Crikvenica

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Revision as of 16:37, 9 January 2013

Crikvenica, Croatia

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	45°10.2′N, 14°41.58′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Crikvenica from NW with main harbour at bottom
Click for larger view

The holiday resort and harbour of Crikvenica lies on the mainland coast of Croatia in the Vinodolska channel, opposite the island of Krk and six miles SE of the road bridge that links the island to the mainland. Situated where the Dubracina river enters the sea, the resort has two harbours, a small harbour immediately E of the river (which is for local craft only) and a larger, main harbour half a mile NW of the river entrance, which has laid moorings suitable for visiting yachts. Shelter is good from all directions except NW and W, when Soline bay on the NE coast of Krk offers better shelter.

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 Velebit channel and its continuation NW, the Vinodolska channel.

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 this reason, most yachts cruising the Velebit and Vinodolska channels hug the mainland shore, where there is better shelter in the event of a sudden bora.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Charts

British Admiralty

2719

Croatian charts

100-18

50-4

Italian charts

924

6001

Imray Nautical Chart

M24

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

If approaching from N, a yacht passes under the road bridge linking the island of Krk to the mainland, which has a clearance of over 50 metres. The resort of Crikvenica sprawls for over a mile along the coast six miles SE of the bridge. In the approach from S the buildings of the town and the breakwaters of the two harbours are conspicuous from some distance. A large viaduct crossing a gorge NE of the town is also conspicuous. Either side of the river entrance shallow sandbanks have built up which extend some 200 metres offshore. In the approach from N a yacht should keep outside the two red buoys marking the limit of the sandbank. In the approach from S a single green buoy S of the main harbour breakwater marks the limit of the sandbank. A green light tower marks the end of the harbour breakwater. Depths in the entrance are 5.0 metres and at the quays 3.0 metres. Shelter is good except in winds from NW round to SW.

Berthing options

Visiting yachts moor in the main harbour (the small craft harbour to the SE is invariably full of local boats). Berths are along the breakwater past the area where the ferries and tripper boats berth. All berths are equipped with pick-up buoys for yachts to moor bows or stern-to the quay. Depths along the quay are 3.0 metres.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

There is no suitable sheltered anchorage off Crikvenica, although in settled weather it is possible to anchor off the beaches to the N of the town.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Krk

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

Some limited repairs in the small craft harbour.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel dock on the breakwater. Depths of 3.0 metres alongside. Water points on the quay.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The main attractions of the town are those of most beach resorts: sandy beaches and attractive promenades. The walk along the river is pleasant and passes the historic church of the former Pauline monastery founded in 1412.

Pauline church, Crikvenica - click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarkets and several provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

• Numerous bars and restaurants in the town.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the harbour.

Transportation

• Airport on the island of Krk (30 kms).
• Buses to Rijeka and Krk.
• Domestic and international trains from Rijeka to Zagreb, Trieste, Ljubljana, Vienna, Munich and Salzburg.

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.

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

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:* Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 17:03, 20 July 2011 (BST)

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