Sućuraj

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Revision as of 17:26, 4 July 2014

Sucuraj, Croatia

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	43°07.51′N, 17°11.62′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Harbour of Sucuraj from SE
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The S catwalk has eight laid moorings, right next to the ferry berth
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Yachts lie alongside on the E catwalk
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The small harbour of Sucuraj lies at the extreme E tip of the island of Hvar in Croatia, on the S side of the cape of the same name and just over two miles SW of the mainland ferry terminal and fishing harbour of Drvenik. The setting is spectacular, being only a few miles from the 1762 metre high mountain of Biokovo on the mainland. For years, Sucuraj was just a stopping off point for the car ferries and a sleepy fishing port, but with the installation of wooden catwalks and laid moorings the harbour is now much more yacht-friendly, albeit still not heavily frequented by yachts – just the occasional flotilla. As the only harbour of any size in the E half of Hvar Island, it is a handy port of call before heading to the mainland harbours of Makarska or Ploce. Shelter is good in all but strong E or SE winds, which send in a very uncomfortable swell.

Charts

British Admiralty

1574

Croatian charts

MK20

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.

Approach and Navigation

There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Sucuraj, other than the ferries to and from Drvenik, which use the harbour several times a day, and some rocky shallows inshore towards the E side of the entrance. Depths in the harbour range from 7.0 metres at the entrance to 3.0 - 4.0 metres on the quays. Shelter in the harbour is good in all but strong E or SE winds.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Hvar Town is the nearest summer port of entry. At other times of year, Split or Korcula are the nearest year-round ports of entry.

Berthing options

Following the installation of a wooden L-shaped catwalk immediately W of the ferry quay, yachts are now berthed stern or bows-to on the S section of the catwalk (where there are eight laid moorings) or alongside on the W section (where there is space for two yachts alongside). The catwalk is equipped with stout stainless steel mooring rings and black fenders along its entire length. Depths are 3.0 - 4.0 metres, the deeper water being nearer the ferry quay. Note that the lines to the mooring blocks are very long and therefore descend at a shallow angle; this needs to be borne in mind when departing.

It is no longer advisable to moor along the breakwater as this is heavily used by regular tripper boats. In any case, you will be directed where to berth by one of the two female harbour mistresses.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel. Three water and electricity stanchions on the catwalk and others on the quays.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Sucuraj inner harbour is for small craft only
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Sucuraj lighthouse is also a cosy holiday let
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Sucuraj is an ancient town, with traces of civilization dating back to Illyrian times. The town retains a largely mediaeval street plan, its narrow lanes crowded with old stone houses. The Baroque church of St Anthony of Padua in the town is worth a visit, as is the nearby Monastery of St Augustin (now occupied by a Franciscan order), begun in the 13th century. Finally, the walk down to the lighthouse on Cape Sucuraj is rewarded with superb views over to the peak of Mount Biokovo.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Small Konzum supermarket and provisions shops.

Eateries

Several restaurants and café/bars ashore.

Internet/WiFi

From café Noc I Dan.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bins by the harbour.

Transport

• Ferries to Drvenik on mainland.
• Buses to local destinations.

Routes/Passages To/From

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

External Links

• Hvar Tourism website

See Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• A delightful, largely unspoilt little harbour usually bypassed by most yachts. We were here in early July with only two other yachts in the harbour. --Athene of Lymington

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• July 2014 --Athene of Lymington

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