For many, the sea is a symbol of freedom, exploration and adventure. For Josipa Filipović, skipper and founder of the first Women’s Yacht Club in the world, love of the sea was the driving force behind a great idea. Josipa recalls her time studying in Spain, when she worked on the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race project, one of the most significant sailing competitions in the world. Then, as she says, she thought that it would be incredible if Croatia had its place among the world’s major sporting events, just like the Volvo Ocean Race. That thought, which laid the foundation for her later venture, led to the creation of a club that would bring together women who wanted to take on this challenge, women just like her.
Today, we can say with pride that Croatia is the world leader in nautical tourism, with a 40% share in the global charter fleet. But there is even greater potential in its natural and cultural heritage, which offers many opportunities for further development. Josipa Filipović, with her passion for the sea, sees the Women’s Yacht Club as a bridge that connects women with the sea and with communities of inspiring and determined women.
WOMEN AND TODAY’S CHALLENGES: THE KEY TO EMPOWERMENT AND COMMUNITY
In a world where we increasingly rely on technology, true friendships and togetherness are becoming rare. Balancing career, family obligations and modern social norms becomes a challenge, especially for women. Sailing, which used to be a spontaneous adventure, is now increasingly difficult to achieve, and this is where the Women’s Yacht Club enters the scene. Located in D-Marin Dalmatia, the largest marina in Croatia, it gathers women of different ages who share the same passions, experiences and dreams.
Through its mission, women are given the opportunity to reconnect with themselves, with nature, but also with other inspiring women. The club not only creates crews exclusively for women, but also offers support through mentoring and educational programs. In the male-dominated nautical world, only 2% of female captains globally demonstrate the need for greater inclusion of women in the industry. This club is the answer to that need – it gives women the opportunity to take control, explore their strengths and become leaders, both at sea and in life.
TWO SECTIONS – ONE VISION
The Women’s Yacht Club is organized through two sections that jointly foster a passion for the sea and sailing. The first section, the Nautical Section, is dedicated to the love of the sea in general, with a special emphasis on the nautical advantages of Croatia, which is the world’s leading charter destination. The second section, Active Sails Adria, focuses on the promotion of sailing among women, offering sports programs for all levels, with the aim of encouraging women to get involved in sailing and strengthening their presence in this sport.
AMBITIONS, UNITY, AND A HUMANITARIAN MISSION
The Women’s Yacht Club has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to make an impact both locally and internationally while highlighting the importance of women in the nautical sector. In December, they are hosting an awards ceremony to honor the best crews, charters, and contributors in the industry, while a conference dedicated to nautical tourism is planned ahead of the spring regatta. Their exclusive events, such as the prestigious Lady of Honour award, celebrate women who inspire with their work and spirit, while also promoting destinations remembered for their unforgettable experiences.
The club fosters unity through themed excursions and networking events, offering members opportunities to exchange ideas, build lasting friendships, and strengthen solidarity among women. The upcoming Women’s Spring Regatta 2025 will further solidify the community, celebrating shared successes and challenges. Beyond their dedication to sailing, the club stands out for its humanitarian mission. Through the “Sea Angels” program, they provide aid to the elderly, children, and those in need, giving greater meaning to their activities and encouraging members to be a positive force in society.
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ACTIVE VACATION
The Women’s Yacht Club offers a holistic approach to active vacations at sea, including a variety of programs for body, mind and soul. In addition to sailing, members have available activities such as Body, Mind, and Soul Fitness to restore the body and reduce stress, Detox and Relax breathing, yoga and meditation workshops, CEO Program for developing business mindset through inspiring sessions with successful business women, and New Beginning programs that help women through major life changes. Also, there are Team Building activities to strengthen connections in business teams or families, as well as Wine&Paint – sailing that celebrates hedonism and the art of living. Programs are adapted to specific groups, such as single-parent families, new families and women in the process of personal transformation, providing them with a safe community for personal development and exploration of their inner potential.
At the Women’s Yacht Club, the Power Circle was proudly created – a community of exceptional women who inspire and empower members with their knowledge, experience and personal stories. Five powerful women form the very heart of this circle:
Ana Ibáñez – Neuropsychologist, helicopter pilot and mental optimization expert, has been helping athletes and leaders manage stress and improve cognitive abilities for 15 years. Through cooperation with the club, Ana helps members develop inner strength and recognize every challenge as an opportunity for personal growth.
Petra Kliba – The only Croatian sailor who has sailed around the world, inspires with her long-term commitment to promoting women in sports. Petra started her sailing career at the age of 15, and already at the age of 19 she ventured to the Hong Kong Challenge Round the World Race as a co-skipper. Today, she organizes the Women’s Spring Regatta, a project that aims to motivate women to get involved in sailing and challenge prejudices about the role of women in this sport. Petra leads mentorships in the club, encouraging members to persevere in their ambitions and realize their dreams under sails.
Linda Vandevenne – Mother of two and host of the Café Séparé podcast, shares with members the experience of finding yourself again after difficult life moments. Having gone through a divorce, Linda decided to create an inspiring community where women going through similar life changes can find hope and support. Through her podcast and lectures, Linda shows that the end and the new beginning are often two sides of the same coin, and provides club members with resources and encouragement for personal growth and self-knowledge.
Lucija Burić – Environmentalist and coach, brings fresh spirit and commitment to environmental protection to the club. As a representative of Generation Z, Lucia teaches members about the importance of environmental awareness and nature conservation, emphasizing how the sea and nature have healing power. Through lectures and workshops, Lucia invites members to experience nature as a therapist and motivates them to take action in preserving the environment. Her passion for the protection of the sea and nature strengthens the club’s mission, which includes environmental care in its vision.
Ana Kutija – A practitioner of integrative medicine with 25 years of experience, brings elements of holistic health and well-being to the Women’s Yacht Club. Through manual therapy, kinesitherapy and the PNEI approach, Ana offers personalized therapeutic programs for the prevention and treatment of health problems. She is also the founder of the Wellbeing LAB™ program and Rejuvenation & Relax treatments, which are carried out on luxury yachts, giving members the opportunity to achieve inner balance and reduce stress. Through workshops and lectures, Ana helps women find their way to optimal health and inner peace.
Korina Filipović – The angel of the sea who leads the new generations yet to come. As an athlete and good spirit of the club, Korina actively promotes humanitarian activities and youth excellence, encouraging women to join the club and enrich the community with their talents and good deeds.
Join the Women’s Yachting Club “Ladies at sea” and discover inspiring programs that support personal and professional development of women in the nautical world. The club offers courses for all levels of sailing through the Yachting Academy, specialized courses for hostesses, and an opportunity for professional development. Members enjoy privileged conditions for chartering vessels in more than 10,000 destinations.
Enter the 2025 Spring Regatta via the competition: upload your favorite photo and write why you support women at the helm, using the hashtag #womensyachtclub and #womensspringregatta. In this way, you enter the competition for participation in this prestigious event.
Become part of a community that celebrates the strength, beauty and courage of women at sea! Find out more at www.activesailsadria.club and www.womenyacht.club
