2. Traditional sails beneath the Arena

A public event dedicated to traditional boats, sailing, and maritime heritage, with the aim of bringing wooden vessels, sails, maritime skills, and seafaring customs closer to the citizens and visitors of Pula. The programme features an exhibition and regatta of traditional boats, a photography exhibition, model displays, lectures, expert presentations on sail rigging, opportunities to meet the crews, and an evening exhibition sail beneath the Arena.

The main day of the event will take place on Saturday, 30 May, when visitors will be able throughout the day to explore the boats both on land and at berth, speak with participants, view exhibition displays, and follow the regatta in the Bay of Pula. A special highlight of the programme will be the nighttime exhibition sail beneath the Arena, scheduled for the evening hours and accompanied by live music.

The event “Traditional Sails Beneath the Arena” was created out of a desire to reconnect Pula with the living spirit of the sea — not only through sport and competition, but also through culture, knowledge, tradition, and community. In this programme, traditional boats are not museum exhibits, but a living cultural practice that continues to be used, demonstrated, and passed down from generation to generation.

The organisers invite all lovers of the sea, photography, tradition, and sailing to visit Riječki Gat on Saturday, admire the boats up close, watch the regatta start, and enjoy the unique sight of traditional sails illuminated beneath the city lights in the evening.

Programme for the Public – Saturday, 30 May 2026

08:30 – 10:00 – Launching and presentation of boats, preparation of the regatta field, moored boat exhibition
10:00 – 11:00 – Lecture: “Plastic in the Sea”
12:00 – 12:30 – Guided tour: “Rigging Sails – Symbolism and Techniques”
12:30 – 13:00 – Photography exhibition: “Traditional Sails Beneath the Arena” – Exhibition author: Anton Percan
13:00 – 13:15 – Skippers’ meeting
13:35 – Start of the traditional boats regatta in the waters of Pula Harbour
19:30 – 20:30 – Announcement of results and award ceremony
21:00 – 22:00 – Nighttime exhibition sail beneath the Arena

Organised by the “Mandrač–Tivoli” Sport Fishing Association, under the patronage of the Istria County, the Pula Tourist Board, the City of Pula - Pola, and the Pula Port Authority.