- Sailing Croatia tips
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by Ultra Sailing Team
Dubrovnik has always been and remains a beautiful city, with a Mediterranean climate and rich heritage. What is Venice for Italy that is Dubrovnik for Croatia. Dubrovnik was named after the oak forest (Dubrava) and the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik Republic) was a rich aristocratic maritime republic and the only city-state on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Newer generations know Dubrovnik as the backdrop from the “Game of thrones” series.
There are books, stories, records about Dubrovnik, and we have singled out a few interesting things for you:
The motto of this old, rich, aristocratic maritime Republic was “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro”, which means “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.” “Libertas” (freedom) is a frequently used logo that is found on flags, names of hotels or restaurants, etc.
It is interesting that the Rector (called “Knez”) was elected for a term of one month. In the court he had his office and the apartment where he stayed for a month, separated from his family. During this time he was not allowed to leave the court except for protocol reasons. Overnight he would keep the keys to the city which he returned to the people in the morning at a protocol ceremony. The palace is open to the public today and at the entrance is the Latin inscription “Obliti privatorum publica curate” (“Forget privately and take care of the public”). Visit the Rector’s Palace which was built back in the 13th century.
Dubrovnik was a progressive, rich and independent Republic and was among the first in the world to pass some regulations such as:
- the decree on the abolition of slavery and the prohibition of the transport of slaves (January 27, 1416) – this is the first prohibition of slavery in Europe.
- The Republic of Dubrovnik is the first country in the world that recognized the United States back in 1783
In year 1296 the Republic of Dubrovnik built one of the first medieval sewer systems, which is still in use today.
Travel agencies often mention the pharmacy in the Dubrovnik Franciscan monastery, which has been working continuously from 1317 until today. It is the third oldest pharmacy in Europe.
The first quarantine in the world took place in Dubrovnik in 1377, where they isolated people who came from areas where there were infectious diseases.
The naval fleet of the Republic of Dubrovnik in the 16th century had about 40,000 sailors and more than 180 large ships and was among the strongest in the Mediterranean.
During the construction of the Minčeta tower in 1464, there was a lack of stone, so it was ordered that everyone who came to Dubrovnik from the direction of Gruž or Ploče must bring a stone in accordance to their body structure.
Arboretum Trsteno near Dubrovnik was founded in the 15th century and is the oldest in the world. It contains two plane trees about 400 years old.
Sailors who rent sailboats or catamarans from Dubrovnik usually stay on the first or last day in the ACI marina to visit the city of Dubrovnik. Furthermore, they take their routes along the Elaphites, islands located in front of Dubrovnik. Elafiti have several larger islands such as Šipan, Koločep, Lopud and smaller islands: Daksa, Sv. Andrija – today an uninhabited rocky island with a lighthouse, Ruda, Mišnjak, Jakljan, Kosmeč, Goleč, Crkvina, Tajan, Olipa and Lokrum. Apart from Elafiti, sailors sometimes directly go to the island of Mljet on the first day of their sailing tour.
Where to sail from Dubrovnik?
ACI marina Dubrovnik
From the old town of Dubrovnik to Mokošica the distance is approximately 20 minutes by bus lines 1 & 1a. The marina is located at the mouth of the Ombla River, which you can visit by boat or you can take a walk. In the summer time, in this marina is a pleasant sleep because of lower temperatures, but you should watch out for mosquitoes. ACI marina Dubrovnik has all the facilities that modern sailors require: restaurant, reception, grocery store, parking, swimming pool, bathrooms… Our Ultra sailing office for receiving guests is located in the beautiful building of the old summer house of the noble family Sorkočević from 1521. Staying in this marina is relaxed and pleasant and upon entering the marina you will feel the soothing vibrations of the river.
ACI marina Slano
This is a newer marina and also very well equipped. It is only 15NM away from ACI Dubrovnik and from there you can easily sail to nearby Šipan or a little further Mljet.
Island Šipan
There are two bays where you can moor – Suđurađ on the east and Šipanska Luka on the west of the island. Šipanska luka was a favorite summer resort of nobles from Dubrovnik so there are 42 summer houses on the island and about 30 churches and chapels. In the bay you can moor on the waterfront located on the east coast where boaters have few berths. It is possible to anchor all over the port, but enough maneuvering space should be left for the ferry that runs from Dubrovnik. This bay is most open to tramontana, which can blow after summer storms.
Saplunara bay – Island Mljet
For the first night we recommend the bay Saplunara on the southeastern part of the island of Mljet. This bay is also the closest if you sail from nearby Šipan and somewhat further Dubrovnik. The bay is wide and spacious and has about 25 buoys. Most of them belong to the restaurant “Ante’s place”, which we recommend. Berths are free for restaurant guests. The bay is beautiful, sandy and open to the south wind.
Limoni bay – Island Mljet
If you are moored in Saplunara, Limoni Bay is about a 20-minute pleasant walk by the sea. It is the most famous and most photogenic beach on the island. You cannot visit it by boat because anchoring in front of it is not possible and the entrance to the bay is only possible for small boats of locals. Take the kids to this beach and enjoy the sand, the silence and the open view to the south. The sailboat from our fleet, Beneteau Oceanis 41, is named after this beautiful beach.
Prožura – Island Mljet
Prožura is located on the northern side of the island of Mljet. Today, Prožura is a quiet village with less than 50 inhabitants. In addition to peace and much-needed sleep, it also offers good protection from the weather (except in the case of bura and tramontana). This is a mandatory stopping point for the South Dalmatian regatta which is usually in early August. You will also come across several taverns here that offer famous island specialties, boar and goat under the baking lid.
Pomena – Island Mljet
Pomena is a bay in the northwest of the island of Mljet. It is a small bay in front of which is an islet and is open to bura or the local wind Stončica. There are several houses and a small hotel Odyssey. In front of the hotel with good coffee there is a stone pier and a mooring for about 20 boats. It has electricity and water, but be economical with water because it is delivered by a water carrier. Take care not to unnecessarily spill water on the islands, especially not here. You can also moor in front of a nearby island and two restaurants. Anyway, if you are lucky enough to enjoy your vacation on Mljet, now is the right time to order fresh fish or lobster. This part of the island is a national park and fishing is prohibited to all except the locals are. From the hotel a path leads through a pine forest to the nearby Small and Large Lakes (10 min. walking distance). Visit the lakes and swim in them. The ticket to enter Jezera is included in the berth price.
Ston – Pelješac peninsula
Bay of Mali Ston is well known for its cultivation of shellfish, especially oysters and mussels. It is an unavoidable destination for true lovers of seafood delicacies. Don’t forget to order Pelješac wine with shells. Here you can also visit the longest preserved stone wall (5.5 KM) in Europe, which originates from the Republic of Dubrovnik. The place is known for its salt pans. Sailors prefer to go to the bay of Kobaš. It is one of the most beautiful bays in the southern Adriatic and a real paradise for yachtsmen and sailors. You can taste the gastronomic offer of this place in one of the three restaurants, located right by the sea.
