The open sea has always been a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey, but for one week this May, that metaphor became our vivid reality. From May 23 to 30, we embarked on a unique international adventure: the very first non-competitive “Life at Sea” regatta. Our program brought together participants from a dozen different European countries. Our goal was to experience a profound integration of sailing, ecology, and Ignatian spirituality – learning in a very practical way how to seek and find God in all things, even amidst the challenges of the open sea.
Setting sail with a purpose
Symbolically, our spiritual sailing journey began on the Feast of Pentecost. Leaving the safe harbor behind, our crew set sail towards the open sea, guided by reflections on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’. Each day followed a meaningful, shared rhythm that anchored our maritime adventure in prayer. We began our mornings with meditations and Holy Mass celebrated in some of the most beautiful coastal locations of the central Adriatic, while our evenings were reserved for the Ignatian Examen and Magis sharing circles under the stars.
However, in the spirit of the Ignatian call for love to be shown more in deeds than in words, we placed a special emphasis on ecological action. In cooperation with the Telašćica Nature Park, our participants engaged in a major eco-cleaning action, transforming spiritual reflection into tangible, concrete care for our common home.
Fr. Tvrtko Barun, SJ, Director of The Center Ignatius, highlighted this profound connection between the adventure and Ignatian spirituality, explaining that the open sea picturesquely mirrors our inner life. He noted that “the vastness of the sea challenges us to engage in spiritual discernment and leave the safe harbor for the unknown, while living as a crew in a small space under simple conditions teaches us coexistence and patience”.
A European network of fellowship
For the participants, the impact of this international community was immediate. Veronika, who joined us from London (Jesuit Young Adult Ministry), shared that she works in a fast-paced corporate world constantly exposed to screens, and deeply longed for time with God away from the noise. For her, this regatta gave her exactly that – an experience of God’s closeness in human relationships, joy, prayer, and the stunning natural landscapes of Croatia.
Beyond the spiritual depth, our days were filled with an abundance of Christian joy and culture. The atmosphere was alive with teamwork, water games, and memorable moments like forming a spectacular circle raft with our boats on the open sea. Our evenings brought us even closer together through a lively pub quiz, a unique Croatian-Iranian poetry night, and an authentic evening dedicated to klapa – traditional Croatian a cappella singing aimed at promoting local heritage. We were also deeply moved by the personal testimony of a professional seafarer, who shared what faith and life look like on the vast, unpredictable ocean.
Finding God in All Things
“Ultimately, “Life at Sea” proved that faith is not confined to specific spaces, but is a living, breathing experience that connects mind, body, and soul. By delivering spiritual content through a contemporary approach, the project showed that sailing, Ignatian spirituality, and ecology are three vital, interconnected dimensions that offer an experience of rest and encounter with oneself, God, and others” emphasized Sanja Počuča, Executive Director of The Center Ignatius.
Join Our Crew for 2027!
The horizon is already calling. We are thrilled to announce that the second edition of the “Life at Sea” regatta will take place next year, from May 22 to 29, 2027. If you are ready to step away from the noise, experience true international fellowship, and navigate your inner life, we are waiting for you. Applications are now officially open – check it out!
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