Vrboska

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Revision as of 15:09, 20 December 2012

Vrboska, Croatia

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	43°10.81′N, 16°40.92′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The town and harbour of Vrboska is situated on the N coast of Hvar Island in Croatia, a mile NW of the port of Jelsa. The harbour lies at the W end of a long, winding inlet quayed along most of its length and canalized at its top. The setting is extremely attractive, with an almost Venetian feel to it, and the town contains numerous old Gothic and Renaissance town houses and fine churches, including a remarkable 16th century fortified church of St Mary of Grace. The harbour offers excellent berthing options for visiting yachts, with a 125 berth ACI-operated marina as well as extensive town quays. Shelter is excellent in all conditions except strong SE gales, which create a dangerous surge in the harbour. The harbour can also be subject to a phenomenon called ‘plima’ in Croatian, a seiche which causes rapid fall and rise of water levels by as much as 2.0 metres. Fortunately this is a relatively rare occurrence (last event in April 2010).

Vrboska inlet showing ACI marina at bottom
Click for larger view

Charts

British Admiralty

2712

Croatian charts

MK19

Imray

M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)

Local 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.

Approach and Navigation

There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Vrboska. Depths in the entrance are 6.0 metres, gradually shelving to a depth of 2.0 metres by the small islet just under a mile up the channel. Depths on the quays are mostly 2.0 - 3.0 metres and in the marina 2.0 - 5.0 metres.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Stari Grad is the nearest summer port of entry. At other times of year, Split or Korcula are the nearest year-round ports of entry.

Berthing options

There are three main berthing options:

1. Marina Vrboska

The ACI-operated Marina Vrboska offers 125 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of up to 6.0 metres. Click on the link for details.

2. Town quay

Moorings have been laid along the town quay, on the S side of the inlet and W of Marina Vrboska. There are berths for around 30 yachts here. The moorings are operated by the municipality and have depths of 2.0 - 3.5 metres, suitable for all but deep draft yachts. Water and electricity are available on the quay.

3. North quay

There is a quay on the N side of the inlet, 200 metres NE of Marina Vrboska, where a yacht may be able to lie alongside or bows/stern-to. In 2012 there was a disused ferry moored there, but the quay was apparently still usable. Details needed, please. Note that the N shore of the inlet beyond this point has depths of little more than 1.0 metre along most of its length

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Marina Vrboska.

Anchorages

There are good anchorages in two coves on both the N and S sides at the entrance to Vrboska inlet. Anchor in whichever offers better shelter in the prevailing winds in depths of 4.0 - 5.0 metres. The holding is good in sand and weed. It is possible to find shelter in one or other of the coves in most conditions, although in strong SE winds neither is really tenable.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Basic repairs possible at Marina Vrboska.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth just W of the marina (depths of 2.0 metres alongside). Water and electricity in the marina and on the town quay.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Canalised waterfront of Vrboska
Click for larger view

The old town is a delight to explore, with a rich architectural legacy of Gothic and Renaissance town houses and some fine churches, including the remarkable 16th century fortified church of St Mary of Grace, built for protection against Turkish raids. Also worth visiting is the 15th - 17th century church of St Lovrinac, which contains some superb examples of religious paintings from the Renaissance. The town also boasts a fishermens’ museum celebrating the long fishing tradition of the port. Nearby, at the head of the inlet, in an area inevitably described as ‘Little Venice’, is an area of old stone houses clustered picturesquely around an old stone bridge and a tiny islet bearing a lone palm tree and a war memorial. Finally, there are some excellent walks both through the woods into the mountains and along the coast to Jelsa.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Several provisions shops in the town. Butchers and bakers. Fruit and vegetable market.

Eateries

Several restaurants and café/bars ashore.

Internet/WiFi

In internet cafes.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Car, scooter and cycle rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

In the marina and near the harbour.

Transport

• Local buses to island destinations.

Routes/Passages To/From

List 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)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

• Vrboska Tourism website
• Hvar Tourism website

Also 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:

• August 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)

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