Ploče

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Revision as of 16:11, 10 January 2013

Ploce, Croatia

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	43°03.0′N, 17°26.2′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Ploce harbour from S
Click for larger view

Ploce is a large commercial port in the Neretvanski Kanal, the channel between the mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It is the principal outlet to the sea for otherwise virtually landlocked Bosnia-Herzegovina. The harbour is situated two miles NW of the entrance to the Neretva River, the largest river in the Adriatic. Although shelter in the port is good, the surroundings are not very attractive, with no concession to the needs of visiting yachts. The harbour is best regarded as a port of refuge if caught in adverse conditions along this coast.

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.

Charts

British Admiralty

1574

269

Croatian

100-21

Imray

M25

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

In the approach from N there are no obvious dangers, although care is needed when rounding the headland of Rt Visnjice on the W side of the entrance to Ploce as large commercial vessels exit the channel at speed. In the approach from S, it is important to give a good clearance to the shallows extending nearly a mile off the mouth of the Neretva River two miles SW of Ploce. The entrance is between the tall headland of Rt Visnjice, which has a light structure on it, and a green starboard buoy half a mile due E. After half a mile the channel curves round to the E and the basin of the commercial harbour opens up a further half mile to the NE.

Berthing options

The only suitable place for a yacht to berth is alongside the quay at the SW side of the harbour, clear of the container ship berths. You will be competing for space here with commercial vessels and it may be necessary to move off if instructed. Most of the other quays around the harbour are occupied by small craft moorings. Shelter here is good in all winds, although the bora can blow violently in the harbour.

Small craft on the quays at Ploce
Click for larger view

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Hvar
• Korcula

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel station. No water and electricity.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There is really nothing of tourist interest in Ploce.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Several supermarkets and other provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

• Cafes and restaurants in the town.

Internet/WiFi

From internet cafes.

Laundry

In the town.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Nothing on the quays. You may need to take it with you.

Transportation

• Buses to Split and 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 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:

• Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 20:24, 8 August 2011 (BST)

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