Vis
From CruisersWiki
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Vis Island in Croatia.
| Vis Port of Entry
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 The large harbour of Vis Town from S |
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Vis Island is the westernmost of the group of islands lying off the mainland coast of Croatia beween Split and Dubrovnik. Situated around 94 miles from the nearest point on the coast of Italy, the harbour of Pescara, and 32 miles from the Croatian coast, Vis is a popular summer port of entry for yachts arriving in the country from Italy. The island’s distance from the mainland means that it is less overwhelmed by tourism than some of the other islands and it remains relatively unspoilt. It was a base for Tito’s partisans during World War II as well as a British special forces unit and there are a number of relics of that conflict around the island, including a cave which was Tito’s wartime HQ. Today Vis is most noted for its wines and the centre of the island is green with vineyards. Visiting yachts mainly make for the harbours of Vis Town on the N coast or Komiza on the W coast, although there are also several good anchorages around the coastline.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2712
- 2774
- Croatian charts
- MK17
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
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.
Passages
See Croatia.
Islands
Communication
Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Add any navigation notes such approaches, dangers etc here. If this section does not apply remove it.
Entrance
Vis Town and Komiza are both summer ports of entry. At other times of year, Split or Dubrovnik are the nearest mainland ports of entry and Korcula the nearest among the islands.
Berthing
There are five principal berthing options on the island, the harbours of Vis Town and Komiza and anchorages at U. Stonca and U. Rogacic, both near Vis Town on the N coast and U. Stoncica two miles E at the NE tip of the island. There are several additional anchorages along the S and E coasts of the island, which can be used as lunch or bathing stops or even overnight in settled weather.
Click on link at top right of page for Interactive map of harbours and anchorages or for full details see below.
There are only two ports on Vis, the harbour of Vis Town at the NE end of the island and that of Komiza in a wide bay at the W end.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
The main anchorages on Vis island are as follows:
U. Stonca
Template:Coord legacy - Chartlet
The small cove of U. Stonca lies about half a mile NNE of the main harbour of Vis Town. It offers a quiet (except in July and August) anchorage with shelter almost as good as Vis Town itself and only becomes uncomfortable in strong S or E winds. Anchor towards the head of the cove in 5.0 - 6.0 metres. The holding is good in sand and weed. No facilities ashore.
U. Rogacic
Template:Coord legacy Chartlet
The anchorage of U. Rogacic is located a mile N of Vis Town round the peninsula and small island on the W side of the entrance. The passage between the island, Otok Host, and the coast of Vis has depths of just over 11 metres and can be used if arriving from Vis Town. The best position is tucked into the NW end of the bay, where there is good shelter from all directions except E. Anchor in 5.0 - 6.0 metres. The holding is good in sand. No facilities ashore.
U. Stoncica
Template:Coord legacy Chartlet
U. Stoncica is situated at the NE tip of the island, in a deep inlet extending around half a mile inland. It offers good shelter in all but N and NE winds. Anchor at the head of the inlet in 6.0 - 8.0 metres, with a line ashore. If preferred. Holding is good in sand and weed. There is a restaurant at the head of the inlet.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Basic emergency repairs only.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel berth in Vis Town. Water and electricity on quays in Vis Town and Komiza. For details see port entries.
Things to do Ashore
See individual port entries.
Transportation
- Ferries to Split three days a week during the season.
- Seasonal ferries (June to September) to Giulianova in Italy.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Vis at the Wikipedia
- Vis Tourism website
For other useful websites, see Croatia.
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Vis and this page's details validated:
- July 2005 --Athene of Lymington 16:20, 15 November 2012 (GMT)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
