Mrduja 2015
The 84thMrduja Regatta, the oldest onein the central part of the Adriatic Sea, took place on Saturday, 26 September, under the special patronage of the Croatian president Kolinda Grabar Kitarović.
Skipper Mato Arapov from the Yacht Club Labud was the first to complete the 22 nautical miles long route from the base of the Sustipan peninsula to the islet of Mrduja – situated between the islands of Brač and Šolta – and back on the sailing boat Anadora in 4 hours, 27 minutes and 30 seconds.
The record time of 2 hours, 9 minutes and 51 seconds set by the crew of Marina Kaštela in 2013, who came third this year under their skipper Joško Berket, has still not been broken.
Captain Berket said before the Regatta: “We always sail to win and to secure first place. But when taking part in the Mrduja Regatta, the final position is not that important. There are three factors why one should be present at the starting line of this large-scale regatta. Firstly, because you are a participant in an 84 year old story, basically a part of history. Secondly, when you are a favourite this responsibility is even greater. Thirdly, holding the record time of this Regatta is something to be tremendously proud of!”
Various types of cruisers, which were divided into 11 groupsranging from racers to family boats, took part in this unique and oldest regatta – also called “Sea and Boats Festival” – which was organized by the Yacht Club Labud under the motto “Sailing on the Mrduja Reggata is a must!”
President Grabar Kitarović said: “I welcome the tradition of holding the oldest and largest regatta in the Adriatic Sea and one of the oldest in Europe, which contributes to the promotion of Split and the Croatian sport as a whole. Therefore, I am especially pleased to announce that I have accepted to be the patron of this year’s 84thMrduja Regatta. I am convinced that good organization and careful planning by the members of the Yacht Club Labud, to whom I send my warm regards, will contribute to the success of the Regatta.”
