ComAp Ocean Race 2025: Sun, Waves and Team Spirit in Croatia

For 17 years, the ComAp Ocean Race has brought colleagues, families, friends and former employees together for a week of sailing, teamwork and shared adventure. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of ComAp’s most cherished traditions. The Ocean Race is not only about friendly competition, but also about connection, relaxation and the shared joy of spending time on the Croatian Adriatic.

Each year, several crews set off together for a week at sea, sailing between Croatian islands, learning new skills and enjoying a combination of organised races and leisurely exploration. The event is open to sailors of all experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned captains, which makes it an inclusive tradition that strengthens relationships across teams and generations.

Honouring the founder: The Tomáš Jelínek memorial race

Every year the voyage begins with the Tomáš Jelínek Memorial Race. Tomáš, a former ComAp employee, founded the Ocean Race in 2009. After he passed away in 2022, the opening race was dedicated to him as a celebration of the spirit he created: adventure, camaraderie and the simple joy of being at sea.

That same spirit lives on in the race today. According to current organiser, Jiri Dunovsky:“For me, the ComAp Ocean Race is about much more than sailing; it is about people. Every year, colleagues, partners, friends and families come together to share challenges, laughter and a true sense of adventure. Watching the race grow from just a few boats into a fleet filled with teamwork and spirit makes me incredibly proud. It perfectly captures what ComAp stands for: learning, collaboration and enjoying the journey together.”

A week of sailing the Adriatic

This year’s Ocean Race once again took participants along Croatia’s stunning coastline, including Murter, Primošten, Šolta, Brač and Drvenik. Throughout the week, crews experienced a mix of training days, calm moments with no wind and several exciting races when conditions improved. Evenings were spent enjoying shared meals on the pier, sampling local cuisine and relaxing in marinas with beautiful views.

For most participants, the Ocean Race is not about rankings or results. It is about the overall experience, the atmosphere and the people they share it with. “I was not sure how I would cope with seasickness, but I really wanted to have this experience and it proved to be a great decision. Every day I learned something new, and after a good wine and the bouillabaisse soup made by our captain, I could reflect on everything I had picked up. It was a wonderful adventure and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to extend their summer and enjoy an extraordinary week at sea,” says Lukas Vajnar, who attended the race for the first time after working with ComAp for 13 years.

From racing to simply enjoying the sea 

The experience isn’t only for those who relish the excitement of racing. Some join simply to enjoy the open waters without taking part in the race. “With no strict schedule, we have more time to enjoy the scenery and the rhythm of the sea. We sail when we want to, simply for the joy of it. For me, it is a chance to switch off, leave the office routine behind and get to know colleagues from a different perspective. You hear stories you would never hear at lunch or over coffee,” says Kristina Gulenko, for whom the experience has become a tradition she always looks forward to.