Ston

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Revision as of 19:45, 9 August 2011

Ston, Croatia

File:StonHarbour.jpg Ston harbour and salt pans from N - click for larger view
(Click links for more information)
	42°50.0′17, 42.1°E′
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The picturesque mediaeval village of Ston lies at the top of the Stonski Kanal, a five mile-long cleft at the SE end of the Peljesac Peninsula on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The Kanal entrance is around 20 miles NW of Dubrovnik. Together with its sister hamlet of Mali Ston, the two settlements straddle the narrowest part of the peninsula, just over a kilometer apart, although Mali Ston can only be reached by sea from Ston via the Neretvanski Kanal on the N side of the peninsula, a trip of some 50 miles. The two hamlets were linked by over five kilometers of defensive walls in the 14th century, parts of which survive today, to protect its vital salt industry. In spite of attempts on the part of the Republic of Dubrovnik and later by French Napoleonic forces during their occupation to join the two via a canal, the project was never completed and the two remain separated by a 15 minute walk. The Stonski Kanal is accessible by most shallow to moderate draft yachts, with minimum depths of 4.0 metres, and there are depths of 3.0 metres at the quay below the settlement and in the anchorage.

Charts

British Admiralty 1580

Croatian chart 100-21

Imray Nautical Chart M25

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

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. It tends to blow less strongly S of Zadar.

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.

Approach and Navigation

The channel up to Ston is quite broad as far as the small village of Broce, four miles from the open sea. From Broce onwards the channel narrows and is marked by five port and two starboard buoys. Pass close to the head of the jetty at Broce to clear a reported underwater obstruction on the E side of the channel. After Broce, keep to the centre of the channel where the water is deepest. The depths shoal very quickly once you stray from the centre. On arrival at Ston, continue along the half mile long embankment that separates the channel from the salt pans to the W to arrive at the quay.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

The best place to moor is alongside the quay at the top of the channel, wherever there is space. Depths along the quay are around 3.0 metres. Alternatively anchor off in 3.0 - 4.0 metres clear of the small craft moorings. There are varying reports of the holding here, so a visit to Ston may not be a good idea in unsettled weather.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Sipan
• Mljet

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

None.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The hamlet and its sister hamlet of Mali Ston are a delight to explore, rather like a miniature and less frenetic version of Dubrovnik. Part of the defensive walls that once protected Ston and its sister settlement still survive and can be traced across the isthmus to Mali Ston, where the impressive remains of a castle can be viewed and climbed with care. It is a short 15 minute walk across the isthmus.

Bay of Mali Ston
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

Supermarket and several provisions shop in the village.

Eateries

Café/bar and restaurant.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

None.

Transportation

• Buses to Dubrovnik.

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 entry for Croatia.

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 20:45, 9 August 2011 (BST)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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