The last sailing trip in Croatia
A smooth passage to an exciting ancient city
After the refreshing stop in Okuklje, it was time to do the last sail to Dubrovnik, a 20 M trip. A crew change was due there. The conditions were calm, there was no wind, at first. Little after leaving Okuklje we found a phantom net floating in a debris field. Luckily the sea was glassy and the visibility excellent and we managed to avoid it. We called Dubrovnik harbormaster on 16, and they sent the Coast Guard to recover it. Entering into the river in Dubrovnik is quite spectacular, with the huge suspension bridge overhead. On arrival in Marina Frapa the Day Skippers in training practiced docking alongside.
We found it difficult to refuel in Dubrovnik. The fuel dock at the Yacht Club Orsan is no longer active. Following indications, we went into the fjord past the bridge. We found one huge filling station on the left bank. It was closed. The dock was frightening with lots of concrete and steel protruding. We decided not to proceed to ACI Marina. There should be another fuel dock there but the risk was to find that closed as well. We postponed refilling until Tivat.
Download here the waypoints for this trip – Warning, never use waypoints for navigation without previously validating them on your plotter.
Passage Notes
The passage between Okuklje and Dubrovnik is short, 20M, and not complicated. After exiting the bay, leave cape Stoba beacon to STBD. We will sail a 13M leg on a 110˚ course. This will lead us to have the Sveti Andrija islet to STBD [TR fl W 15S 24/12M AIS]. Changing course to 90˚ for approx. 3M will guide us through the canal’s middle. The island of Kolocep will be to port, and the islets of Grebeni and Vjesala will be to starboard.The islet of Daksa must be kept to port when entering the canal, to stud when exiting. The coast guard will fine you if you do otherwise. We then follow for approx. 2M a 065˚ route, until we have the Plic Vranac SLM to starboard. The Franjo Tudjiman bridge will be in front of us. We can go straight to the end of the fjord for ACI Marina Dubrovnik. Alternatively, turn to starboard if you are directed to Marina Frapa. Turn to starboard if you are headed to the customs and immigration dock.
Haiku of the day
Sun-kissed sails unfurl
Ancient walls greet sea’s embrace
Dubrovnik whispers
S/YJane & Darcy 
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