From Jedriličarski klub Šibenik
Croatian Trophy Challenge 2026: Three Days, Six Races, and a Victory for the Brilliant Italians
Three days of racing, six races, and a complete spectrum of weather conditions – the Šibenik archipelago once again showed why the Croatian Trophy Challenge is one of the most exciting stops on the Formula 18 calendar.
Mazzucchi and Lisignoli (ITA 69) are the winners of this year’s edition after a flawless final day. The Hungarian crew of Dioszegi / Jankovics (HUN 046) took second place with the same net score, while third place went to the family duo Vigano / Vigano (ITA 303). The top of the leaderboard was decided by the finest of margins: two race wins gave the Italians the advantage in the tie-break.
Home hopes in ninth place, but moral victors
The best Croatian result came from the crew of Ćurko / Gombač of JK Primošten. After a brilliant second day in which they secured third and fourth places in the individual races in a punishing maestral, they finished ninth overall. Their net score of 44 points left them just one point shy of eighth place – a detail that speaks volumes about the density of the mid-fleet. Their sailing on Saturday, when the maestral was gusting up to 25 knots, drew the loudest cheers from Jasenovo and confirmed that the Croatian F18 scene is growing race by race.
A regatta that tested everything
The first day brought a steady maestral and two clean races, with just a few premature starts. The second day separated the bravest: in the day’s second race, when the wind intensified to its limit, only 14 of the 28 registered catamarans took to the start line. The third day returned the fleet to calmer, summer‑like conditions, where tactics and precision won out over raw power.
It was that weather that produced the decisive shift at the top. The crew of Mazzucchi / Lisignoli posted a third and a first in the last two races, surging into the lead and never relinquishing control. Dioszegi / Jankovics, who opened the regatta with a first and a second place, remained in the hunt for the title until the very end, while Vigano / Vigano underscored the consistency that has kept them at the pinnacle of the class for years.
An atmosphere to remember
Ashore, the familiar regatta spirit took hold: race analysis down to the smallest detail, an exchange of knowledge, and recharging of batteries for new challenges. The prize-giving ceremony brought the story to a close, but the impressions remain – Šibenik knows how to host, and the Šibenik archipelago knows how to surprise.
We thank all the crews, race officials, volunteers, and partners. The Croatian Trophy Challenge 2026 was a true test of character, and the Formula 18 catamarans have once again proved why they are called the kings of speed and dynamism.
See you next year, with even more sails and even more stories to tell.
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