MIRNO MORE
Mirno More Peace Fleet
E-mail: mirno-more@marina-kastela.hr
The Mirno More Peace Fleet – stands as Europe’s largest socio-educational initiative, offering children with special needs a transformative week of sailing along the Croatian coastline. This endeavour not only promotes inclusivity but also aims to dismantle prejudices against marginalised groups.
Originating in 1994 with just three boats and 17 children, this project has evolved into a monumental effort, thanks to the tireless contributions of volunteers and sponsors. Today, boasting over 100 sailboats and more than 1,000 participants from 18 nations, the initiative remains dedicated to fostering global peace and tolerance.
The Mirno More Marina Kaštela association has been a stalwart participant in this noble cause for many years. Since 2013, it has proudly served as the host of the entire fleet in its home port, Marina Kaštela.
The association caters to three primary user groups: children lacking parental care, residents of the Maestral Children’s Home; individuals with mental disabilities from the “Mir Rudine” Centre and the Drin and Bakovići institutes in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and individuals with Down syndrome, members of the “Down 21” association from Split.
MIRNO MORE 2024: 30 years of existence
11 years at Marina Kaštela
The Mirno more week, Europe’s largest socio-educational project for children and young people, ended successfully, after bringing countless touching moments and experiences. This year, the Peace Fleet marked the 30th anniversary of its existence, with Marina Kaštela hosting this event for the 11th time. In addition to the many participants, the hosts, led by Joško Berket, welcomed the fleet with great joy and enthusiasm, further strengthening the mission of this exceptional project.
Participants in the Mirno more: Peace Fleet project
This year the Mirno more – Peace Fleet project brought together more than 1000 participants, sailing the Adriatic Sea on about 110 ships, promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and solidarity.
Participants in the project, who sailed under the auspices of the Mirno more – Marina Kaštela association, include members of social institutions such as the Maestral Children’s Home, the Mir – Rudine centre, and the Down 21 Syndrome association from Split. Also, our friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina, members of the Bakovići social institution and the Drin – Fojnica centre, joined the crews of Mirno more – Marina Kaštela.
In addition to free sailboat rentals, our Mirno more – Marina Kaštela association offers all its participants, who sail on four ships of BavAdria Yachting, the use of all services in all facilities of Marina Kaštela, such as the swimming pools, the hall, and all catering services, free of charge. This generous support creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring participants have everything they need for a comfortable stay and a successful sailing experience.
During the week-long trip, participants take part in educational programmes and activities aimed at integration, inclusion, and tolerance. Through hands-on experiences at sea, children and young people not only learn about the importance of collaboration and togetherness, but also form lasting friendships and gain new experiences that surpass their daily challenges.
Representatives of the Mirno more – Marina Kaštela association, headed by President Luka Berket, emphasise that sports and adventure can serve as extremely powerful tools for education and personal development. This approach not only helps to create bridges between people of different cultures and backgrounds, but also to strengthen mutual understanding and solidarity.
Carefree days of togetherness and peace at Marina Kaštela
The past days at Marina Kaštela were filled with unforgettable moments of togetherness. On Tuesday, 17 September, the ships arrived at Marina Kaštela, where the hosts organised a warm welcome. The first day was marked by a cheerful burger party on the beach, offering participants the opportunity to relax by the sea. The afternoon was dedicated to creative activities, such as a photography workshop at the Nautic restaurant, where participants captured these precious moments on cameras.
Wednesday, 18 September, was reserved for activities in the marina. The skipper meeting brought skippers and crews together to share their sailing experiences and plan future adventures together. This was followed by the Peace Workshop, which reminded everyone of the key values of this project – tolerance, empathy, and respect among different cultures. Wednesday was rounded off by the Peace Festival, a traditional concert celebrating friendship and community.
Key messages from the press conference
At the press conference, the owner of Marina Kaštela, Joško Berket, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and the media, and announced plans to increase the number of activities and ships in the coming years. “Our story began 12 years ago, and today we are proud to be part of this project. My whole family is now involved because we need the Mirno more project more than it needs us,” Berket said.
Andreas Bauer, CEO of Mirno more, pointed out that peace and solidarity are fundamental values that have not lost importance in the course of 30 years of the project. “Children who participate in fleet week make lifelong friendships,” Bauer added.
The Mayor of Kaštela, Denis Ivanović, stated how proud he was for hosting this project in Kaštela for 11 years. He thanked the hosts, sponsors, and the media, and wished the children a pleasant stay. Frane Radelja, a representative of the Split-Dalmatia County, praised the project and invited the organisers to cooperate through the “Maritime Heritage” programme.
The long-standing sponsor of the project, OTP Bank, was represented by Zrinka Svoboda Sabljić, who greeted all those present. “We are honoured to be a part of this humanitarian event, and we hope to continue to be a part of this project for many years to come,” Svoboda Sabljić stated.
The conference provided an insight into the importance and impact of the Mirno more – Marina Kaštela project, which, despite the challenges, continues to send a strong message of unity and solidarity.
Conclusion of Mirno more 2024: See you next year at Marina Kaštela
The final dinner, held at the Nautic restaurant, perfectly rounded off the week of sailing and togetherness. Participants gathered to celebrate the success of this year’s fleet which brought together more than 800 children and 200 volunteers, providing an opportunity for unforgettable adventures on the Adriatic Sea. Various workshops, sailing, and social activities provided children and volunteers with an opportunity to make new friends and learn about the importance of togetherness and tolerance.
Ivona Smoljić, Director of Marine Kaštela, stressed the importance of involving children from different backgrounds in the project and said: “We are just a pebble in this mosaic, a week during which we offer children a chance to sail, go on excursions, socialise, but also to learn the values of integration, inclusion, and tolerance. The goal is to overcome exclusions and reject prejudices.”
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and donors, the Mirno more project continues to spread love for the sea and people, connecting them regardless of borders, social status, or origin.
We are looking forward to the next Mirno more – Peace Fleet, which will be held from 13 to 20 September 2025. . See you again at Marina Kaštela!