Mali Ston

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Revision as of 20:46, 8 August 2011

Mali Ston, Croatia

Mali Ston from NW - click for larger view
(Click links for more information)
	42°50.8′N, 17°42.6′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The charming hamlet of Mali Ston lies near the SE end of the Neretvanski Kanal, the channel between the mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Together with its sister hamlet of Ston, the two settlements straddle the narrowest part of the peninsula, just over a kilometer apart, although Ston can only be reached by sea from Mali Ston via the Stonski Kanal on the other side of the peninsula, a trip of some 50 miles. The two hamlets were linked by over five kilometers of defensive walls in the 14th century, parts of which survive today, to protect its vital salt industry. In spite of attempts on the part of the Republic of Dubrovnik and later by French Napoleonic forces during their occupation to join the two via a canal, the project was never completed and the two remain separated by a 15 minute walk. Mali Ston has a shallow harbour unsuitable for yachts but there is a well-sheltered anchorage off the hamlet in 4.0 metres.

Charts

British Admiralty 1574

Croatian chart 100-21

Imray Nautical Chart M25

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic 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 Velebitski channel. It tends to blow less strongly S of Zadar.

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 channel up to Mali Ston is fringed by shallows but if fortunately well marked and presents few dangers as long as the skipper keeps a close eye on the depth sounder. However, least depths are only around 3.0 metres in parts, so it is unsuitable for deep draft yachts. The channel is also surrounded in parts by oyster and mussel beds, so care is needed.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Visiting yachts anchor in the pool in front of the village, where the depths are 4.0 metres and the holding excellent in mud. The small harbour, protected by a detached breakwater, has depths of less than 2.0 metres and is not suitable for yachts. Shallow draft yachts have been know to lie alongside the quay immediately W of the defensive tower on the waterfront, but depths of only 2.0 - 3.0 metres here are reportedly reduced still further by rubble. Shelter in the anchorage is good, although the bora can blow strongly here.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

None.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The hamlet is a delight to explore, rather like a miniature and less frenetic version of Dubrovnik. Part of the defensive walls that once protected Mali Ston and its sister settlement still survive above the hamlet and can be climbed with care. It is a short 15 minute walk across the isthmus to the attractions of Ston on the other side.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarket and grocery shops in Ston.

Eateries

Hotels and restaurants near the harbour. Shellfish a speciality.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour.

Transportation

• Buses from Ston to Dubrovnik.

Routes/Passages To/From

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)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

References & Publications

See entry for Croatia.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 21:46, 8 August 2011 (BST)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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