Children and Youth Sending a Message of Peace
This year, from 13 to 20 September, the Mirno More Peace Fleet, the world’s largest sailing initiative for children and youth from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds – sets sail once again. On 13 September, participants will arrive at their homeports, where they will board their vessels and begin preparations for the voyage through various games and activities designed to strengthen teamwork and encourage new friendships.
For years, Marina Kaštela has been the home port of the entire fleet, welcoming more than 800 participants and contributing four crews from its own affiliated association, Mirno More – Marina Kaštela.
From 14 to 15 September, the fleet will set sail along the Adriatic coast, where they will enjoy the beautiful seascapes and gain new sailing experience. During these days, participants will also engage in on-board activities aimed to further deepen cooperation and camaraderie within their crews.
After several days under sail, on 16 September, all participants will arrive at Marina Kaštela, where a rich programme of activities awaits them, tailored to all age groups.
The programme continues at Marina Kaštela on 17 September with a communal picnic on the beach, followed in the evening by the Peace Festival, offering a joyful celebration of friendship and unity. The following day, 18 September, the fleet will cast off in a ceremonial formation along the Kaštela shoreline, creating a spectacular sight and sending a powerful message of peace. On 19 September, the marina will host a farewell evening gathering for the crews at berth, and on the following day, 20 September, the project gently draws to a close as participants head back to their home countries, enriched with cherished memories and newly-begotten friendships.
For Joško Berket, owner of Marina Kaštela, the project has a special meaning: “We have taken part in this project for many years, and we are proud that Marina Kaštela has been home to the entire fleet for the past 12. This project holds a special place in the hearts of my family and our community – it reminds us every day how important it is to give young people the chance to experience togetherness, friendship, and peace.“
Children and Youth from 30 Countries
The Peace Fleet brings together children and youth from nearly 30 countries: from war orphans and children who have lived through displacement to young people with disabilities and a wide range of social, emotional, or other special needs. A week of hands-on learning and shared experiences helps them step out of patterns shaped by hardship. Life at sea, from cooking together to hoisting the sails, makes the power of community both visible and tangible, while encounters between different nationalities and life stories highlight the importance of tolerance and cooperation.
“Over the years, we have become a reliable platform for diverse communities and social causes. We put those who are usually overlooked at the heart of what we do. For one week, the fleet helps children and young people set aside the worries and challenges of everyday life. They build friendships that rise above all supposed differences, ” says Andreas Bauer, president of the management board of the Mirno More Peace Fleet Association.
Croatia, 30 Years On
Launched in 1994 with only three boats and a small group of volunteers, the project brought together children and young people from refugee centres in Austria who had been displaced by the war in the former Yugoslavia, with the goal of promoting peaceful coexistence. In 2025, as Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina mark 30 years since the end of the war, the call for peace is as urgent and relevant as ever.
International Support
Participants come aboard vessels provided by numerous organisations and partner associations from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Germany. Alongside them, the project also brings together skippers, educators, translators, companions, as well as organisational and safety teams. The association operates entirely thanks to volunteers and is funded through membership fees, donations in cash, goods and services, and the support of partners and sponsors.
Press Photos
Attached are press photos, free to use with the credit © Mirno More Peace Fleet:
https://friedensflottemirnomore.pic-time.com/-friedensflottemirnomorepressefotos/gallery
New photos are added daily throughout the week of the fleet.
