Rava

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Revision as of 17:58, 22 June 2015

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

Rava/wiki/Rava

Rava 44°1.26′N, 15°4.1′E44.021;15.068333333333 destination

Yacht moored in U. Marinica - Click for larger view

The small island of Rava lies off the mainland coast of Croatia nine miles SW of the city of Zadar. The island is sandwiched between the larger islands of Dugi Otok to the W and Iz to the E. Although the island has a total area of only around 1.2 square miles, it boasts several small settlements around its coasts as well as the main village of Rava in the centre of the island. In addition to the island’s main harbour of U. Marinica in the centre of the W coast, there are additional anchorages at U. Lokvina and U. Paladinica further N on the same coast and U. Mrtinjica to the S. Shelter is good except in strong S and SW winds and, in the case of U. Paladinica, NW and W winds.

Charts

British Admiralty

515

Croatian charts

MK13

Imray

M25

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

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.

Berthing Options

The berthing options on the island consist of the two harbours of U. Marinica and U. Lokvina, the anchorage in the wide bay of U. Paladinica and the restaurant quay in the small inlet of U. Mrtinjica.

Ports

U. Marinica

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The harbour of U. Marinica is half way down the W side of the island, protected from N by the prominent headland of Rt. Garmina. Visiting yachts can berth stern or bows-to the outside of the jetty off the village, 100m N of the ferry quay. There are some laid lines here, but yachts have reported them not always sound and it may be wise to use your anchor as well in unsettled weather. Depths at the jetty are 3.0 - 4.0 metres. The holding is good in mud and weed. Alternatively, there is a row of buoys on the NW side of the harbour which can be picked up by yachts intending to patronize the restaurant on the adjacent shore. Shelter in the harbour and on the buoys is good in all but strong S or SW winds.

U. Lokvina

Yachts on mooring buoys in U. Lokvina - Click for larger view

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The harbour of U. Lokvina lies just inside the prominent headland on the NW end of the island, sheltered from NW by a long spit of land. There is a fish farm in the approach from S but otherwise no dangers in the immediate approach. Visiting yachts may be able to moor up stern or bows-to the small jetty NE of the ferry quay, where there are depths of 3.0 - 4.0 metres, although it is usually occupied by local boats. Most yachts will prefer to pick up one of the mooring buoys laid on the W side of the harbour. It is also possible to anchor in the bay, clear of the moorings, in 7.0 - 8.0 metres, although there is little point if a buoy is available, since the mooring charge is the same. Shelter here is good in all but SW winds.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

U. Paladinica

Yachts anchored in U. Paladinica - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The bay of U. Paladina lies half a mile N of the harbour of U. Marinica and one mile S of U. Lokvina. The bay is a peaceful and attractive spot and a good anchorage in any but NW and W winds. Anchor near the head of the bay in 5.0 - 8.0 metres, taking a line ashore if preferred. There can be a bit of chop in here with the afternoon sea breeze but it usually dies down by evening.

U. Mrtinjica

Yachts on restaurant quay of U. Mrtinjica - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The cove of U. Mrtinjica, little more than a ‘notch’ in the coastline of the island, is situated around a mile SE of U. Marinica. There is a small quay here with laid moorings for 4-6 yachts in depths of 3.0 - 4.0 metres and a few mooring buoys for use by patrons of the restaurant on the shore. Shelter is good except in S and SW winds.

Offshore Islands

• Dugi Otok
• Iz

Yacht Services and Repairs

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel, water or electricity in any of the harbours.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There is little do on the island, but lovers of peace and quiet will find a good haven here.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Small provisions shop in U. Marinica
• More shops in the village of Rava inland

Eateries

Restaurants in U. Marinica and U. Mrtinjica.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Transportation

Ferries to Zadar and adjacent islands.

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)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

• Rava at the Wikipedia

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:

• July 2004 --Athene of Lymington 15:04, 21 April 2012 (BST)

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington