Šime Fantela and Scorpio Win the 22nd Jabuka Race
116 yachts and over 1,000 sailors took part in the Adriatic’s biggest regatta
This year’s edition of the Jabuka Race once again confirmed why this demanding night regatta, organized by the Tijat Sailing Club (JK Tijat), proudly carries the title of the “queen” of Adriatic offshore races.
The 22nd edition gathered 116 yachts and more than 1,000 sailors, featuring an exceptionally intense battle at sea — culminating in a spectacular match race between Scorpio and Molo Longo on the route to the volcanic islet of Jabuka.
After an intense night of sailing, Olympic gold medalist Šime Fantela and the Scorpio crew crossed the finish line in Vodice on Saturday morning at exactly 07:46 a.m., completing the route from Vodice to Jabuka and back in an impressive 10 hours and 46 minutes.
Second place went to Fantela’s long-time sailing rival, Ante Ćesić, European champion in the Melges 24 class, and the crew of Molo Longo.
“An amazing experience! Congratulations to the entire Scorpio crew for an excellent job. We had fantastic opponents in Molo Longo — it was a true match race all the way to Jabuka, which we rounded practically side by side around 2 a.m.,” said Šime Fantela.
At the helm of Scorpio was JK Tijat member Filip Babić, who shared his impressions of sailing alongside the Olympic champion.
“We’ve already sailed shorter regattas with Šime, but spending more than ten hours in such a demanding offshore challenge, where every decision carries great weight, was an unforgettable experience for the entire crew. Sailing with Šime as tactician is simply another level — with someone like him, you know every move is optimal and that you’re always one step ahead,” said Scorpio skipper Filip Babić.
Among the Molo Longo crew was Vladimir Moćan, a celebrated former water polo player and JK Tijat member — one of the few sailors who has competed in all 22 editions of this Adriatic offshore beauty.
“This was one of the best regattas I’ve ever sailed, and definitely the best Jabuka so far. From the spectacular moonlit night start, through the thrilling battle at sea, to rounding Jabuka literally side by side with Scorpio — the 22nd Jabuka was a true sailing classic,” said Vladimir Moćan.
The president of JK Tijat, Stanko Skočić, also expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event and the strong competition. The Jabuka Race has, for more than two decades, marked a spectacular conclusion to the sailing season in Vodice.
“When you have an Olympic gold medalist in first place and a European champion in second, you can be proud knowing that Jabuka has once again confirmed its status as one of the most prestigious and highest-quality regattas on the Adriatic. The level of competition was proven by the participation of numerous international crews, including an Australian sailor who has twice completed the prestigious Sydney–Hobart Race, as well as our own Ivica Kostelić.
A regatta is always made by the people — and with the support of the City of Vodice and our many partners, everyone at JK Tijat strives each year to create that special energy that defines Jabuka. We want every sailor to experience the race in the best possible atmosphere and to go home with an outstanding sporting experience — and the desire to return next season,” emphasized Stanko Skočić.
