Karlobag
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| Karlobag
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 Karlobag harbour from W - Click for larger view |
The harbour of Karlobag lies on the mainland coast of Croatia in the Velebitski channel, opposite the island of Pag and under the Velebit mountain range. The town itself is ancient, dating back well before the Roman period, but rebuilt in the 17th century following destruction by the Turks in 1525 and the Venetians in 1592. Although an attractive resort and an excellent base for walking in the Velebit mountains, the harbour is quite open and does not offer good shelter. It is a place to be avoided if there is any risk of a bora or, indeed, any fresh to strong winds from NW round to SE. In settled weather, however, it is a rewarding place to visit and little frequented by cruising yachts.
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 Velebitski 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 Velebitski channel 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.
Karlobag is approached either from NW via the Velebitski channel around the northern end of the island of Pag or from SE through the narrow but deep channel of Ljubacka Vrata. A bridge crosses the latter channel, connecting Pag with the mainland. The bridge has an air clearance of 35 metres. In the approach from NW, stay at least half a mile offshore to avoid the shoals stretching for some three miles along the coast NW of Karlobag. There are no dangers in the approach from S. The town and a church belfry to the S are conspicuous from some distance. Shelter is reasonable only in moderate winds from NE round to E but poor in all other conditions. The harbour is untenable in strong winds from N round to SE.
Berthing Options
Visiting yachts can moor alongside either of the two jetties on the waterfront, avoiding the NW side of the northernmost jetty where the ferries berth. Depths along the jetties range from 2.0 metres at the root to 3.0 metres at the outer end.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
There is no suitable sheltered anchorage off Karlobag. It is possible in settled weather to anchor in the cove just E of the town, but the depths here are 12.0 - 15.0 metres and it is advisable to take lines ashore.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
None.
Repairs/Yards
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel from garage on the main road NW of the town. No water or electricity.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The town’s most important historical building is an early 18th century Capuchin monastery, which has a small collection of religious art. If the weather is settled enough, there are also some excellent walking trails in the Velebit mountains behind the town.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarkets and other provisions shops in the town.
Eateries
Several bars and restaurants in the town.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around the harbour.
Transportation
Routes/Passages To/From
See Croatia.
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
- Karlobag at the Wikipedia
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.
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 14:38, 21 July 2011 (BST)
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 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Haiqu, Athene of Lymington |
