A press conference was held at Marina Kaštela for the Mirno More Peace Fleet 2025, the world’s largest sailing programme for children and youth from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The fleet gathered nearly 1,000 participants from 30 countries – including Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Germany – who, through a week of joint activities and sailing, sent out a message of friendship, solidarity, and tolerance.
Joško Berket, owner of Marina Kaštela, underlined the significance of the project and the central role his marina has played as host over the years:
“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. I also wish to extend special thanks to the unsung heroes who rarely appear in the media – the volunteers, team members, fleet crews, and all the staff who, year after year, make this dream a reality.“
Berket also pointed out that the project brought together skippers, educators, translators, companions, and organisational and safety teams, while the association operated solely thanks to volunteers and was funded through membership fees and donations. Participants sailed on yachts provided by the company BavAdria Yachting, with Croatian crews – including the Maestral Children’s Home, the Mir Centre – Rudine, and the Down Syndrome 21 Association – joined by groups from Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as the Bakovići and Drin institutions.
Andreas Bauer, president of the Mirno More Peace Fleet Association, presented the project’s philosophy:
“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”.
Pero Bolotin, director of OTP Bank, emphasised the importance of financial support: “It is a great honour and privilege for us to take part in a project like this, especially as we are living in challenging times, with many conflict zones around the world where children are the ones most affected.”
Nada Maršić, director of the Kaštela Tourist Board, highlighted the humanitarian significance of the project:
“This is a fantastic initiative supported by both the Town of Kaštela and the Tourist Board. The marina does remarkable work throughout the year, and this humanitarian aspect is especially important. We are truly delighted when our visitors and the guests of Marina Kaštela leave happy and full of impressions of the sea and our destination, because they are our best ambassadors.”
Antonia Kljaić, head of social affairs for the Town of Kaštela, emphasised the city’s ongoing support:
“The Town of Kaštela has recognised the importance and value of this project, and we will continue to provide support and strengthen its message of solidarity and togetherness. I would also like to thank Mr. Berket and Marina Kaštela for nurturing this valuable project over so many years.”
Stipe Čogelja, Deputy Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, said:
“This project is more than solidarity, peace, and tolerance – it is about meeting each other at sea, regardless of differences. I congratulate the organisers, the Berket family, the skippers, donors, everyone involved in this project, as well as the local community and our Kaštela Tourist Board. The County will continue to support this initiative. Dear children, you are the heart of this project, and I hope you enjoy it, make new friendships, and embrace wonderful challenges.”
Zrinka Radić, head of the Maestral Children’s Home, described life on board as an experience that brought children joy and a sense of togetherness. Mikel Markić of the Down Syndrome 21 Association emphasised that, through shared tasks, participants learned to cooperate and grew both as a team and as individuals. Ilija Teklić of the Mir Centre – Rudine reminded everyone that the memories and skills gained at sea stay with them long after they return home.
From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šako Leon, group leader from the Institution for Social Care and Health Services – Bakovići, and Dženan Hodžić, group leader from the Drin Centre, emphasised that the project had a profound impact on all participants, regardless of age, offering opportunities for new friendships and broader horizons. As they pointed out, for the children and adults from their institutions, this was a chance to meet peers from other countries and to forge bonds that would last for years to come.
Over the past few days, participants sailed the Adriatic, joined workshops and sailing activities, and took part in shared tasks on board, learning cooperation and mutual respect. They arrived at Marina Kaštela on 16 September, where the programme continued with a beach picnic and the evening Peace Festival, celebrating friendship and connection among all participants. On 18 September, the fleet was set to sail in a ceremonial formation along the Kaštela coast, sending out a powerful message of peace, while 19 September was reserved for the farewell evening gathering. The project concluded on 20 September with participants returning to their home countries, enriched with new experiences and friendships.
This year’s Peace Fleet also marked the 30th anniversary of the end of the war in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, serving as a powerful reminder of the value of peace, solidarity, and tolerance, as well as the importance of international cooperation and unity across generations.
