Croatia

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Revision as of 03:56, 3 September 2013

Croatia

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Croatia.

Croatia
Croatia
Flag
Capital:	Zagreb 45°48′N, 16°0′E
Language:	Croatian
Currency:	Kuna (HRK)
Timezone:	UTC+1 (DST observed)
More notes about the country
Latest News Legislation is planned by the Croatian government to forbid anchoring within 300 metres of mooring buoys in any bays or harbours where concessions are in force. This will effectively force yachts to use (often expensive) mooring buoys rather than their own anchors in hundreds of locations throughout Croatia. Local Croatian sailors have organised a petition, which can be viewed and signed at [1]. The petition is in Croatian but can be translated using Google Translate. --Athene of Lymington 18:35, 7 February 2013 (GMT)
Content - news items, etc.

The coast of Croatia and its numerous offshore islands are one of the most beautiful (and expensive) cruising grounds in the Western Mediterranean. Lying between the coast of Slovenia, which ends at Piran to the north, and that of Montenegro, which starts at Herceg Novi to the south, Croatia also shares additional inland borders with Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia and Hungary.

Cruising the region

The country has a deeply indented coastline of nearly 1800 kilometers as well as over 1,200 offshore islands and its mostly mountainous interior is dotted with spectacular national parks, picturesque mediaeval villages and numerous reminders of Roman, Byzantine and Venetian rule. Since the setback of the 1995 conflict that led to the country’s hard-won independence from the former Republic of Yugoslavia, tourism has boomed again and the beaches, hotels and harbours along the coast are filled to the brim with tourists from all over the world. For cruising yachtsmen the country’s popularity is a mixed blessing, since Croatia is now exceptionally well organized for them, with over 50 marinas and even more harbours supplying their every need. However, it is not a cheap place to visit, with several hefty taxes to be paid on entry and no escape from substantial daily berthing charges even when at anchor. At its closest, Croatia is barely 60 miles from the Italian coast - a day’s sail for a yacht and a morning spin for a motor boat - so it is no surprise that harbours and anchorages are packed with holidaying Italian cruisers in July and August. However, like a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, one cannot but acknowledge the quality of the offering even while one baulks a little at the price.

• WEATHER LINK

• WEATHER Cyclones LINK

• NZ SEARCH and RESCUE LINK

• The Worldwide Marine Directory Data Resource Links Site

Climate & Weather

Northern Croatia has a temperate continental climate whereas central, semi-mountainous and mountainous regions have a mountainous climate. The entire Adriatic coast has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are mild along the coast, while winter is cold and snowy in central and northern regions. The average temperature in the inland in January ranges from 0 to 2°C, August 19 to 23°C. The average temperature at the seaside is higher: January 6 to 11°C, August 21 to 27°C.

Main winds in the Adriatic

The Maestral is a NW wind that appears in periods of high air pressure, usually around 11.00, and brings good weather. It can reach up to force 5 and causes rough seas. It dies down in the late afternoon, and the following day - after a calm night - starts blowing at a similar force to the previous day.

Burin is a wind that blows from the opposite direction of the Maestral. It usually blows at night, mostly from NNE in the northern Adriatic and from E or SE in the southern Adriatic. It is strongest before dawn and soon dies down afterwards.

Bora is a strong NE wind that appears in periods of high air pressure, it blows from the mainland towards the sea in powerful gusts. It is hardly predictable in spite of early warning: the coastal mountain peaks are covered by small clouds and the sea surface in the northeastern part spumes. The greater the distance from the coast, the weaker the force of the gusts. In summer the bora usually blows only a few hours, but sometimes it can last up to a day or two. It can be extremely strong in the Kvarner area, along the Velebit Channel, and around Šibenik, Split, Pelješac and Dubrovnik.

Jugo (scirocco) is a warm and humid SE wind that from October to the end of January brings a lot of rain. Calm sea and a heavy cloud cover in the south are signs of the jugo slowly approaching and raising high waves. The jugo often blows for several days (in summer up to 3 days, in winter up to 3 weeks), while rough seas can last even longer. From time to time this wind also brings reddish-brown sand from Africa. It should be remembered that the jugo can change its direction in just a few minutes and turn into a very strong Bora (NE wind). The jugo is a typical wind of the Southern Adriatic where it lasts longer than in the north.

Nevera is a very strong "W" wind that brings bad weather. It mostly blows in summer. It strikes suddenly, causing rough seas, but is mostly of short duration. It is usually accompanied by thunder. When it stops blowing the air is fresh and pleasant. It is most common in the Northern Adriatic.

Other winds in the Adriatic are: Lebić - SW; Levant - strong SE; Tramontana - cold N.

High and stable air pressure usually brings nocturnal winds blowing from the mainland, and diurnal winds blowing from the sea.

Sources of weather forecast info

Broadcast:

Rijeka Radio VHF channel 04, 20, 24, 81 at: 05.35, 14.35, 19.35

Split Radio VHF channel 21, 07, 81, 23 at: 05.45, 12.45, 19.45

Dubrovnik Radio VHF channel 07, 04at : 06.25, 13.20, 21.20

Navtex: 518kHz "Q" from Split Radio at: 0545, 1445, 1945

Continuous weather forecasts for the Croatian coastal region are provided in Croatian, English, Italian and German every 15 minutes, and are updated at 7:00, 13:00 and 19:00 (local time). The forecast is for the next 24 hours and includes information on barometric. Broadcast frequencies:

• VHF ch. 73 for northern Adriatic/ western coast of Istria

• VHF ch. 69 for northern Adriatic/ eastern part

• VHF ch. 67 for central Adriatic / eastern part

• VHF ch. 73 for southern Adriatic / eastern part

Internet weather sites:

For 24 hr text-based forecast of winds and seas from the Meteorological Station in Split.

Prognosa Nautica gives rather graphically fussy but detailed 72 hr forecast of wind strengths and wave heights for specific ports and islands.

For 72 hr Euroweather forecast for Northern, Central and Southern Adriatic or Meteomed (both rather heavy on graphics).

Also try the reception desk in nearly all marinas (+24 and +96 hours) and harbour masters’ offices (+24 and +48 hours)

Charts

The charts produced by the Hydrographic Office of the Croatian Republic are accurate and reliable. The Italian authorities also cover the area as does the British Admiralty, which offers a different slicing up of the country; this may be useful in some cases. For instance, to approach Vis from the north (Primosten), the Admiralty chart enables the whole passage to be planned on a single chart, while with the Croatian charts, two would be required.

Special Navigation Notes

Currents and tidal streams

Currents along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic circulate mainly anti-clockwise. Tidal streams tend to be weaker, although they can be strong in narrow channels, especially between islands. The length of the tides in the Adriatic is around 12 hours, and tidal heights range from 25 cm at the Strait of Otranto to 80 cm in the Northern Adriatic. There are many deviations through the islands, but the main direction is NW with variable W currents in the central regions. There can be strong flows in narrow channels following the cessation of periods of strong winds.

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Arrival/Departure procedures

On arrival at a Port of Entry in Croatia, a yacht should fly the "Q" flag only if a non-EU yacht. The skipper should report to the local port police with all crew passports for passport control, then to the harbour master to purchase a so-called ‘vignette’ or cruising permit. The crew should not leave the customs quay area until the formalities are completed. When departing the country from a designated port of entry (see below), the yacht must leave Croatian waters as quickly as possible.

Immigration & Customs

Clearing in

Visiting foreign yachts can clear in at the following harbours:
Permanent maritime border crossings (from north to south): Umag, Poreč, Rovinj, Pula, Raša (Bršica), Rijeka, Mali Lošinj, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Ploče, Vela Luka, Korčula, Ubli, Dubrovnik.

Seasonal maritime border crossings (open from April 1 – October 31): ACI marina Umag, Novigrad, Sali, Božava, Primošten, Hvar, Stari Grad (Hvar), Vis, Komiža, and Cavtat.

Visas

Nationals of most countries do not require a visa for visits under 90 days. For full details of current visa requirements, see the following website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If a visa is required, it is advisable to obtain it in advance.

Customs

Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival. These will be officially sealed and re-checked when checking out. Full details of firearms and ammunition must be included on the cruising permit. All radio transceivers must be declared and an operator's permit produced.

Pets

Dogs and cats require a veterinary certificate showing that the animal has been inoculated against rabies between 15 days and six months previously. All animals need a general health certificate and to have had all the necessary vaccinations. More information and updates can be found at Croatian National Tourist Board.

Documentation Required

For latest requirements click on the link to the Official Croatian Ministry website.

Fees and Charges

Croatia is not a cheap country to visit, imposing a cruising tax, lighthouse dues and a ‘sojourn tax’ on visiting yachts. In addition, mooring costs are very expensive in most marinas and harbours, sometimes exceeding Euros 100 a night for a 13-15 metre yacht, and most of the anchorages convenient for going ashore to civilization are subject to a hefty mooring charge. This charge is typically 50 per cent of the charge for berthing at the quays in the harbours and averages around 50-70 kuna per night for a 13-15 metre yacht. The main charges for a cruising yacht on entry to Croatia are:

Vignette or Cruising Permit

A multiple entry/exit ‘vignette’, or cruising permit is issued on arrival at the port of entry and is valid for the calendar year. This cruising permit no longer needs to be stamped at each major port by the Harbour Master and Port police. The permit allows the vessel to cruise along the entire Croatian coast, including the previously prohibited islands like Vis, but excluding the Brioni islands off Pula, which make additional charges. To obtain your cruising permit from the harbourmaster, you need the crew list, boat registration details, third party insurance certificate, sometimes a certificate of competence for the skipper (in accordance with the requirements of the vessel’s flag country’s regulations). Proof of ownership of the vessel (or documented permission to use the vessel) may be asked for. Payment is usually in cash (Kunas), the harbourmaster will direct you to the nearest ATM. The cruising permit is a rectangular adhesive license that must be prominently displayed on your vessel. A copy of the permit is held, along with the crew list, by the officials. It is important to note that should anyone be found aboard your yacht that is not listed on your crew list you can be charged with illegal charter.

Note: for EU-registered yachts, the cruising permit will be abolished from 1 January 2014. EU yachts will still be required to pay a lighthouse fee, as will Croatian yachts.

Vignette charge (2010) for yachts:

11-12m long: 1050kn 12-15m long: 1225kn 15-20m long: 1400kn 20-30m long: 1575kn over 30 m long: 1750 kn

The fees above are reduced by 10% for each consecutive vignette up to max. 50% reduction. In addition, foreign yachts are required at the time of obtaining a vignette to pay a one-off lighthouse fee of 40 kn, also valid for a one year period, and an administrative charge of 40 kn.

Sojourn Tax

For several years visitors to Croatia have been required to pay a daily tourist or ‘sojourn’ tax. Under new rules introduced in January 2010, this consists of a lump sum advance payment for all persons on board. For a typical yacht of 12-15 metres this costs from 300kn for 8 days up to 1300kn for a full year. Yachts can be heavily fined if this is not paid on entry, fines ranging from 1,000kn up to 5,000kn. See New Croatian regulations for full details. Yachts with an annual marina contract in Croatia pay a flat tax of 400 kn.

Note: since this tax is apparently also levied on Croatian yachts, is is likely that the sojourn tax will remain for visiting EU yachts following Croatia's accession to the EU in 2013, unlike the cruising permit.

Health & Security

Standards of health care in Croatia are at least equal to those of most Western European countries and no special measures of immunizations are required (although Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are often recommended for travel to most Mediterranean countries). Like many areas of the Mediterranean, mosquitoes can be a problem during the summer, especially in lake areas and coastal marshes. The usual precautions are recommended of plenty of insect repellent and covering up whenever possible in the evenings. Food standards (at least in terms of hygiene) are good and the tap water is safe to drink. Most EU countries have reciprocal agreements for medical treatment with Croatia, and visitors from EU countries should be able to receive treatment on production of their E111 card. Visitors from other countries should not visit Croatia without appropriate insurance. If spending long periods of time in forested areas, immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is advised and precautions should be taken against tick bites. For further advice see Croatia health care and vaccinations.

Ports & Popular Stops

Key to icons: | Port of entry: | Harbour: | Marina: | Anchorage:

ISTRIA

The western coastline of Istria extends from Umag just south of the Slovenian border as far as the major port of Pula. Mostly low-lying and green, the coastline here is well-equipped with marinas and harbours, several of them among the finest examples of mediaeval Venetian towns in Croatia. The eastern coastline from Pula to Opatija, by contrast, is less populous, more mountainous and deeply indented in places, with more anchorages and fewer harbours.

RIJEKA - ZADAR

The stretch from Rijeka to Zadar offers more challenging sailing, much of it in the lee of the Velebit mountain range where the effects of the bora are most keenly felt. Nevertheless, the mainland coast here is majestic, rising steeply from sea level to peaks which are often snow-clad into late spring. The islands along the coast here also tend to be more mountainous and bare than those further south and navigating between them can be exciting in gusty conditions. Nevertheless, both mainland and islands are well supplied with sheltered ports and marinas for when conditions become too taxing.

ZADAR - SPLIT

Cruising between Zadar and Split a yacht is in the most popular and busy part of the Croatian coast, especially for charter yachts. In addition to remarkable inland cruising grounds such as the river Krka up to Sibenik and Skradin and the historic World Heritage-listed town of Trogir, there are the extraordinary and protected Kornati Islands to explore, with their dazzling white lunar landscape that gleams in the sun. There are more mainland harbours along this stretch but fewer on the islands, where a yacht is more likely to be at anchor or on a mooring buoy.

SPLIT - DUBROVNIK

From Split southwards, the coast and the offshore islands become progressively greener, until the vegetation on islands such as Mljet and the small islands off Dubrovnik is almost sub-tropical in appearance. Marinas are scarcer along this coast, although it is amply supplied with small harbours, especially on the mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula, where a yacht can tie up on a stone quay or anchor off a world away from the bustle of the charter yacht ‘hot spots’. Of course, no visit to Croatia would be complete without a visit to the World Heritage-listed town of Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.

Restricted Areas

See up to date nautical charts for restrictions. Heavy fines are levied for infringements.

Popular Routes/Cruises

Cruiser's Friends

Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".

References & Publications

• Trevor & Dinah Thompson, Adriatic Pilot, Imray Laurie and Wilson (6th edition edition 2012), ISBN 978-1846233333
• Karl-Heinz Bestandig & Dario Silvestro, 777 Harbours and Anchorages - Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania, Edizioni Magnamare (5th edition 2012/13), ISBN 9788862000246
• Jane Cody & John Nash, Croatia Cruising Companion, Wiley Nautical (reprinted 2010), ISBN 978-1904358282
• Hrvatski Hidrografski Institut, Adriatic Sea Pilot Volume 2, Croatian Hydrographic department, ISBN 9536165317
• Hrvatski Hidrografski Institut, Adriatic Sea Pilot Volume 1, Croatian Hydrographic department, ISBN 9536165325
• Zavod Leksikografski, Navigational Guide to the Adriatic, Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson, ISBN 9789536036875
• Radovan Marčić & Braslav Karlić, A Gourmet Cruise; The Adriatic Good Food Pilot, Gustoza đita (3rd Edition 2010), ISBN 9789537131043

Links to Forum Discussions

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

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

• List of all Croatian marinas
• List of government-owned ACI marinas
• Map of government-licensed Anchorages
• Croatian National Tourist Board
• Find Croatia travel guide
• Wikipedia - Croatia
• Jim Baerselman's Website

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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