27th Fiumanka brought together more than 150 crews in Rijeka, Croatia
by Fiumanka 14 Jun 17:04 BST
8-13 June 2026
27th Fiumanka © Fiumanka
Rijeka once again came alive with the spirit of the sea and sailing as the 27th edition of Fiumanka, the largest sailing event on the Croatian Adriatic, successfully brought together more than 150 crews and approximately one thousand sailors from Croatia and abroad.
The 27th Fiumanka opened on Thursday with the presentation of this year's partners and event highlights. The sporting side of the event got under way with the Student Fiumanka regatta, while the "Connected by the Sea" exhibition welcomed visitors to the Juraj Klovic Gallery. Guests also had the opportunity to visit the Back to Blu pop-up shop featuring the limited-edition Fiumanka collection. The day concluded with "Island Fiumanka", which brought crews and visitors together on the water and along the waterfront, creating the
distinctive atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Fiumanka.
Friday offered activities for all generations. The Paper Fiumanka once again delighted more than a hundred children from Rijeka, while educational boat rides, a sea-cleaning initiative and a range of sustainability-focused activities highlighted the event's commitment to the sea and the environment. The same day also featured the conference "Below the Surface - Conversations on the Future of Seas and Cities", bringing together experts, researchers, athletes and institutional representatives. The final races of the Student Fiumanka and the Little Fiumanka "Zvonimir Bezic Memorial" further demonstrated the important role sailing plays among younger generations.
Ahead of Saturday's main regatta, Friday evening transformed Rijeka's waterfront into a unique stage on the sea. Audiences enjoyed "A Concert That Floats", during which the choir and soloists of the Opera of the Croatian National Theatre performed aboard a tugboat in Rijeka Harbour, creating memorable scenes rarely seen elsewhere. The evening concluded with a joint event organised by Extravagant and Fiumanka, bringing together partners, sponsors, guests and friends of the event.
Saturday began with a programme celebrating creativity, community and good atmosphere. A gathering of Vespa enthusiasts attracted lovers of the iconic scooters, while the Rijeka Tattoo Expo at the Juraj Klovic Gallery offered visitors a blend of art, creativity and contemporary culture, further enriching the programme of the 27th Fiumanka.
After two days filled with sporting, educational, cultural and entertainment activities, the highlight of the event arrived with the main regatta. At exactly 1 p.m., racing yachts, family crews and recreational sailors started together in front of Rijeka's breakwater, once again demonstrating what makes Fiumanka so special - everyone who shares a love of the sea and sailing gathers on the same starting line.
Regardless of the final results, every crew became part of the story of the 27th Fiumanka. From experienced competitors to first-time participants, all contributed to proving that Fiumanka is far more than a sporting event - it is an experience and a meeting point between people, the sea and the city.
The day concluded with the traditional sailors'; celebration "I was there too!"; in Rijeka Harbour and the official prize-giving ceremony, accompanied by music, socialising and an atmosphere that once again confirmed why Fiumanka remains one of the most recognisable events in Rijeka and the Kvarner region.
Rijeka has once again demonstrated its deep connection to the sea, and the more than 150 boats on the starting line are the best proof that, after 27 years, Fiumanka continues to unite sport, tradition, friendship and a shared love of the sea.
The organisers would like to thank all sailors, crews, visitors, partners, patrons, sponsors and volunteers whose participation contributed to another successful edition of Fiumanka and reaffirmed that Rijeka and the sea together create a story that has now lasted for 27 years.