From the 24th to the 26th of April, 2026, Dubrovnik and its surrounding seas will once again become the stage for one of the most exciting spring events at sea – the third edition of the Elaphiti Slalom regatta, organized by the Orsan Yacht Club. This event is developing as a multidisciplinary project that, alongside the sporting segment, includes educational, social and environmental activities, actively connecting different groups within the local community. In a short time, the regatta has established itself as one of the more important sporting events in Dubrovnik in the pre-season.
Last year’s edition of the regatta gathered 31 boats and 180 sailors, with five race legs, a rich educational program and evening social events. More than 130 media publications at home and abroad further confirmed the importance of the event, and for 2026, nearly double the interest is expected, with as many as 65 boats anticipated to participate.
International Dimension: Connecting Bari and Dubrovnik
A special value of this year’s edition is the international cooperation with the Italian club CUS Bari, the largest university sports centre in Italy. As part of the partnership, the offshore regatta EST 105 Bari – Dubrovnik will be organized, which will also be part of the official Elaphiti Slalom program.
This race has been connecting the Italian and Croatian coasts for two decades and originated from the ambitious idea of three friends to sail 105 nautical miles across the Adriatic. Today, with 18 editions held and winners from across Europe, EST 105 represents a respected event on the international sailing scene. The return of the route to Dubrovnik in 2026 symbolically opens a new chapter of cooperation and further positions the city as an important point in nautical and sports tourism.
More Than Sport: Education, Community and Sustainability
The sporting part of the regatta will take place in the seas of the Elaphiti Islands, with the traditional start of the first race in front of the Dubrovnik city walls.
However, Elaphiti Slalom is not just a competition, it is a multidisciplinary project that actively involves various stakeholders of the local community. Alongside the regatta program, participants can expect expert lectures, workshops and evening events that encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience. Among the prominent guests is well-known meteorologist Zoran Vakula, who will give a lecture on the importance of meteorology in sailing.
The environmental component also plays an important role this year. Clean-up actions of the Elaphiti Islands are being organized, while the winners’ trophies are made from recycled plastic, actively promoting sustainability and raising awareness about marine protection, especially among younger generations.
Authentic Promotion of Dubrovnik’s Maritime Heritage
As project manager Dean Kontić emphasizes, the primary goal of the Elaphiti Slalom is to promote Dubrovnik’s rich maritime culture and heritage through an authentic and meaningful approach that goes beyond traditional tourism frameworks. At the same time, the project encourages the development of a love for the sea, sailing and a responsible attitude toward the environment.
By combining top-level sport, international cooperation and a strong emphasis on sustainability and education, the Elaphiti Slalom confirms Dubrovnik as a destination that successfully blends tradition and modern trends in event organization. Projects like this further strengthen its position on the map of attractive congress and event destinations in the Mediterranean.