Žut

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 10:50, 22 November 2012

Zut Island, Croatia

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Zut Island in Croatia

(Click links for more information)
	43°52.02′N, 15°18.42′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Zut Island lies seven miles off the mainland coast of Croatia, 20 miles S of the city of Zadar. The second largest island in the Kornati Islands group, it is separated from the island of Kornat by a two mile wide channel, the Zutski Kanal. There are four principal anchorages, all on the NE-facing coast of the island in the bays of Luka Zut and U. Hiljaca, and a 120-berth ACI marina, Marina Zut, at the western end of Luka Zut. In spite of its proximity to Kornat Island, Zut is not included in the Kornati National Park and may therefore be visited without a permit. Ashore, the island is largely barren and uninhabited except for the marina and restaurant staff during the season.

The bay of Luka Zut from S
Click for larger view

Anchorage of U. Hiljaca
Click for larger view

Charts

British Admiralty 2711

Croatian charts MK14

Imray M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

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.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

Zadar is the nearest all-year port of entry. In summer only, Sali on Dugi Otok is also a port of entry.

Berthing options

There are five principal berthing options on Kornat Island, the marina of Marina Zut in the bay of Luka Zut; two additional anchorages in the same bay and two further anchorages in the bay of U. Hiljaca two miles to the SE. For full details see below or, for a zoomable summary map of all the anchorages in the Kornati Islands, click on: Map of marinas and anchorages in Kornati Islands.

1. Marina Zut 43°53′N, 15°18.5′E
The ACI-operated Marina Zut is based in the bay of Luka Zut on the NE coast of the island. It provides 120 berths for yachts up to 40 metres in depths of up to 4.0 metres. Click on link for full details: Marina Zut.

2. Luka Zut 1 43°52.5′N, 15°17.7′E
Luka Zut is a much-indented and deep bay over a mile wide located on the NE side of the island. The approach is largely free of dangers, although there are numerous islets and reefs in the approaches to Zut Island generally and care is needed. There is a small islet, Maslinjak, in the entrance to Luka Zut, which can be passed on either side. At the western end of the bay is the marina of Marina Zut. Just under a mile to the SE is a small cove, here designated as Luka Zut 1, which offers good protection in most weathers. Anchor in the inlet in 5.0 - 6.0 metres or less if your draft allows. The holding is good in sand and weed. Shelter here is very good in all conditions except strong N or NE winds. No facilities ashore.

3. Luka Zut 2 43°52.56′N, 15°18.18′E
The anchorage of Luka Zut 2 is situated half a mile E of Luka Zut 1 around a small headland and consists of a small cove open only NE. Depths here are greater than in Luka Zut 1 and you will be anchoring in 8.0 - 10.0 metres, with a line ashore if required. The holding is good in sand and weed. Shelter here is very good in all conditions except strong winds from N round to E. No facilities ashore.

4. U. Hiljaca 1 43°52.26′N, 15°19.56′E
The bay of U. Hiljaca lies on the NE coast of Zut Island, three miles round a long headland from the bay of Luyka Zut. The bay is sheltered on its E side by the islet of Gustac. Other than the numerous islets around Zut Island, the only other danger in the approach is a shoal patch between the two small islets lying 400 metres SE of Gustac. An approach should be made either via the channels on either side of Gustac islet, where there are depths of 7.0 metres (W side) and 10.0 metres (E side) metres, or if arriving from S by leaving all the islands to starboard. The anchorage designated as U. Hiljaca 1 is in the NW corner of the bay and offers good shelter in all but SE winds. Anchor in 5.0 - 8.0 metres; holding is good in sand and weed. Alternatively, moor on one of the buoys provided by the restaurants if you intend to patronize them.

5. U. Hiljaca 2 43°51.96′N, 15°19.5′E
The anchorage designated as U. Hiljaca 2 is half a mile S of U. Hiljaca 1 and offers better shelter if there is anything S in the wind. Anchor in the bight at the S end of the bay in 7.0 - 8.0 metres. Holding is good in sand. Restaurants ashore.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Marina Zut.

Yacht Services and Repairs

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel. No water or electricity in any of the anchorages.

Offshore Islands

• Kornat
• Pasman
• Dugi Otok

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There are no permanent settlements on Zut, the sparsely scattered houses being occupied seasonally by fishermen or other owners from the mainland or adjoining islands. Most of the summer residents consists of the restaurant owners and their families and the marina staff. There are no restrictions on walking ashore, but bear in mind that most of the land is private property.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Minimarket in Marina Zut only.

Eateries

• See entries for anchorages.

Internet/WiFi

At Marina Zut.

Transportation

• Ferries via Ugljan to mainland.

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

• Kornati National Park
• List of all Croatian marinas
• List of government-owned ACI marinas
• Croatian National Tourist Board
• Find Croatia travel guide
• Wikipedia - Croatia

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.

• Adriatic Pilot (Imray) - Trevor & Dinah Thompson 6th edition 2012
• 777 Harbours & Anchorages - Karl-H. Bestandig 4th edition 2010-11
• Croatia Cruising Companion (Wiley Nautical) - Jane Cody and John Nash
• Adriatic Sea Pilots Volume 1 and 2 (Croatian Hydrographic Office)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• July 2005 --Athene of Lymington 16:20, 15 November 2012 (GMT)