Sukošan

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 12:36, 29 July 2011

Sukosan, Croatia

Sukosan harbour from NW - click for larger view
(Click links for more information)
	44°03.0′N, 15°18.4′E
	[ Photo gallery]
	[ Local chartlet]

The town of Sukosan lies on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, approximately six miles SE of Zadar and 10 miles NW of Biograd. Directly opposite is the narrow channel between the islands of Ugljan and Pasman (which, however, is only usable by smaller yachts and motor boats). An attractive resort town, Sukosan is also the location for the huge Marina Dalmacija, formerly known as the Zlatna Luka Marina. The town itself is crammed with narrow alleys and numerous bars and restaurants. Visising yachts have the option of anchoring in the bays to the W and N of the village in settled weather or berthing in the marina if the weather is unsuitable.

Charts

British Admiralty 2711, 220

Croatian charts 100-18, 50-4

Italian charts 924, 6001

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

Sukosan is approached either from NW along the channel separating the mainland from the island of Ugljan or from SE along the E side of the island of Pasman. Smaller yachts and motor boats can approach via the Prolaz Zdrelac, the narrow channel between the islands of Ugljan and Pasman; however, note that the channel is crossed by a road bridge with only 16 metres clearance. In the approach, the masts of yachts in the marina are conspicuous at the N end of the bay. The bay is entered leaving a white concrete light tower off the peninsula at the S end of the bay to starboard. The anchorage off the town lies between the peninsula and a long breakwater extending NW from the village. Another anchorage lies to the N of the breakwater, between it and the E end of the marina. The marina entrance is between two short breakwaters half a mile due N of the light tower.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

In settled weather, the best anchorage is off the village between the island with a small castle on it and the waterfront. Depths here, however, are only 2.5 - 3.0 metres, so this position is only suitable for relatively shallow draft yachts and in settled weather. The holding is good in sand and mud. The bay to the N of the breakwater is less sheltered but offers depths of 3.0 - 3.5 metres and good holding in sand and mud. Again, it is only suitable in settled weather and is open to any winds from W or S. Deeper draft yachts and all yachts in unsettled weather berth at the Marina Dalmacija at the N end of the bay.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Ugljan
• Pasman

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Marina Dalmacija

Anchorages

See above.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

See entry for Marina Dalmacija

Repairs/Yards

See entry for Marina Dalmacija

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

See entry for Marina Dalmacija

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The old town and waterfront of Sukosan are plesant to explore and there are numerous bars and restaurants in its narrow streets. The rather more impressive attractions of Zadar are just 10 kms to the north. These include the magnificent 9th century circular basilica of St Donat and the Cathedral of St Anastasia (containing a marble sarcophagus of the saint’s relics and some wonderful carved choir stalls). At the southern end of the peninsular of Zadar is a monumental Venetian port gate and a picturesque, tiny mediaeval harbour. Through the gate is the Square of the Five Wells, the town’s main water supply until the mid-19th century, and on the north side of the square is St Simeon’s church, containing a lovely 14th century sarcophagus of the saint in silver gilt relief work. If hiring transport in Sukosan, it is also a good alternative base to Zadar for exploring the Paklenica and Plitvice National Parks to the north of Zadar.

Gallery

St Donat’s basilica (9th century)

Venetian gate, Zadar

Paklenica National Park

The stunning Plitvice National Park

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

• Numerous bars and restaurants in the old town.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Car rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour.

Transportation

• Buses to Zadar and local destinations.
• Trains from Zadar to Zagreb and Split.
• International airport of Zadar 25 kms NNE.

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.

• [[1]]

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 13:36, 29 July 2011 (BST)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Template:Guide1