Vrgada

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 22:24, 21 June 2015

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

Vrgada/wiki/Vrgada

Vrgada 43°51.13′N, 15°30.08′E43.852166666667;15.501333333333 destination

Harbour of U. Luka from N - Click for larger view

The small island of Vrgada lies off the mainland coast of Croatia six miles SSE of the harbour of Biograd. The island is situated halfway between the larger islands of Pasman to the NW and Murter to the SE. The island has a total area of only around 1.4 square miles but - for its size - a thriving population of nearly 250, mostly in the main settlement of Vrgada on the N coast. The island’s main harbour is in the bay of U. Luka at the NE coast of the island, which offers good protection except in E winds, when the sandy bay of U. Sv. Andrija immediately W of a headland separating it from U. Luka is a better option. A further anchorage, U. Kranje on the S coast of the island, offers better shelter in N winds. There are several fish farms in the channels between the small islets to the S.

Charts

British Admiralty

2711

2773

Croatian charts

MK14

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. Luka and U. Sv. Andrija on the NE coast and the anchorage of U. Kranje at the SE end of the island.

Ports

U. Luka

Vrgada village from seaward - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The harbour of U. Luka lies on the E side of a promontory which shelters it from W. An islet, O. Artina, lies just off the promontory and is connected to it by a shallow spit. The harbour consists of a series of short jetties protected by a long breakwater with a red light structure on the end extending from the S shore. Berth alongside or stern/bows-to the inside of the breakwater using your anchor as space permits. Depths on the breakwater are 3.5 - 4.0 metres. Depths at the jetties further in are 2.0 metres or less. Shelter in the harbour is good in winds from NW through W to SE but the bay is exposed in winds from N and E.

U. Sv. Andrija

Shallow anchorage of U. Sv. Andrija from SW - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The bay of U. Sv. Andrija lies on the W side of the promontory, just ‘round the corner’ from U. Luka. Although it is relatively shallow, it offers better shelter with anything E in the wind. Anchor in the middle of the bay in 3.0 metres. The holding is good in sand. The bay is open NW and can be uncomfortable in the afternoon sea breezes. Note that there is a shoal patch on the headland on the E side of the bay, marked with a W cardinal mark.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

U. Kranje

Anchorage of U. Kranje - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The anchorage of U. Kranje is located at the SE end of the island overlooking the islet of Murvenjak and cluster of smaller islets surrounded by fish farms. It is a popular anchorage in summer and offers good shelter in moderate northerly winds but is completely open S and SE. Anchor in 4.0 - 5.0 metres, taking a line ashore if preferred. Holding is good in sand and weed. There are no facilities ashore.

Offshore Islands

• Pasman
• Murter

Yacht Services and Repairs

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

None.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There is little do on the island, but lovers of peace and quiet will find a good haven here - except during high tourist season, when day trippers flock to its several good beaches, especially in U. Sv. Andrija.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Small provisions shop in Vrgada village.

Eateries

Restaurant in U. Luka.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Transportation

Tripper boats only.

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

• Vrgada at the Wikipedia
• Vrgada tourism

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