Borovinje is a large cove that is only partially protected from the Bora wind. One sailor on Navily mentioned a strong funnelling effect under the Bora wind, which results in strong gusts of wind. We experienced these gusts all night long!
Uvala Pović is a large bay for anchorage which is very famous fo sailors all over Istria. Even at the peak of the season, in July, it is easy to find a spot, in particular if you want to come close to the Shore in the 4 to 6 metres depth, a draft still ok for most boats, but in particular for OVNIs as Belisama, that needs only 1.05 m...
So far, in her new module, Kaja painted from the land, but the challenge this time is eventually to paint from the sea! So that is why we left for the possibly best spot for paintings cliffs in Croatia, from the Kamenljak bay...
The island of Lošinj, located in the Kvarner Gulf, has long served as an important center of maritime activity. Its scenic landscape and naturally sheltered bay, protected from all winds, have made it a favoured stopover since ancient times, particularly in light of the Bora winds that frequently affect this northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
We spent the shortest night of the year in Zavratnica (pronounce Zavratnitsa) cove, a well preserved secret 40 km south of Senj, along the Dalmatian coast. We were advised by my cousins who explored the coast in a camping car and with whom we sailed to the Kornati (see earlier posts).
Passing Sibenik at night
It worked as expected: under two reefs and the staysail, we made good speed through the night. However, the Bora lasted much longer than anticipated, extending well into the next day. While the boat handled the conditions well, the prolonged exposure to strong winds and confused seas made for a demanding passage...Krka National Park (pronounced Queurka in French) is located just a few miles upstream along the Krka River from the coastal city of Šibenik. It stands out as one of Croatia’s most popular and scenic national parks, and it’s well worth a visit—whether you're arriving by sailboat or exploring by land. The park’s highlight is Skradinski Buk, a breathtaking series of travertine waterfalls and emerald pools cascading through a lush, forested canyon. It's one of the most iconic natural sites in the country. For sailors, the town quay in Skradin offers mooring at a rate of €5 per meter plus 25% VAT—about half the price of the nearby ACI Marina. Entry to the park during the summer season is €40 per person, but the experience is undeniably worth the cost. Don’t hesitate—Krka National Park is a must-see destination on any Croatian itinerary.
Šibenik is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Sea, at the mouth of the Krka River where it meets the Adriatic. Over the centuries, Šibenik developed under the Croatian kings before falling under Venetian and later Habsburg control, with a French period in between, from 1809 to 1813, each leaving architectural and cultural legacies. The city is best known for its medieval fortresses and the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, an architectural masterpiece blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. With its compact stone streets, strategic location, and deep natural harbour, Šibenik played a key role in regional history, serving as both a political centre and a defensive stronghold. Today, while its trade function has diminished in favour of tourism and cultural heritage, the city retains its historic significance and continues to serve as a gateway for regional economic and maritime activity in the Adriatic.
We got a berth at the quay in the centre of the town. Most convenient en enjoyable! From there we could go shopping after our four around the Kornati using Uber.
And we were at the right spot. to visit the town centre...
Let me tell you what happened to us...
After picking our cousins from France in Murter, we engage in an exploratory tour of the Kornati islands...
The Velebit Channel is a unique place, stretching south-easterly from Senj in the north to Rovanska in the south. The Velebit mountain range borders it along the coast, and the long, narrow Pag island borders it on the seaside..
The aerial view of Goli Otok makes it clear why its name translates into English as "Barren Island" and into French as l’Île Nue. We spent two nights there in the square-shaped harbour to visit the island.
Goli Otok was an internment camp established in 1949 in the aftermath of the Tito–Stalin split. Tito, who became Prime Minister of Yugoslavia in 1945, sought a more independent and regionally influential role for Yugoslav communists, particularly in relation to neighbouring countries such as Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria—an ambition Stalin did not support. Tensions culminated in 1948 when the Communist Information Bureau (Cominform) issued a resolution calling for a change of leadership in Yugoslavia. This led to a rift between Tito’s Yugoslav communists and the pro-Stalin Cominformists.
The Yugoslav communists retained power and established a system of camps and prisons to detain Cominform supporters—the largest of which was the Goli Otok camp, opened in July 1949.
Today, the island is abandoned and slowly being reclaimed by nature. Yet, Croatians remain acutely aware of their history and the crises that have shaped it—reaching a peak during the Balkan wars of the early 1990s.
Let's have a tour...
With both of us officially on vacation starting end of May, we took a few days to get the boat ready for a month tour of Croatia. In particular, it was rather difficult to get new parachute flares as regulation requires some special pyrotechnic closet in shops, and none of the ship chandlers contacted in Pula could get any! We finally got them from Rijeka.
On 4 June, late afternoon, we depart from Oula for Banjole, a few miles out. Night at anchor.
This year the season started on the 6th of May with a request from motivated nephews to "experience" sailing after having obtained their sailing licence the year before, the idea being to go through all waters and weather conditions. And the crew got it, because May is the right time to experience unstable weather conditions, associating warm spring days driven by breezes and cold days driven by Bora (catabatic winds) and Yugo! We got it all!
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| The crew, May 6, departing from Pula |
