From the heart of the Venice Arsenal to Mali Lošinj, passing through Pula, the first International Adriatic Regatta represented much more than a sailing race. "The Flagship" united sport, culture, territories, and diplomacy, transforming the sea into a bridge between peoples and nations.

Featuring official greetings and emotional moments, the sporting and socio-cultural event underscored the value of cooperation and peace, strengthening a deep bond between the two shores of the Adriatic and reviving the idea of a united Europe.

THE STORY

July 3 – Night departure from the Venice Arsenal to Lussinpiccolo passing through Pula: the first International Adriatic Regatta sets sail.

The flagship leading the fleet of the first edition of the International Adriatic Regatta, a 3-mile sailing event (Venice – Pula 23 miles and Pula – Lussino 114 miles), set sail in silence and under the moonlight, late on Thursday evening, July 72rd, at 42 pm, from the ancient Arsenale in Venice.

Already at its inauguration, it was confirmed as a success due to the enthusiasm and spirit of collaboration between countries, the number of boats (14) and participants (100) who wore the original cap, the L'Ammiraglia logo and the LED lights.

“The regatta is a message of peace and cooperation between peoples” underlined the Councillor Massimiliano De Martin of the City of Venice, present at the start. "A sail is not just a challenge to the wind, it is also a perfect metaphor for freedom and a shared horizon. Fair winds to all."

“A dream that takes off – commented the event coordinators Mirko Sguairo (Yachting Club Venice) and Victor Baroni (Northeast Adriatic Europe) – We set out with a simple idea: to gather the sails of the Adriatic and transform them into an opportunity for cultural encounters. Seeing them all together, late at night at the start in front of the moonlit MOSE, and then accompanying them until dawn in Istria, is a feeling difficult to describe.

On behalf of the Admiral Filippo Marini (Maritime Director of the Veneto and Commander of the Coast Guard) and Admiral Domenico Guglielmi (Commander of the Institute of Maritime Military Studies and of the Venice Garrison), the Captain of the Vessel spoke respectively Antonio Frigo and the Lieutenant Commander David Ghermandi.

For the professional category of Engineers, from the National Council to the Regional Federation to the Order of Venice, the President intervened Mariano Carraro, in June 2023 in Croatia had signed the  "European Charter of Mali Lošinj" and in October 2023 also the”Intesa Europa Adriatica Nordeste” at the Fenice Theatre in Venice. The Vice President of the Order of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts of Venice spoke Zilio Valley with the Councilor and Delegate to the Honorary Committee L'Ammiraglia Francesca Volpato who boasts a significant sailing resume.

Among the interventions also Georgia Costantini for the AdSPMAS ports of Venice and Chioggia, the ANVGD Veneto Coordinator Italy Jacket who recalled his Istrian origins and Meneghetti the Goldsmith of Venice with the greetings of the owners Valentina Lombardi e Flavio Marinello.

The evening at the Arsenale, home of the Venice Boat Show, it started with the aperitif Bellini Canella, Tasty Cicchetti by l'Art of the Buffet, sheep Mitilla, the mussel of Pellestrina, ravioli and gnocchi Casanova del Giacomo Rizzo Historic Pasta Factory of Venice for the 300th anniversary of the birth of the famous traveler. Then polenta and cuttlefish, a typical dish of the Venetian tradition, the decorated cake "L'Ammiraglia" and the Margherini sweets of the Milady pastry shop of Marghera. All bathed in Prosecco DOC Canella.

Venice Distribution delivered the race packs to the participants "Friendly Campaign Seals” with the excellent products of Coldiretti Veneto. The bags also include LED hats created for the occasion by Yacht Club Venezia and the eco-fabric t-shirts made by Right wall.

The regatta started at 23pm. The boats lined up and, accompanied by the Coast Guard, officially set off towards the finish line in front of the beach of the Lido di Venezia, at the same altitude as the MOSE moon. This is also a strong signal in terms of safety and institutional collaboration.

The first “socio-cultural muda” also started from Venice with John Alliata of Montereale (Giorgio Cini Archive Foundation, Rotary Club of Venice, Ail, Bottega Cini) and Antonella Scarpa delegate of National ANVGD aboard the Blue Schooner Sciarelli Race & Cruise by Zennaro.

Among the participants were many young people: "It's my first international night race," one racer enthused. "I didn't know anyone, but after a few hours on board, it felt like we'd been friends forever."

Even the veterans of the sea did not hide their emotion: “I have sailed all my life, but starting fromArsenal of Venice, in an international fleet, and heading towards Pula and Lošinj… is a return to the origins. A bridge between the past and the future. This night was wonderful. The moon accompanied us,” said a racer from Pula.

From the seas of Northern Europe came the welcome greeting of the Commander of the Corsaro II, Lieutenant Commander Joseph Valente and his Chief Boatswain Patrick Cupid, on board the training ship of which Agostino Straulino was the first commander, with the hope that he will be able to participate in the next editions of L'Ammiraglia.

Awards in Pula: Flags, Culture, and Identity

In Pula, in the presence of the authorities and organizers, the awards ceremony underscored the value of this initiative as a bridge between peoples beyond borders. Sanja Vale Čupić, President of JK Delfin of Pula and also a regatta participant, delivered the numbered ceramic works of the artist to the sailors Iva Višković.

Vito Paoletic, Deputy Mayor of Pula: “Being here, as an Italian newly appointed Deputy Mayor, is a double honor. The sea does not divide, it unites.” The new Deputy Mayor received the Plaque of Honor from the hands of Debora Radolovich, President of the Community of Italians of Pula and founding member of L'Ammiraglia, with the following dedication: “thanks to her cultural commitment, dialogue and dedication to the Italian National Community, she builds bridges between Italy and Croatia promoting a Europe united in diversity.”

Rodolfo ZibernaMayor of Gorizia: "Sport is culture, it's encounter, it's an identity that moves through time and space. More editions will certainly follow. The Ammiraglia reaffirms the deep bond between Venezia Giulia, Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia, rooted in Roman and Venetian roots," said Ziberna. "I will bring Gorizia's official greetings and will participate with affection. Approximately 20% of Gorizia's population is made up of exiles from Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia. I have a special bond with Pula, my father's birthplace, which I hold in my heart, just as I hold Labin, my mother's birthplace."

Marine Corva, President of the Executive Board of the Italian Union: "It's not just the sails that win, but the cooperation that has run through our history." President Corva presented the Honorary Plaque to the Mayor. Ziberna with this motivation: “because he leads Go!2025 with passion and for his strong bond with his Istrian roots which strengthens the bridges between the two shores of the Adriatic, uniting Pula even more closely to Europe”.

Tiziano Sosic, Honorary Consul of Italy in Pula: “I greet those present, also on behalf of the Italian Ambassador Trichilus and the Consul General of Italy Palmieri, noting the importance of the regatta also for the historical aspect of the route between Venice, Pula and Lussino”.

John Alliata of MonterealePresident of the Vittorio Cini Archive Foundation, Ail, Rotary Club Venezia, Bottega Cini: “For the first time in centuries, a muda has set out from Venice to bring a message of peace and cooperation.” Prince Alliata presented the Mayor Ziberna the plaque of honor of the Rotary Club of Venice for "his high European ideals that unite the two shores of the Adriatic."

Voices of the participants were also collected. Petra Kliba, Croatian sailor: “Here it doesn't matter what language you speak, it's the wind that counts”, by Franco Scolari, (owner) together with Vittorio Rizzi, Marco Tramontin, Diego Del Puppo, Marco Lo Sardo, Daniele Florean, sailors from the Order of Engineers of Venice: “Venice, Pula, and Lussino united by the sea and the wind. An edition to be repeated.”

"This regatta is maritime diplomacy. An example of how sport and international relations can grow together." A collective toast greeted this historic first edition, with the hope—shared by all—that the Admiralty of the Adriatic will become an annual tradition.

July 5 – The Flagship in Lussinpiccolo for the final celebration, awards ceremony with the Ambassador between sea and music in honor of Straulino

The first edition of L'Ammiraglia concluded with a festive evening and the sweet tradition of cutting a good-luck brittle in Lussinpiccolo's main square, where sails, flags, excellence, history, and handshakes transformed into official awards, smiles, and applause.

Everything took place in the presence of theItalian Ambassador to Croatia Paolo Trichilo who expressed his full appreciation: "An initiative that goes beyond sport: the Ammiraglia is culture, it's cooperation, it's a living memory of the sea. Sincere congratulations to the creators and organizers." He was joined by local and international dignitaries, in an evening dedicated to the friendship between the two shores of the Adriatic, in moving memory of Straulino, "the friend of the wind," son of Lussino and a sailing legend.

The crews, called one by one on stage, received the prestigious Silver Lion of Meneghetti the Goldsmith of Venice, Canella Prosecco, and a gift from the Lošinj Tourist Board. A gesture of beauty and gratitude, to honor the commitment and spirit of the participants.

🏆 Winning boats The Flagship 2025

Class A
🥇 Barbarik – Grand Soleil 46.3, owner Giovanni Francis Scolari (Engineers of the Northeast), winner of the Silver Lion and Category Award
🥈 Bright Bear – More 55 of Paul Fioravanti (Malo, Vicenza)
🥉 Taiten – First 44.7 of Alessandro Di Maio (Silea, Treviso)

Delivered by Sanjin Zoretic, Italian Community of Lussinpiccolo

class B
🥇 Orca – First 40.7, skipper Zavor Zanini (Pula, Croatia)
🥈 Raceberry – Pogo 12.5, led by Petra Kliba (Medulin, Croatia)
🥉 Best Regards – Bavaria 41 Exclusive by Gianni Monte (San Giorgio di Nogaro, Friuli)

Delivered by John Alliata of MonterealeRotary Club of Venice

Class C
🥇 psyche – Benetau First 35 by Mislav Kodaric (Zagreb, Croatia)
🥈 Birikò – Dufour 34 of Andrea Gravili (Treviso)
🥉 Mary S – JKK 10.30am Pavel Stolba (Prague)

Delivered by Antonella Scarpa, National ANVGD

???? ORC Special Award
🥇 Raceberry (Croatian, mixed women's crew Croatia, Slovenia, Netherlands, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Delivered by Sanjin Zoretic, Italian Community of Lussinpiccolo

(I.e. Line Honor
🥇 Orca (Croatia)

Delivered by Mirko Sguario, Yacht Club Venice

“We were dazzled by the route, the history, the people of the sea”, the Italian, Croatian and Slovenian crews declared excitedly on stage.

The interventions on stage

Dalibor Cvitkovic, representing the Mayor of Lussinpiccolo Ana Kučić and in his role as Director of the Lošinj Tourism Board: "Today, with L'Ammiraglia, we celebrate the value of friendship between the two shores of the Adriatic by uniting sport, culture, and sustainability. We are particularly proud of the participation of Gorizia, European Capital of Culture 2025, which enriches this international gathering with its presence. The Adriatic is not a border, but a place of connection, collaboration, and shared initiatives that transcend all national boundaries. I sincerely thank all the participants for their commitment and passion."

Paolo Trichilo, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Croatia, who received two plaques of honor, one from L'Ammiraglia and the second from the Rotary Club of Venice, presented by Giovanni Alliata di Montereale. In his speech, delivered in Italian and Croatian, he emphasized the strategic and symbolic value of the Regatta: “This first edition of L'Ammiraglia is of the utmost importance. I am certain that a second will follow next year, with even greater participation and heartfelt support. The presence of cities like Venice, Pula, Lošinj, and Gorizia is a tangible sign of a united Europe capable of building bridges through sport, culture, and the sea. A Europe that looks forward, together.” His words sealed an event that transcended the sailing competition and became a concrete symbol of international collaboration and friendship.

Mirko SguairoPresident of the Yacht Club of Venice: "This first edition can only be considered a success, and therefore a good omen for a great future for this flagship, a tribute to a great figure of our navy who was born and rests here in Lussino, Tino Straulino. My first thanks go to those who shared with me and indeed encouraged me, Vittorio Baroni, the mayors of Pula and Lussino, Admiral Guglielmo e Marini of Venice, the Sailing Club, and the maritime authorities of Pula and Lussino for their active collaboration. I thank the Ambassador for his presence, JK Delfin, the Jugo Sailing Club, the owners and skippers who brought the event to life, our judges, and my tireless collaborator. Marina SpinadinWe will work immediately towards the 2026 edition, improving ourselves thanks to the experience gained."

Marine Corva, President of the Executive Board of the Italian Union: “I thank all those who made this event unique, first and foremost Ambassador Paolo Trichilo, the Consul General of Italy in Rijeka Iva Palmieri who received the honorary plaque, the Municipality of Lussino, the Tourist Board and the regatta participants who participate in the union of these two shores”. Marin Corva wanted to underline the fundamental role of those who work behind the scenes to make an international event of this magnitude possible: “A heartfelt thanks to the Honorary Consul of Croatia in Veneto Nela Sršen for his invaluable support of the entire initiative. With his knowledge, dedication, and European vision, he was able to facilitate contacts, speed up time, and build bridges between institutions and territories."

Representing the Italian Community of Lussinpiccolo was the President Sanjin ZoreticThanks to our shared commitment, the Community has become a respected and internationally recognized point of reference, increasing its visibility and prestige. Today, we are a key partner in numerous initiatives and projects, actively working at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

The Consul General of Italy in Rijeka Iva Palmieri She took the stage to receive the Plaque of Honour from President Zoretić with the following motivation: “because it promotes harmonious coexistence between cultures, makes the European ideal of unity in diversity concrete and cultivates respect for historical roots and shared values”.

Victor BaroniAuthor of Europa Adriatica Nordest: "We've received so much satisfaction and praise: L'Ammiraglia has hit the mark, and I thank everyone. We can already say there will be a second edition." The President of ANVGD Nazionale Renzo Codarin invited us to present the Admiral next October 12th at the stand of Barcolana in Trieste”.

A beautiful evening of celebration

The beautiful party, organized together with the Municipality, to the Tourist Board of Mali Lošinj, al Jugo Sailing Club and the Community of Italians of Lussinpiccolo, was dedicated to maritime memory.

The event began with the arrival of the regatta at Shore of the Lussignani CaptainsThe regatta participants enjoyed seafood specialties prepared directly on board the local boats. An exhibition in tribute to Admiral Straulino was held at the headquarters of the Italian Community.

Later, a parade crossed Vela Riva to the square, accompanied by music from the Josip Kašman Band and from the energy of the Majorette of Lussinpiccolo, who involved the audience with their performances.

The evening continued in the Republic Square of Croatia with the awards ceremony and a series of shows: the Manfrina Folklore Group, Studenac Group , Klapa ČikatThe stage finally lit up with the presentation and concert of Tonči Huljić & Madre Badessa.

In the same square, in the exhibition area, the public was able to discover local flavours and traditions: typical products of the island of Lussino, demonstrations of nautical knots by the Sailors' Club, artisanal processes such as caulking with Franko Mavrović and the repair of fishing nets with Fabijan JurčevićFour motorboats were also exhibited: Zita, papalina, Gajeta e Spring.

In September Venice will return to Lussino with the 12-meter Gondola, the Serenissima Choir, Burano and Murano for the LOSINAVA Festival and the engineers welcomed by the Graglietto Choir

On the sidelines of the awards ceremony Victor Baroni took the opportunity to announce that Venice will still be a protagonist in Lussino for the LOSINAVA Maritime Festival:

“From 11 to 14 September 2025 it will arrive directly from Venice, transport taken care of by Fiorini Group – International Shipping, a Gondolas 12-meter tall President of the Gondoliers Andrea BalbiIt will be a memorable long weekend. Venetian traditions will also be well represented by the Burano Lace of the youngest lacemaker Ludovica Zane, Murano artistic glass of the teacher Mauro Bon and Burano sweet shops of CarmelinaThe event will be animated by 15 singers of the Serenissima Choir who will perform on the loger Nerezinac, the promenade on the Riva dei Capitani Lussignani and on the stage of the Maritime Evening in the square. A delegation of 20 will also arrive from Venice engineers from Veneto who will be welcomed with the welcome of the Graglietto Choir in the renovated headquarters of the Community of Italians of Lussinpiccolo".

www.ammiraglia.org

The 2025 Flagship Organizing Committee It is made up of the Yacht Club Venezia, YC Delfin of Pula, Club Velico Jugo of Lussino, Europa Adriatica Nordest with the collaboration of the Venice Boat Show, the Italian Union, the Italian Community of Pula and Lussinpiccolo.

Il Founders' Committee The members are Mirco Sguario (President of the Committee and of the Yacht Club Venezia), Vittorio Baroni (Project Coordinator and author of Europa Adriatica Nordest), Debora Radolovich (President of the Assembly of the Italian Community of Pula), Sanjin Zoretic (President of the Italian Community of Lussinpiccolo), Nela Srsen (Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Veneto), Giovanni Alliata di Montereale (President of the Vittorio Cini Archive Foundation), and Flavio Marinello (Co-owner of Meneghetti l'Orafo di Venezia).

The FLAGSHIP enjoys the Sponsorship of the Regional Council of Veneto, Consulate General of Italy in Rijeka, Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Trieste and Honorary Consulate in Padua, RAI Veneto, Port System Authority of the Northern Adriatic Sea, Harbour Master's Offices Coast Guard (logo granted), Municipalities of Venice, Pula and Lussinpiccolo, Chamber of Commerce of Venice-Rovigo, Italian Association of Public and Institutional Communication, National Council of Engineers, Federation of Orders of Engineers of Veneto, Order of Engineers of Venice, Order of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts of Venice, Coldiretti Veneto, Confindustria Veneto Est, AIL Venice, Rotary Club Venice, Confcommercio ASCOM Venice, Coldiretti Veneto, Propeller Club Port of Venice.

Support by Marina Polesana, Pula Tourist Board, Lošinj Tourist Board, National ANVGD, Mureadritta, Vittorio Cini Archive Foundation, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, Meneghetti l'Orafo of Venice, Bellini Canella, Pastificio Giacomo Rizzo Venezia, Venice Distribution.

Partner Event Adria Shipping Summit

Media partnership RAI Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tele Capodistria, the Voice of the People, TV Nova, Novi List, Glas Istre, Radio Jadranka, Lagunamare Assonautica.