Velji Lago
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Revision as of 04:13, 2 June 2016
| Velji Lago
| |
 Yachts on Hotel Solitudo quay |
The harbour of Velji Lago is situated at the W end of the island of Lastovo in Croatia. Formerly a military harbour, the quay at the SE end of Velji Lago bay - at the tiny settlement of Ubli - is now the ferry terminal as well as the temporary berth for visiting yachts clearing in or out of the country. At the N end of the bay is the large Hotel Solitudo, which has developed the adjacent quay for visiting yachts, with around 20 laid moorings, water and electricity. Finally, at the NW corner is a perfectly sheltered cove, formerly used as a naval harbour, which offers a peaceful anchorage in all conditions. The harbour is a good base for a visit to the island capital of Lastovo Town along a hilly road eight kms to the east. Shelter in the harbour is good in all but strong SW winds, when there is an uncomfortable swell, but shelter can be found in these conditions in the NW cove.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1574
- 2712
- Croatian charts
- MK22
- MK23
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
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.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Entry to Velji Lago is from the W side of Lastovo Island. There are several islets and shoals to be negotiated in the approach and careful attention to the chart is needed. Approaching from N, the deep channel between Lastovo and Mrcara can be used. Note that there is a shoal patch extending for some 200 metres off the headland at the S entrance to the bay. Depths in the entrance and over most of the bay are over 30 metres until close inshore.
Entrance
The harbour of Ubli at the SE end of Velji Lago is a year round port of entry.
Berthing
There are two main berthing options (plus an anchorage - see below):
Hotel Solitudo Quay
At the hamlet of Pasadur at the N end of the bay, opposite the small islet of O. Makarac, lies the large and conspicuous Hotel Solitudo. The hotel is a short distance E of the road bridge that crosses the shallow channel separating the bay from the inlet of Mali Lago to the N. The quay in front of the hotel has been developed for visiting yachts and has around 20 mooring lines in depths of around 2.0 metres. There are water and electricity points along the quay. Shelter here is good in most conditions, although strong S winds cause an uncomfortable swell and you will need to be well pulled off the quay to avoid damage (especially if your draft is much over 1.5 metres). In these conditions, you are better off in the anchorage (see below). The hotel provides toilets, restaurant, café/bar, sauna/jacuzzi and fitness centre.
Ubli Quay
At the settlement of Ubli at the SE end of the bay is a quay where a yacht can lie alongside temporarily while clearing in at the adjacent customs and immigration building. Depths on the quay are 4.0 - 5.0 metres. Note that the ferries from Split and Dubrovnik use this quay as well as commercial vessels, so yachts are not allowed to linger here any longer than necessary to clear in or out.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
At the NW end of the bay is a small and perfectly sheltered cove which was formerly used as a naval base. It is possible to anchor here in complete seclusion (except for other yachts, of course) in depths of 5.0 - 6.0 metres. The holding is good in mud, although some yachts have reported the ground is foul in parts with discarded remnants of the military occupation. If there is space, it is also possible to lie alongside the short quay on the N side of the entrance. Shelter in the inlet is good from all directions and very little swell enters even in strong winds..
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel berth at quay of Ubli at SE end of bay (0600 - 2200). Water and electricity at Hotel Solitudo Quay.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
There are good walks from the Hotel Solitudo N along the W side of the beautiful inlet of Mali Lago to the N of the bay. Lastovo Town, a short taxi or bus ride away, is an atmospheric place, with narrow alleys lined with old stone houses climbing up the steep slopes of a natural amphitheatre. Practically every square metre that is not built on is cultivated and the village is enveloped with vineyards and vegetable plots. The main 16th century church of Sts Cosman and Damien is well worth a visit and is filled with paintings and artifacts.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Minimarket in Hotel Solitudo and small grocery store in Ubli.
Eateries
Several restaurants and café/bars ashore.
Internet/WiFi
Wifi in Hotel Solitudo.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins on the quays.
Transport
- Regular ferries to Split on mainland from Ubli quay.
- Seasonal high speed catamaran to Dubrovnik.
- Buses from Ubli to Lastovo Town.
Routes/Passages To/From
See Croatia.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
Also 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.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Velji Lago and this page's details validated:
- August 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)
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 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
