said Kristijan Pavić, President of the Management Board of ACI.
The Swan Croatia Challenge launched the ClubSwan season, premiering, at the same time, The Nations League 2023. After four days of sailing in wonderful conditions, the Monaco team of the G Spot triumphed, having won all five races.
‘Five wins in five races in Split have turned this into a sailing week of our dreams. ACI has once again proved to be the perfect host to a ClubSwan regatta. Last year, the ClubSwan 36 Europeans regatta was the grand finale of the season, and this year, the Swan Croatia Challenge was a perfect opening act for our racing season. The city and the people are wonderful, and that is yet another important reason to return to the Croatian coast. Apart from racing, we have enjoyed the generous hospitality and the beautiful city of Split’, said Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, who skippered the winning sailing boat.
