The ACI Cup is the longest-running event on the World Tour and in 2006 celebrates its 20th anniversary. In honor of that the event has moved back to its roots in Rovinj, on the Istra peninsula in upper Croatia.

The date when Rovinj was founded is a point for debate. It was mentioned in a 5th century, but it is believed it may have founded as early as the 3rd century or earlier.

The ACI Cup was founded in Rovinj in 1987 and was held there for 10 years, but it moved to Dubrovnik in 1996 due to the War in the Balkans. The event was held there for three years before moving to Split for the past seven editions. Now it's back in Rovinj, in honor of the anniversary and for presenting sponsor Adris Group d.d., a conglomerate based in Rovinj with interests in tourism.

Peter Gilmour is the event's all-time winning skipper, having won five times (1993, '94, '95, '97 and 2005). For 2006 event organizers from the Adriatic Croatia International Club (which runs the chain of 21 ACI Marinas in Croatia) and Yacht Club Croatia have increased the prize purse to 50,000€ (approximately $65,000), with 20,000€ (approx. $25,000) earmarked for the champion.

Sailing is a rich part of Croatia's history. The earliest known sporting event in the history of Croatia is a boat race. In 1764, two fishing boas representing the Croatian cities of Split and Makarska sailed from an islet near Milna, on the island of Brac, to Split.