Varna

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Revision as of 21:45, 10 April 2013

Varna, Bulgaria (Port of Entry)

(Click links for more information)
	43°11.2′N, 27°55′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Commonly referred to as the marine (or summer) capital of Bulgaria, Varna is a major tourist destination, a starting point for all the resorts in the northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, encompassing the so called Bulgarian Las Vegas - Golden Sands, business and university centre, seaport, and headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

Varna is a very pleasant city on the western shores of the Black Sea, about 60nm north of Burgas, even though it is one of the largest ports on the Bulgarian coast. The pedestrian area of town runs for miles in all different directions and it would be very easy to spend weeks touring the sites of Varna, as there is so much to see.

Charts

See Bulgaria.

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Weather

The following information was provided by Varna Pilot Station.

"Because of the barrier created by the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvanian Alps and Balkan Mountains, there is no major opening for air flowing into the Black Sea from the west or southwest except the gap formed by the Dardenelles, Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. The major topographical feature of the western edge of the Black Sea is the Danube Basin, approximately 60 nmi north of Varna.

The port authorities monitor weather forecasts and charts. Local forecasts are available in English on VHF radio. Ship crews should maintain a watch on Channel 16 (working channel) and then switch to Channels 24, 25, 26 or whatever other channel is suggested by Channel 16 to access the forecast information.

The biggest weather problem is posed by northeasterly winds, which occur approximately three or four times per month during December, January, February and March. A northeasterly wind event may last for two days. The strongest winds recorded at Varna East were 66 kt (34 m s-¹), with occurances in winter and early spring. Because of the protection afforded by Eastern Pier, problem wave motion does not reach the inner harbor.

Visibility at the Port of Varna is occasionally restricted due to fog. When occurring, fog is usually worst in the morning hours, improving by 10 am local time. Since navigation is prohibited in the Port of Varna if visibility reduces to less than 547 yd (500 m), the port is occasionally closed until the fog dissipates. The Black Sea Pilot states that coastal fog may be encountered in winter and spring, but rarely in summer. The incidence of fog is greatest in the northern areas of the Black Sea, with incidence decreasing markedly farther south."

See also Bulgaria.

Currents and Tides

The following information was provided by Varna Pilot Station.

"Normal tidal fluctuation at the Port of Varna is negligible; the change from low to high is only about 2 in (5 cm). Local harbor authorities state that during winter, however, changes of as much as 3.3 ft (1 m) may occur 3 to 5 times per year. It is not known if the authorities were referring to seiches or extreme tidal fluctuations. The Black Sea Pilot states that seiches, which occur with little or no warning, can raise or lower the sea level by as much as 3.3 ft (1 m) over wide areas of the Black Sea. These changes may be the result of prolonged easterly or westerly.

The Black Sea Pilot states that currents in the Black Sea, which in general are weak and inconstant, consist of a main circulation setting counter-clockwise along its shores. Countercurrents occur between the main current and the shore in many places, including Varna. The strength and constancy of the counter-clockwise circulation is greatest after the melting of snow in late spring and early summer, when the discharge from rivers is greatest. In late summer and autumn, when the volume of water discharged by the rivers is relatively small, the circulation is generally weaker and more subject to wind-driven current variations."

Approach and Navigation

Satellite view of the approach to Varna - Click for larger view

The approach to Varna is straightforward. The large outer breakwater (E) has a large light tower on it S end. Cranes can be seen in the background.

Hail Port Control on VHF channel 16 when you are about 1 nM from the port.

Leave the large outer breakwater to starboard and enter the yacht club. If the Club is full continue further into the harbour to the passenger terminal.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Varna is a port of entry to Bulgaria. The authorities will come to the boat and the paperwork will be completed onboard. No one should disembark before you are cleared in.

Before your departure inform Port Control.

See also Bulgaria.

Berthing Options

Detail satellite view of Varna harbor - Click for larger view

Yacht Club Port Varna - Click for larger view

Berth at the Varna Yacht Club, if it is full, continue further into the harbour to the passenger terminal and moor along side to the S of the terminal.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Yacht Club Port Varna

The club has floating pontoons with water and electricity. It also has showers and WCs. It welcomes visitors, particularly at the beginning of July when it holds its annual regatta from Varna to Kavarna. A yacht can safely be left here if travelling inland. It provides excellent all-round shelter.

Telephone: +359 526 92434

VHF: Channel 16

Website

Email

Anchorages

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

• Navigation Maritime Bulgare (British Admiralty agent)

  1 Blvd Primorski , 9000 Varna , Bulgaria

  Telephone:+359 (0)52 683580

  Fax:+359 (0)52 633033

  Website

  Email

Repairs/Yards

• For yacht and engine repairs ask at the marina
• For sail repairs: North Sails Bulgaria

  LZ Yachting Bulgaria EOOD , Passengers Terminal floor 1 , Varna 9000, Bulgaria

  Telephone:+359 52 712345

  Fax:+359 52 712300

  Website

  Email

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

Can ne arranged by the marina

Water

On the marina pontoons

Electricity

On the marina pontoons

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral - Click for larger view

• The Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
• Museum of Ethnography
• Varna Archaeological Museum

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Many small groceries
• Street vendors
• Open air market with fresh fruits and vegetables on Stambolijski street

Eateries

• Many restaurants and cafés on Georgi Dimitrov street
• The Gibraltar has english menus

Internet/WiFi

in cafés.

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• Several Car rentals

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

• Railway station
• Bus station
• Taxis

Routes/Passages To/From

List 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

• Wikipedia Varna - Wikipedia
• Varna - Noonsite
• Varna Pilot Station - Good Weather, Current and Tides descriptions
• Wikipedia Port of Varna -Mostly commercial shipping information
• Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral

References & Publications

See [[Bulgaria#References & Publications|Bulgaria].

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Cruising Blogs

• Black Sea Cruising Narrative by S/Y TALA - Contains information about Varna

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• Compiled from research (pilot books, internet, etc.) --Istioploos 22:45, 10 April 2013 (BST)

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