Today we went from the bay of Cavtat to Uvala Lapad, through Dubrovnik. It was magical and moving. Cavtat Bay, where we moored yesterday, was founded by the Greeks in the VIth century BC and was called Epidaurus. It was plundered and destroyed by the Slavs in the VIIth century. The inhabitants of Epidaurus fled to Ragusa, which became Dubrovnik.
Uvala Lapad, in the Northern outskirts of Dubrovnik
This is our first experience of sailing in Croatian waters and we are surprised to see how few boats there are around us. We feel lonely in the moorings we have been using lately. So what is the sailing season in Croatia?
Not sure we have an answer yet. It is true that we did not see anyone on our excursion in Croatia from the south to Dubrovnik. Just a few huge cruising boats popping up here and there along the way.
Approaching Dubrovnik from the south is very impressive. Firstly, of course, because it is a very scenic view as you cruise north. But also because you realise that in 1991, when Dubrovnik was besieged by Serbs and Montenegrins, the city was heavily shelled from the surrounding mountains. It makes you wonder what life was like for the people of Dubrovnik during the 16-month siege!
Today, the city looks so perfect and clean that it is hard to imagine what it has endured, but it has!
We are not allowed to anchor in the area around the old town of Dubrovnik, so we just pass by to admire the view of the city from the sea.
As yachts are not allowed to moor overnight in Dubrovnik's old town harbour, we have to pass through, not stop, and head north to get around. Funnily enough, a German boat anchored off Dubrovnik has been inspected by the Croatian coastguard, who had inspected us two days ago, nicely, in Mulinat. So, business as usual after Croatia joined Schengen and not sure how it went for the German boat, but obviously very active checking still going on.
Final destination for today before getting to Dubrovnik marina tomorrow morning... Feeling lonely early June!
This is the sailing path so far in 2023, from Saint Mandrier to Dubrovnik.
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