From July 17 to 20, 2025, the fourth international SIESsail meeting took place in Belgrade, hosted by Ada Sailing Club. This meeting focused on sailing in an urban river environment and on sharing experiences of how to bring the sport closer to people even in non-traditional conditions. Participants were welcomed by the club’s founder and president, Miloš Dobrosavljević, and general secretary Iva Kraljević, who presented the club’s work and its unique location on floating infrastructure on the Sava River.
Sailing in the heart of the city
Founded in 2013, Ada Sailing Club is the central sailing hub in Serbia. It is located on the Sava River, near its confluence with the Danube, within the large recreational area of Ada Ciganlija. The club’s floating infrastructure requires constant adaptation to changing water levels, weather conditions, and other challenges typical of an urban environment. While this setting offers unique opportunities for sailing development, it also demands specific skills and adjustments, which were a key focus of the meeting.
Learning through practice
On the first day, participants observed a summer sailing school for children aged 8 to 12. The training, led by coach Ana Đorđević and her assistants, showed how sailing can be introduced to children in a playful, safe, and inclusive way, with fun playing an important role. The program also included presentations of adult sailing courses, from beginner to advanced levels. Special emphasis was placed on safety, boat stability, and understanding the specific conditions of river sailing, such as currents, variable winds, and heavy traffic. Practical sessions took place on different types of boats, allowing participants to experience the specifics of river sailing and gain valuable insights for working in similar environments. An important part of the program was a several-hour sail through the Belgrade waterways, where participants learned more about the characteristics of the Sava and Danube rivers – including typical sailing areas, weather influences, navigation challenges, and environmental and cultural aspects.
Developing sailors and lifelong learning
The second day focused on the development of recreational sailors. Speakers Goran Jerinkić and Miljan Kolčić shared their journey from beginners to instructors and competitors – an inspiring example of how sailing can become a lifelong path. The organization of sailing schools, digital learning tools, and future development plans were also presented, sparking discussion on how to further improve accessibility and quality in education. In the afternoon, participants visited the Museum of Science and Technology, where they explored underwater archaeology. The lecture highlighted connections between river heritage and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, further emphasizing the importance of sustainability in sailing. Environmental responsibility is an important part of Ada Sailing Club’s work, as it actively reduces its environmental impact and promotes awareness about water protection. The Belgrade meeting showed that sailing is not limited to the sea – it can thrive in urban environments as well, bringing together sport, community, education, and sustainability.
