Bol

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 18:52, 17 December 2012

Bol, Croatia

Click links for more information
	43°15.71′N, 16°39.78′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The town and small harbour of Bol are situated on the S coast of the island of Brac in Croatia, roughly halfway between the harbours of Milna and Sumartin at the W and E ends of the island. A three mile channel separates the harbour from the N coast of the neighbouring island of Hvar to the south. The town is a very popular tourist resort in view of its proximity to the internationally renowned beach of Zlatni Rat (aka Dugi Rat) a mile to the west, which features in just about every tourist brochure for Croatia and the islands. Its harbour is small and cramped and visiting yachts need to squeeze in wherever they can among the boats along its quays. Shelter here is good in winds from NW round to SE but poor in SW and S winds.

Bol harbour from S
Click for larger view

Bol harbour is often crammed
Click for larger view

Charts

British Admiralty

2712

Croatian charts

MK18

MK19

MK20

Imray

M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)

Local Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

The immediate approach to Bol has no dangers. In the approach from W, past the sandy spit of Zlatna Rat, note that the shoal water extends for nearly 400 metres from the end of the spit. A yellow buoy is usually in position marking the end of the shoals. Depths in the harbour entrance are 6.0 - 7.0 metres and on the quays mostly around 2.0 metres.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Split is the nearest all-year round port of entry. During the summer, Hvar, Vis and, if arriving from N, Primosten on the mainland are also ports of entry.

Berthing options

The harbour is often filled to capacity by late afternoon during the season and a visiting yacht will have to fit in wherever it can along the quays. There are laid moorings along the quays. Depths are mostly about 2.0 metres, increasing to 4.0 - 5.0 metres along the S breakwater (where, unfortunately, the ferries and tripper boats have priority). The best position is there is space is on the N quay in the inner part of the harbour, where there are water and electricity points. Depths here are 2.0 metres. If all else fails, drop anchor and go bows or stern-to the short breakwater on the W side of the harbour, taking long lines ashore. There is rock ballasting here, so it may be a bit of a struggle to get lines ashore and you may need to use your dinghy to get ashore. Note that the jetty further W is the fuel berth.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

During the day it is a very popular pastime to anchor off the beach at Zlatni Rat a mile W of the harbour in 6.0 - 8.0 metres and swim off the boat. Holding is moderate in sand and shingle. However, this position is unsuitable for an overnight stop as it is very exposed to any sudden change in the weather.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth on jetty to W of harbour (depths of 3.5 metres alongside). Water and electricity on N quay.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Most visitors to Bol come for the unusual natural feature of Zlatni Rat, a 500-metre long promontory of white sand and shingle extending S from the coast a mile or so west of the town. The promontory has a backbone of pine trees for shade and during the season it is crawling with sun-worshipping tourists. In a yacht, however, one can anchor off in (reasonable) solitude and dive down into some of the clearest waters in Croatia. Note, however, that tidal currents can be significant. The town itself is not short of attractions, with a pleasant stroll eastwards to the 15th Dominican monastery and Church of Our Lady of Mercy. For the energetic, there is a good walk up to the summit of Vidova Gora, the mountain that dominates the town from the NW, which is rewarded with superb views over Hvar and Korcula islands to the south.

The promontory of Zlatni Rat (out of season!)
Click for larger view

Waterfront of Bol
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

Supermarket and other provisions shops in the village. Fruit and vegetable market.

Eateries

Several restaurants and café/bars ashore.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Near the harbour.

Transport

• Ferries to Split and Hvar
• Buses to Supetar and other local destinations

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

• Brac Tourism

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• August 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)

Template:Guide2