With the promotion of the host Marina Kaštela, the nautical center of the Adriatic, the 17th edition of the Days of Croatian Small Shipbuilding and Tourism / Croatia Nautic Show has officially concluded. Alongside numerous new business collaborations and over 70 new exhibitors—including domestic and world premieres of vessels—visitors had the chance to explore the latest from the world of boats, chartering, nautical equipment, tourism, and lifestyle offerings.
However, this show also highlights the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and skills, as well as social, ecological, and community aspects. Through panel discussions, environmental conferences, and humanitarian presentations, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of the “small person” who lives for and from the sea.
The beauty of the Kaštela Riviera and the Adriatic Sea was further emphasized during the panel conference organized by Slobodna Dalmacija and Otvoreno More titled “Seafarers as Guardians of the Adriatic”, emphasizing the value of preservation and care for this natural treasure.
Panel participants included: Rudolf Marić, Director of the Port Authority of Rovinj; Matko Bašić, Director of the Marine Protection and Operations Department at Cian Split; Slaven Jozić, Microbiologist at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries; Ivica Čikotić, retired maritime inspector; and Danijel Mataija, Director of Antea. Before the panel, attendees were addressed by Mateja Dorčić, County Head of the Maritime, Tourism and Transport Department; Damir Skelin, President of the Days of Croatian Small Shipbuilding Association; and Vinko Ursić Glavanović, Director of Slobodna Dalmacija.
Crewed charter: Is there room—and crews—for ultra-luxury clientele on the Adriatic?
If we have the most beautiful sea in the world, top-level crew professionals, and excellent marinas recognized as premium destinations, then the charter industry must continue to grow. This was just part of the discussion during the “Crewed Charter – Opportunity and Challenge” conference.
The panel was led by Sara Douzan, President of the Nautical Tourism Group at the Croatian Chamber of Economy; Zlatko Vodanović, Executive Board Member of the Croatia Yachting Association; Selma Čubara, Consultant and Hospitality Instructor at Adria Libar; Corporate Trainer in the cruise industry Ivica Matijaca; and Vicko Ozretić, Captain and President of CROSS. The session was moderated by Katarina Barić from the Adria Libar Maritime Training Center.
The Adriatic Sea – a perfect destination for sailors and sport fishermen
The 17th edition of the Days of Croatian Small Shipbuilding and Tourism, held at Marina Kaštela—the nautical heart of the Adriatic—naturally focused on sailing as well. A presentation of the “Split Sailing Festival” was held, including five traditional regattas recognized as top events by the Croatian Tourist Board. Damir Skelin, Project Director representing JK Labud, and Edo Vujnović, Director of Mala Mrduja, were joined by Damir Dominović, President of JK Zenta, who introduced the new Šolta Regatta, now part of the festival.
“The Split Sailing Festival kicks off with the Labud Classic regatta to Bobovišća on Brač, followed by the Mrduja Optimist Cup, the legendary Mrduja Regatta, then the newly added Šolta Regatta by JK Zenta, and finally the Viška Regatta. Last year, the festival brought together over 450 sailboats,” said Skelin.
Edo Vujnović emphasized that Mala Mrduja is not just a sports event for young sailors but also a key opportunity for intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Sport fishing has long been an attractive tourist offer, with the big game trend taking off. Who better to explain this than the 2023 world champions – team Corto from PŠD Giričić in Kaštela: Captain Gordon Svalina, Bepo Svalina, Ante Karačić, and Borislav Taraš. They not only organize successful youth fishing schools but also the international Adriatic Championship in Tuna Fishing in Rogoznica.
“This year we’re meeting again in Rogoznica starting August 5th, and we’re proud to announce participants from 20 countries, up from 14 last year,” said Svalina.
Intergenerational knowledge transfer and hands-on marine workshops for youth
Sailing is for all generations, and the fair was a great opportunity to present youth sailing schools. This year, children from the JK Labud Sailing School joined with their coach Goran Orlov, supported by JK Marina Kaštela.
Fishing workshops were organized by PŠD Giričić from Kaštel Gomilica, led by top fishing gear expert Borislav Taraš and society secretary Luka Orhanović. They were joined by passionate big-game angler Nikola Vujčić, recently named the best EuroLeague basketball player of the past 25 years.
The program was rounded off with a unique travel-meets-nautical lecture titled “Yachts Building – from Idea to High-Performance Boats”, delivered by Tomislav Mijić, head of Phantom Yachts.
The event also included a social aspect with the presence of Naša Dica, a local Kaštela-based association, presented by Slađana Jurišić Prnjak. They showcased their work with children and adolescents with special needs.
Marina Kaštela – The Nautical Center of the Adriatic
Marina Kaštela is not just a hub of nautical life on the Adriatic—it’s also a sailing center. In 2026, it will host the European Senior Championship in the ILCA class, expected to gather around 350 participants. Additionally, it will continue its proud tradition of hosting Mirno More, Europe’s largest socio-pedagogical sailing project.
“Marina Kaštela has truly become one of the main nautical centers, a fact recognized by the World Sailing Federation, which awarded them the hosting of the ILCA European Championship,” confirmed Armano Zekan, President of the Sailing Regatta Organizing Committee.
Ivona Smoljić, Director of Marina Kaštela, shared future plans including the construction of new outer berths for superyachts over 35 meters. The project is expected to be completed by the next Croatia Nautic Show, which marked its 7th successful year in Kaštela with high attendance and successful business outcomes.
This year’s edition of the 17th Days of Croatian Small Shipbuilding and Tourism left both Damir Skelin, President of the organizing association, and Branimir Matijaca, President of the Croatia Nautic Show Organizing Committee, very satisfied.