Crotone – Dubrovnik

16 June 2024

Italian Naval Ship

After a restful night at Yachting Kroton Club marina, we embarked on our journey to Dubrovnik. Rounding the boot of Italy, we caught a decent current that carried us smoothly toward our destination. The seas were calm, the sky hazy and a bit humid, making for a pleasant, uneventful voyage. We took turns with four-hour shifts: David started at 1800, followed by Brian at 2200, and so on. During Brian’s 2200 shift, he observed three Italian naval ships passing by, which were not on AIS. Staying vigilant, he used binoculars and radar to ensure our course was clear.

Arrival in Dubrovnik

We are scheduled to arrive in Dubrovnik at 1830 on June 17, where we will stay at Marina Frapa Dubrovnik until June 20. Dubrovnik’s harbor is renowned for its scenic beauty and excellent facilities. It serves as an ideal starting point for a boating adventure, offering secure moorings, refueling stations, and various services to ensure a smooth arrival and departure. The harbor’s close proximity to the historic Old Town allows boaters to enjoy a blend of cultural exploration and nautical preparation. You can find more information about Marina Frapa at www.marinafrapa.hr.

Mikel and Rachel, Brian’s wife, will join us on the evening of June 19. On the morning of June 20, we will set out to explore the beautiful Croatian Islands, heading toward Zadar. Mikel has a return flight to Luxembourg on the 24th from Zadar airport, and Rachel departs on the 25th from Split.

Cruising the Croatian Coastline

The journey from Dubrovnik to Zadar offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The Croatian coastline is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from rocky cliffs and secluded bays to lush islands and vibrant coastal towns. As you cruise northward, you’ll encounter a series of enchanting islands, each offering unique experiences and anchorage spots. Highlights include the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park, the charming island of Korčula, and the vibrant port town of Split. Each stop along the way provides unique opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Exploring Further

After our wives depart, Brian and I will continue our exploration of the Croatian coast, heading up to Trieste, Italy. From there, we will journey back down the coast to Sarande, Albania which is just north of Corfu. We plan to stay the evening in Sarande to refuel, taking advantage of the tax-free diesel available there. Our good friend, Marcel Waltzler, recommended using Saranda Summer Tours Yachting Agency for arranging fuel. We’re looking forward to meeting Jelia, who has been very helpful to Marcel in the past.

From Sarande, we will proceed to Athens via the Corinth Canal, a route that Mikel, Scott, and I enjoyed passing through in the summer of 2022. This leg of our journey promises to be as exciting and memorable as the rest.