Vrgada

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Revision as of 09:56, 23 February 2017

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Vrgada Island in Croatia.

Vrgada/wiki/Vrgada

Vrgada 43°51.13′N, 15°30.08′E43.852166666667;15.501333333333 destination

Harbour of U. Luka from N

The small island of Vrgada lies off the mainland coast of Croatia six miles SSE of the harbour of Biograd. The island is situated halfway between the larger islands of Pasman to the NW and Murter to the SE. The island has a total area of only around 1.4 square miles but - for its size - a thriving population of nearly 250, mostly in the main settlement of Vrgada on the N coast. The island’s main harbour is in the bay of U. Luka at the NE coast of the island, which offers good protection except in E winds, when the sandy bay of U. Sv. Andrija immediately W of a headland separating it from U. Luka is a better option. A further anchorage, U. Kranje on the S coast of the island, offers better shelter in N winds. There are several fish farms in the channels between the small islets to the S.

Charts

British Admiralty

2711

2773

Croatian charts

MK14

Imray

M25

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

• Pasman
• Murter

Communication

Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Berthing

The berthing options on the island consist of the two harbours of U. Luka and U. Sv. Andrija on the NE coast and the anchorage of U. Kranje at the SE end of the island.

Vrgada village from seaward

U. Luka

U. Luka/wiki/Vrgada#U._Luka

harbour U. Luka [[Vrgada#U. Luka|U. Luka]] 43°51.457'N, 015°30.174'EU. Luka43.85762278942491;15.502893531893072

The harbour of U. Luka lies on the E side of a promontory which shelters it from W. An islet, O. Artina, lies just off the promontory and is connected to it by a shallow spit. The harbour consists of a series of short jetties protected by a long breakwater with a red light structure on the end extending from the S shore. Berth alongside or stern/bows-to the inside of the breakwater using your anchor as space permits. Depths on the breakwater are 3.5 - 4.0 metres. Depths at the jetties further in are 2.0 metres or less. Shelter in the harbour is good in winds from NW through W to SE but the bay is exposed in winds from N and E.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Shallow anchorage of U. Sv. Andrija from SW

U. Sv. Andrija

U. Sv. Andrija/wiki/Vrgada#U._Sv._Andrija

anchorage U. Sv. Andrija [[Vrgada#U. Sv. Andrija|U. Sv. Andrija]] 43°51.485'N, 015°29.772'EU. Sv. Andrija43.858075742508476;15.496201083026381

The bay of U. Sv. Andrija lies on the W side of the promontory, just ‘round the corner’ from U. Luka. Although it is relatively shallow, it offers better shelter with anything E in the wind. Anchor in the middle of the bay in 3.0 metres. The holding is good in sand. The bay is open NW and can be uncomfortable in the afternoon sea breezes. Note that there is a shoal patch on the headland on the E side of the bay, marked with a W cardinal mark.

Anchorage of U. Kranje

U. Kranje

U. Kranje/wiki/Vrgada#U._Kranje

anchorage U. Kranje [[Vrgada#U. Kranje|U. Kranje]] 43°50.911'N, 015°30.689'EU. Kranje43.8485115213476;15.51148367179747

The anchorage of U. Kranje is located at the SE end of the island overlooking the islet of Murvenjak and cluster of smaller islets surrounded by fish farms. It is a popular anchorage in summer and offers good shelter in moderate northerly winds but is completely open S and SE. Anchor in 4.0 - 5.0 metres, taking a line ashore if preferred. Holding is good in sand and weed. There are no facilities ashore.

Facilities

Water

N/A (Not Available).

Electricity

N/A.

Toilets

?

Showers

?

Laundry

None.

Garbage

?

Supplies

Fuel

No fuel.

Cooking gas

None.

Chandlers

None.

Services

Repairs

None.

Internet

N/A.

Mobile connectivity

Is there mobile telephone signal such as G4, G3, GPRS in the island? How strong is the signal? Are there any blind spots?

Vehicle Rentals

None.

Provisioning

Vrgada village/wiki/Vrgada#Vrgada_villageprovisions Vrgada village [[Vrgada#Vrgada village|Vrgada village]] small provisions shop.

Transportation

Tripper boats only.

Eating out

• U. Luka -- there is a restaurant

Tourism

History

Mentioned in the year 950 under the name of Lumbricaton, the island of Vrgada first served as a home to shepherds who came from the Velebit mountain. The name Vrgada, which was documented in the 15th century, derives from “La Vergada”, meaning “the hilly island”. Vrgada, unlike most Adriatic islands in the Middle Ages, was inhabited and served as an important fort due to its position on the main straight of navigation.

The church, found at the top of the hill, is dedicated to St Andrew. First constructed in 824 AC, it is one of the oldest churches found in the Dalmatian islands.

Places to Visit

There is little to do on the island, but lovers of peace and quiet will find a good haven here - except during high tourist season, when day trippers flock to its several good beaches, especially in U. Sv. Andrija.

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)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

Links

• Vrgada at the Wikipedia
• Vrgada tourism

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

https://www.zizoo.com/en/yacht-charter-sailing-routes/biograd-sailing-itinerary-to-kornati-islands

References & Publications

See Croatia.

https://www.paradiso.camp/en/surroundings/municipality-pakostane/island-vrgada/vrgada-history/

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 Vrgada and this page's details validated:

• July 2004 --Athene of Lymington

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington