Pomena
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Pomena, Croatia
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 | 42°47.32′N, 17°20.88′E |
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 | Local chartlet |
The harbour of Pomena lies on the NW coast of the island of Mljet in Croatia, protected from N by the small island of Pomestak. Together with Polace just over a mile due E, Pomena is one of two convenient harbours where one can safely leave a boat for a visit to the attractions of the Mljet National Park. Although an attractive inlet and in a beautiful wooded setting, Pomena is rather less undeveloped than Polace, with a large tourist hotel, Hotel Odisej, a camp site and a regular flow of tripper boats from Korcula and the mainland. Mooring options are confined to the quay next to the Hotel Odisej on the W side of the bay, the quays of the restaurants on the W side of the bay or anchoring off at the island of O. Pomestak 200 metres N of the entrance to the bay. Shelter in Pomena is excellent in most conditions, although some swell creeps in with very strong N winds.
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Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1580
- Croatian charts
- MK24
- 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.
There are numerous hazards in the approach to Pomena and careful attention to the chart is needed. Closer in, the main hazards in the approach from W and N are the two islets between the island of O. Pomestak opposite Pomena and the peninsula to the W. The more northerly of the two can be left on either side, but a yacht should not attempt to pass between the second islet, Galicija, and O. Pomestak. In the approach from E, to the S of O. Pomestak, note that there are shoals extending both from the coast of Mljet and from O. Pomestak at the entrance to Pomena bay. A course half way between the two has safe depths of 6.0 metres. Shelter once in the bay of Pomena is excellent in most conditions, although some swell creeps in with very strong N winds. In this situation the anchorage on the S side of O. Pomestak is better.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Korcula Town or Dubrovnik are the nearest year-round ports of entry.
Berthing options
Yachts visiting Polace have three berthing options, depending on whether the crews wish to eat ashore or not:
1. Hotel Odisej quay
The quay next to the Hotel Odisej on the W side of the bay is used by tripper boats and ferries, but there is space here for 6-10 yachts to moor, clear of the tripper boat jetty at the N end. Depths here are 3.0 metres, shallowing to 2.0 metres or less towards the SE end. There are laid moorings here and water and electricity can be connected for an additional fee. These berths are quickly taken in July and August and you will need to arrive early to obtain one.
2. Restaurant quay
The quay on the W side of the bay is taken up with restaurant moorings, where yachts can enjoy a laid mooring and usually water and electricity in return for patronizing the appropriate restaurant. Depths on the quays are mostly 3.0 - 4.0 metres.
3. Anchorage
There is a good anchorage on the S side of O. Pomestak, 200 metres N of the harbour. Anchor in 8.0 - 10.0 metres and take a line ashore to the island. Holding is good in mud and weed. Shelter here is excellent in virtually all conditions, although there is occasional wash from tripper boats and ferries.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
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In addition to the anchorage on the S side of O. Pomestak, there is a good alternative anchorage in idyllic surroundings in the inlet half a mile W of Pomena. Anchor at the head of the inlet in 6.0 - 8.0 metres. The holding is good in mud and weed. Shelter here is good in al but strong N/NE winds, when the anchorage at O. Pomestak offers better shelter.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
No fuel. Water and electricity at the hotel quay and most of restaurant quays.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
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Pomena is within easy walking distance of the ‘must see’ attractions of Mljet Island, the two interconnected lakes, Malo and Veliko Jezero, at the NW end of the island. The lakes are in the national park and an entry fee of 90 kuna (2012) per person is payable on mooring in Pomena. This price includes entry to the park, a bus to and from Veliko Jezero and access (via a short boat ride) to the former Benedictine monastery of Sv. Marija, now a hotel/restaurant. It is also possible to walk or cycle the route to the lakes (cycles can be hired in the village), which is a much more rewarding if rather more energetic option. Between the two lakes is a channel dug by the Benedictine monks to provide motive power for a mill from the tidal currents into Veliko Jezero. Depending on the state of tide, a current can be seen rushing through the shallow sea inlet at the E end of Veliko Jezero, the pleasant walk to which goes along the S side of the lake.
Grocery & Supply Stores
No provisions shops.
Eateries
Several restaurants on the E quay, most with their own moorings. Restaurant and café/bar in the hotel.
Internet/WiFi
In the hotel and some of the restaurants.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Cycle rental only.
Garbage Disposal
Limited. Take it with you.
Transport
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
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:
- July 2004 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
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