In 1911, Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy wrote in his poem Ithaca, “May there be many a summer morning when, with what pleasure, what joy, you sail into harbors seen for the first time.” When you are on a sailing adventure around the many islands of Croatia, you will be able to discover the joy of a new island every morning.
Imagine a purple dawn on a warm summer’s day, the first light of the morning making the sky glow. You are gently gliding across the calm blue Adriatic and the lavender hues of the sunrise are reflecting off the stone walls and whitewashed buildings of Dubrovnik. You savor the warm breezes blowing through your hair as you think about the day of adventures that awaits you – sunbathing on sandy beaches, diving into the cool salty sea, dining on seafood in quaint local taverns. These are the pleasures of discovering Croatia by boat.
The European nation of Croatia is becoming a hot destination for sailing and it’s easy to see why. The country has a mild Mediterranean climate, an abundance of beautiful unspoiled nature, fascinating tradition and culture and a well-developed service sector. The wind conditions are excellent, making sailing a breeze (literally).
There are over 1,200 islands in Croatia and many of them can only be reached by boat. Only 47 of these are inhabited permanently, which means that a sailing trip to Croatia is a ticket to discovering countless tranquil private island hideaways. There are several options for sailing getaways in Croatia, whether you want to take a guided charter, a group holiday or rent a boat and go on your own sailing adventure. There are many attractive anchoring points very close together, so you will have plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and explorations on land.
As you make your way along the Croatian Coast, you will be delighted with views of medieval fortresses, ancient villages and pristine beaches on an assortment of islands ranging from tiny tree-covered rocks to large population centers. Explore a 14th Century tower in Korcula, or walk along the city walls of historic Dubrovnik. Sip a cold beer on a terrace in Hvar and watch the millionaire’s yachts glide to and fro. Discover 250 species of birds in remote Brijuni National Park or visit Vis – the most isolated and remote inhabited island.
Each island is unique – some are hedonistic party zones, others are unspoiled national parks, some offer nudist beaches and quirky hippie communities – but with so many of them you are sure to find your perfect getaway.
In recent years the attraction of the sailing opportunities has attracted many British sailors to take up work placements in the many sailing schools and charter businesses that are emerging. Wages are paid in Croatian Kuna and expats need to be able to arrange an international bank transfer to have their salary converted to GBP to cover expenses back in the UK.
Sailing Tips (for beginners)
Croatia is a dream destination for sailing, whether you are a salty sea dog with years of experience or a land lubber who is just trying out this sport for the first time. If you are new to the world of sailing, here is the short version of important sailing tips that you should know before you get started:
Start on calm and uncrowded waters, it’s the best place to work on your skills safely. Luckily Croatia offers the calm Adriatic Sea and plenty of room to practice.
Control of the sails is a complicated art that takes years to master – but the general idea is that the sails should be flat when the wind is very strong or very light and full when the wind is moderate.
Learn the ropes on a small boat with only one sail. It’s much less complicated and you can work up to a bigger boat later.
Take a beginner sailing lesson so that you can understand the basics and learn the important safety aspects of navigating the waters.
Always research the tide, wind and weather conditions so that you will be prepared. Make sure you bring along appropriate equipment and clothing to deal with the weather.
Gain an understanding of the basic sailing terms, such as “starboard”, “port”, etc. so that you understand what they mean.
Be aware of where the boom is at all times. One of the most common beginner sailing injuries is being bumped on the head or knocked overboard by a swinging boom.
Remember that practice makes perfect and there is a lot to learn about sailing. If you want to improve your sailing skills and gain your sea legs, there is no better place in the world to practice than the tranquil azure waters along the scenic coast of Croatia.
