Tips for Sailing in Croatia Part I: Avoiding Fines, Prices of Marinas and Boat Safety

1. Safety first

Usually your skipper will be able to handle 99% of problems that might arise while sailing, but in the unlikely case of a serious emergency the following informations are extremely useful.

• The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) is located in Rijeka and is on call 24 hours a day, and can be reached by phone by dealing 195, or +385 51 195. In addition VHF channels 10 and 16 are on call as well. 
• The universal phone number for all emergencies in Croatia is 112.

2. The easiest way not to pay a fine

All motorboat, jet skies and other boats capable of forming wakes are not allowed to do so if they are less than 300m form the shore. Be very aware of this rule. It is not just about avoiding fines, it is first and foremost a matter of safety especially in and around popular tourist locations. A 15 minute shorter trip is not worthy of a human life. 

3. Anchor, buoy or marina? 

There might be better things in life than to sit on a boat deck in the sunset with great friend and a couple of beers, but none come to mind. 

The great thing about boats is that you choose your sunset, will it be in some secluded cove at anchor, or a restaurant with buoys in front or a Marina overlooking a old stone city is up to you.

Here are some informations that make it easier to choose:

• Prices of Marinas, berths and buoys vary, but they are usually formed according to the length of the boat and the service which is included in the price. 
• Prices of Marinas and harbours range from 20 to 80 kn per meter. And they usually include water and power. Marinas offer showers and toilets, while with local harbours it is wise to check before hand because it varies from place to place. 
• Buoys prices range from 5 to 30 kn per meter, and most offer trash take away. Some offer to deliver bread, pastries and newspaper in the morning, but ask your skipper for details (the good one know where you can get fresh bread delivered) 
• During the summer there are a lot of boats at sea and it is wise to get a place for the night sooner than later. Also ACI marinas offer the option to reserve a place in a marina (for more information visit ACI’s website)
• Croatia is full of amazing restaurants that are strew across the coast and the island, and many have a couple of buoys and/or moorings which are great alternatives when you want to have great food away from the tourists in the coastal towns. Just make sure to reserve a table and the mouring ahead of time, because they tend to book very quickly. 

Stay tuned for part II. Visit Danielis Yachting and follow us on Facebook for more info and special offers.