Heritage on display in Betina - 24th Regatta for Soul and Body
by Betinska Gajeta 18 Aug 16:37 UTC
16 August 2026
A fleet of over 40 historic wooden craft filled the waters of the charming village of Betina for a celebration of Adriatic seamanship, lateen rigging, and shared regional history
The waters off the charming village of Betina on the island of Murter played host to the 24th edition of the Regata za dušu i tilo (Regatta for Soul and Body), an annual event dedicated to preserving centuries of wooden shipbuilding traditions. Under full lateen sails, a fleet of over 40 traditional wooden craft, including gajetas, kaici, and leuts, took to the sea, connecting generations of traditional sailing enthusiasts.
Taking line honours was the Italian crew aboard Hormiae. However, as they were competing as a nonofficial guest entry, overall victory for the 24th regatta went to the gajeta Sirotica from Murter, skippered by Damir Corkalo.
This year's edition carried a strong international flavor. Betina welcomed the Italian Ambassador to Croatia, Paolo Trichilo, the Mayor of Gaeta (Italy), and the crew of the traditional vessel Hormiae from Formia, led by Captain Giovanni Di Russo. During a tour of the Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding, Ambassador Trichilo explored the legendary craftsmanship of Betina's shipwrights (kalafati) and the shared heritage linking both shores of the Adriatic.
Adding to the occasion was the official unveiling of a joint postal stamp issue by Croatian Post and Spanish Post. Featured in the Mediterranean Fishing Boats series, the iconic Betina gajeta was showcased as an enduring symbol of Croatia's maritime heritage.