North Adriatic Route: Friendship Regatta 2026
Board
ship for the supreme North Adriatic sailing adventure, combining the thrill of a offshore sailing and
prestigious regatta "Trofeo Dell'Amicizia" (LA170). This unique event offers a challenging and
unforgettable experience for seasoned sailors, as well as taking you on a journey through the stunning
landscapes and rich cultural heritage of many towns on the Northern Adriatic.
The adventure begins in Pula, Croatia, and takes you to Chioggia, Italy, where you'll experience its Italian charm, before sailing on to Vrsar, Croatia, and the exclusive Portopiccolo, Italy. The regatta then finishes in Chioggia, Italy, after which we return to Pula, Croatia. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore several historic towns and immerse yourself in their coastal cultures.
This advanced sailing course is designed to refine your skills, test your competitive spirit, and create lasting memories as you navigate a truly unforgettable Adriatic sailing experience.
Veruda Sailing School has a proven track record in demanding offshore conditions, having, among others, in 2025. successfully completed 2300 NM Pula-Malta-Pula offshore sailing course including Rolex Middle Sea Race regatta – one of the world's most revered offshore yacht races.
The school also boasts numerous regatta victories (1st place in group in prestigious Argonaut cup, in 2023. & 2024.), including successes in offshore races (1st place in group in Pesaro-Pula in 2024.), among others, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to excellence in competitive sailing.
Your instructor will provide unparalleled hands-on experience and a wealth of tactical and practical knowledge to guide you through the demanding conditions of the course.
The Sights
Uncover the Adriatic's hidden gems on this unforgettable tour! From ancient Roman ruins to charming coastal towns, between regatta legs you'll get a chance to immerse yourself in a world of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Pula, Croatia: Ancient Glamour Meets Coastal Beauty
Step into a city where Roman grandeur meets Adriatic allure. Pula's crown jewel is the Pula Arena—a 2,000-year-old amphitheater where gladiators once clashed, now a UNESCO-listed marvel framed by Istrian sunsets.
Chioggia, Italy: Venice’s Hidden Gem
Nicknamed "Little Venice", Chioggia blends medieval charm, lagoon vistas, and authentic Venetian traditions. A day here reveals a quieter, more local alternative to Venice, just an hour away by car.
Vrsar, Croatia: Coastal Charm & Artistic Heritage
Nestled in Istria’s west, Vrsar blends medieval history, artistic innovation, and crystal-clear waters. This former haunt of Casanova offers a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Portopiccolo, Italy: Luxury Meets Coastal Sophistication
A modern eco-resort blending Mediterranean architecture with crystal-clear waters, Portopiccolo offers a serene escape near Trieste. Nestled in a secluded bay, it combines sleek design with natural beauty, featuring a turquoise infinity pool, private beach, and marina for sailboats.What to Expect:
- Crew & Vessel Readiness: Comprehensive preparation of crew and vessel for optimal regatta performance.
- Strategic Navigation Planning: Regatta navigation preparation, focusing on forecast conditions (wind, sea state, tide).
- Racing Regulations Mastery: In-depth understanding and application of the Racing Rules of Sailing and regata event rules modifiers.
- Start & Event Tactics: Effective strategies for race starts and optimizing performance throughout the regatta.
- Sail & Rig Optimization: Expert techniques for trimming sails and masts to maximize speed and efficiency.
- Spinnaker & gennaker: characteristics, preparation, hoisting and lowering techniques, maneuvering, maximizing speed.
- Plus everything covered in our Advanced Course and much more.
Prerequisites:
- Basic Sailing Skills: You should be comfortable with basic sailing maneuvers, terminology, and have some experience handling a sailboat.
- Navigation Knowledge: A basic understanding of navigation principles, chart reading, and compass use is beneficial.
- Safety Awareness: Familiarity with basic safety procedures and equipment on board is essential.
- Physical Fitness: Offshore sailing can be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- Dependability and Responsiveness: Be prepared to perform roles and assignments as they are designated by the skipper, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to teamwork.
- Team Spirit: A positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team are crucial for a successful offshore experience.
Route:
Pula, Croatia → Chioggia, Italy → Vrsar, Croatia → Portopiccolo, Italy →
Chioggia → Pula
Ready for an adventure?
Don't miss out on the opportunity and secure your place in the course today!
For general information about our advanced courses, the boat and the skipper: