A three-day regatta opened with a ceremonial start from the karaka
Elafiti Slalom 2026 officially began in Dubrovnik on 24 April, with the start of the three-day regatta marked by a ceremonial cannon shot from the karaka. The opening signalled the start of a busy sailing weekend in the Dubrovnik waters and around the Elaphiti Islands.
Dubrovnik enters a full sailing weekend
According to local reporting from the opening day, a large number of sailing boats gathered in the Elaphiti waters, while organisers and earlier announcements linked this year’s edition to an international fleet of almost 400 sailors arriving in Dubrovnik. The event opened with the gathering of crews, a symbolic launch and a shared opening moment for participants and organisers aboard the karaka.
This year’s edition brings together 65 boats, with 30 arriving from Italy, giving the regatta a distinctly international feel from the very first day.
More than just a race
Elafiti Slalom is not presented only as a competitive regatta. The programme also includes educational content, panels and social events, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, marine protection and environmental actions, including sea-cleaning initiatives.
That wider framing gives the event a different character from a standard sailing race. It feels not only sporting, but also strongly tied to the sea culture and environmental awareness of the Dubrovnik area. This is an editorial reading based on the official opening report and event framing.
The regatta continues through the weekend
A special dimension is added through the regatta’s connection with the international EST 105 Bari–Dubrovnik race, which strengthens Elafiti Slalom’s place on the regional sailing map and links Dubrovnik more closely with Italian sailing clubs.
The competitive part of the programme continues over the next two days, with racing around the Elaphiti Islands, before the event closes on Sunday with the announcement of the winners.
