Hanse Yachts Take Over — Another Successful Hanse Cup Adriatic
NEWS
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When May rolled in with Hanse sails cutting through the beautiful Adriatic, it meant another great charter season was ready to begin. The 12th Hanse Cup Adriatic, held from May 3rd to 7th, was organized by Sailing Club Zenta and co-organized by Croatia Yachting, bringing together the best crews and Hanse owners for a few days of prime sailing. The idea behind the event was to bring together Hanse enthusiasts, showcase the latest Hanse models in their natural setting, and combine the thrill of competition with the finest Dalmatian cuisine, excellent wines, and relaxing evenings.
The regatta was open exclusively to Hanse sailboats and was organized by ISAF RRS 2017–2020, HJS safety regulations, Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and official race committee communications. All boats were required to use self-tacking jibs, with gennakers permitted for downwind legs.
Participants in this Adriatic sailing regatta were grouped by length overall (LOA) and raced under the NHP handicap system, ensuring fair competition among the diverse range of Hanse yachts:
- Group 1: Hanse 590, 588, 575, 548, 545, 540
- Group 2: Hanse 510, 508, 505, 495, 470
- Group 3: Hanse 460, 458, 455, 445, 430
- Group 4: Hanse 418, 415, 410, 400
- Group 5: Hanse 388, 385, 370, 360
- Group 6: Hanse 355, 348, 345, 325, 315
There were calm seas, rain, and wind — all part of what makes sailing real, and none of it got in the way. Participants enjoyed great food, good company, and plenty of moments to unwind.
Sukošan Warm-Up
Saturday in Sukošan set the tone for a smooth start. Guests checked in without hassle, and registration went smoothly. The regatta officially opened with a program presentation in front of Croatia Yachting’s reception at Marina Dalmacija. Later, skippers received the sailing instructions and gathered for their briefing.
A night enriched by Dalmatian flavors, fine wines, and cocktails, creating the perfect setting for everyone to bond. The relaxed atmosphere was just enough to ease into the days ahead.
Regatta Day One
On Sunday at 11:00, the fleet set off on a 16 NM leg from Biograd to Ravni Žakan. The route ran past Vrgada and Murvenjak — enough islands to keep the view sharp and the course fun. The weather was sunny and bright, with plenty of laughter all around. Some guests soaked up the sun on deck, while the wind was just right for a pleasant sail.
By afternoon, boats were tied up, drinks were shared on the pier, and Konoba Žakan, a favorite among sailors, took care of the rest. Known for its top-notch hospitality and outstanding gastronomy, this gem in the heart of Kornati National Park served us fresh, delicious meals that perfectly complemented the day on the water.
Regatta Day Two
On Monday, after the 09:30 skipper’s meeting, the fleet was already warmed up and ready to go. The 16 NM sail from Ravni Žakan to Murter brought just the right amount of wind — perfect for exhilarating sailing with sails full and boats dancing on the waves. Murter greeted us with its charming vibe and stunning scenery, making the stop even more special.
We anchored at Marina Hramina in the afternoon, and shortly after 5 PM we had a fun stand-up paddle race. The paddle session was lively, filled with friendly rivalry and plenty of laughs — and yes, there were prizes to keep the competition fun.
Dinner followed at Restaurant Nomad, where the atmosphere was just warming up. Later, the party truly took off with karaoke, a DJ spinning tracks, and dancing.
Regatta Day Three
On Tuesday, we set sail at 11:30 for a 16 nautical mile trip southeast from Murter to Šibenik. The weather was a bit challenging, with some rain likely, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We laughed, enjoyed ourselves, and even spotted dolphins!
When we arrived in Šibenik, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage city, we gathered for a group photo in our Hanse Cup shirts in front of the cathedral to capture the moment. The evening continued with dinner at Gradska Vijećnica, followed by entertainment and a lively party with Sandra & the Band.
The evening ended with the announcement of the regatta winner and the awarding of prizes and trophies.
After three days of sailing at its best, the winners stepped up.
- In Group 1, the winner is Tomas Krejza’s Czech team on the Hanse 588.
- In Group 2, the winner is Feremans Luc’s Belgian team on the Hanse 508.
- In Group 3, the winner is John Cruickshank’s New Zealand team on the Hanse 458.
And overall, the third place goes to Feremans Luc’s Belgian team on the Hanse 508, the second place to the Auszeit Sailing Team from Germany on the Hanse 588, and the first place to Tomas Krejza’s Czech team on the Hanse 588.
Last Day on the Water
On the final day, everyone set sail individually, enjoying the freedom of the Adriatic at their own pace. It was the perfect way to wrap up the Hanse Cup Adriatic, with each crew savoring their own unique experience on the water.
Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who joined the race. The 12th Hanse Cup Adriatic showed once again what great sailing and good company look like — and we’re already looking forward to next year.
As a sponsor of Hanse Cup Adriatic 2025, we would like to thank Croatia Yachting for an exceptionally well-organized event. The regatta exceeded our expectations both in terms of organization and in creating a positive atmosphere among participants and partners.
OTP Leasing has proudly supported this event for many years.
We look forward to future cooperation and believe that Hanse Cup Adriatic will continue to grow and develop as one of the leading nautical events in the region. See you at Hanse Cup Adriatic 2026! 😊
