Regatta events in Montenegro - unforgettable contests on the Adriatic

Have you ever seen a racing contest of the most beautiful watercraft on the sea? Did you enjoy the unusual regatta events when a group of adventurous enthusiasts give their best in order to make their ship beauties the fastest and most successful on the finish line?

Whether you’re an experienced regatta lover who craves for powerboat races, or you’re interested to find out more about regattas in general and regatta events that take place in Montenegro, on the Adriatic sea, there are several important things that you need to know about this authentic contest that lasts for centuries now.

To explain what the term ‘regatta’ really stands for and how it became so popular over time, we’ll have to dive deeper into the history of this incredible contest that, to this day, continues to amaze more and more people from all around the globe.

History of Regatta - from the 13th century until today

The term ‘regatta’ originated from the Venetian language and literary means ‘contest’. Regatta stands for a series of boat races on the water.

There is an evidence that proves the existence of rowing races that took place in the 13th century in Venice. It is believed that regatta events actually have ancient origins, since the people who lived by the sea had to be trained in rowing.

The most popular regatta events in the Grand Canal

One of the most popular and glamorous regatta events was in the Venetian Grand Canal in the 13th century, when young girls paraded in boats in their formal wear. This regatta event still holds place once a year, on the first Sunday of September.

The maritime life of Venice back then celebrated the ancient glory and the greatness of their people. The regatta as we know it today was formed in 1899 at the Art Biennale, which was the arts organization based in Venice at the time.

The parade of the Republic of the Serenissima

The Venetian regatta events from the old Republic of Venice, called ‘Serenissima’, was a rowing practice with numerous different types of boats in the lagoon. Back then it was just an amateur sport that has turned into a professional competition over time.

The most famous regatta was the so-called ‘Regatta of the champions’ on the ‘gondolini’ in the Grand Canal. Gondolini is a Venetian racing boat whose shape was taken out of the gondola, but is specially made for regatta races to be lighter and faster.

The Venetian rowing also represents the family tradition that has been handed down for generations. Today, Venetian regattas include four competitions divided by the type of boat and age of the captains. The Historical Regatta is held annually in the Grand Canal.

The oldest sailing regattas in United Kingdom and Ireland

Some of the oldest sailing regatta events took place in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 19th century. The Royal Thames Yacht Club, alongside many ports and committees from various English and Irish Ports, have organized regatta events and Cups on an annual basis.

Regattas from Oxford and Cambridge University, as well as the Henley regatta, are the most popular regatta events of the United Kingdom and have been held since the year of 1829 until today.

Regattas in Montenegro - the most popular events on the Adriatic

The Adriatic sea has always been a perfect place for various water activities and fun sports. Beautiful Montenegrin beaches, wild nature that surrounds the blueness of the clear sea, are just some of the reasons why regatta events in Montenegro have become so popular among tourists and locals.

In Montenegro, yachting is a form of recreation, while regattas represent an event for those who seek adventure and fun on the beautiful Adriatic waves. Regatta events gather dozens of boats and yachts from all over Europe and are one of the most visited events on the Adriatic sea in the last decades.

In the Bay of Kotor, there is a tradition of sailing and devotion to sea that lasts for centuries. The number of annually held regattas has increased over time and of those who come to enjoy these wonderful events on the sea.

Regattas and Cups in the luxurious Porto Montenegro bay

In Montenegro, regattas are one of the most beloved events on the sea, especially in touristic areas such as Porto Montenegro in Tivat municipality. This luxurious place with a beautiful marina has its own yacht club which is famous for organizing traditional regattas and Cups.

You can enjoy a great number of regatta events such as: Arsenal Cup, Fasinada Cup, PMYC regatta, Thousand Island race, etc. Most of them are open to all sailing boats and take place in the Bay of Tivat. Fasinada Cup is the biggest international sailing regatta in Montenegro which is open to all classes.

The regatta season in Porto Montenegro

The regatta season lasts for almost 7 months and allows everyone to enjoy the beautiful races until the late summer months. The season begins with the Porto Montenegro Match Race in the beginning of June. After that, in July there are PMYC regattas and the Arsenal Cup.

The famous Powerboat Rally is held in the month of August, while September is reserved for European March Race Tour Finals and one part of the Thousand Islands Race between Montenegro and Croatia. The season is usually closed with the last PMYC Regatta in Tivat, on October the 13th.

Enjoy all the benefits of Porto Montenegro

Whether you come to enjoy the regatta as a participant or an observer, Porto Montenegro with it’s amazing marina, is the perfect place for maximum enjoyment in phenomenal hotels, restaurants near the sea, beautiful Montenegrin weather and people whose warm welcome will delight you and make you fall in love with this unique place.