Luka Vira

From CruisersWiki

The inlet of U. Vira (also shown on some charts as U. Pribinja) lies on the N coast of Hvar Island in Croatia, just under two miles NNW of Hvar Town but nearer seven miles by sea. The bay has two branches, the W one containing the small fishing harbour of Vira with a quay usable by visiting yachts, the E one containing an attractive anchorage with a hotel and restaurant ashore. There is a large camp site on the headland between the two branches. Shelter in the inlet is good in all but very strong N winds.

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.

Charts

British Admiralty

2712

Croatian charts

MK19

Imray

M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

There are no dangers in the approach to U. Vira. There is a light structure on the headland W of the entrance. Depths in the W branch are 12.0 metres, shelving to 5.0 metres at the quay on the SW side, and in the E branch are 12.0 metres until almost at the head, when depths reduce to 8.0 - 10.0 metres.

Entrance

Stari Grad and Hvar Town are summer ports of entry only. At other times of year, Split or Korcula are the nearest year-round ports of entry.

Berthing Options

There are two main berthing options:

1. W. branch

   Go alongside the N end of the quay in the SW corner of the cove. Depths here are 5.0 metres. The S end and the jetty opposite are used by fishing boats. The quay is fairly rough and there are no facilities on it. Shelter is very good in all but strong N winds.

2. E. branch

   Anchor as close to the head of the cove as you can get, clear of the mooring buoys laid here. Depths are 8.0 - 10.0 metres. The W part of the cove is buoyed off as a swimming area for the hotel on the shore. There is a restaurant ashore on the E side of the cove. Shelter is good in all but strong N or NW winds.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

See above.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel berth. No water and electricity on the quay.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Nothing except swimming off the boat.

Grocery & Supply Stores

None.

Eateries

Hotel and restaurant in the E branch of the inlet.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the quay in the W inlet.

Transport

None.

Routes/Passages To/From

See Croatia.

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

Links

• Hvar Tourism website

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Luka Vira and this page's details validated:

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

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Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington