1. Split – Milna (island Brač)
2. Milna (island Brač) – Jelsa
3. Jelsa – Hvar (Stari Grad)
4. Hvar (Stari Grad) – Komiža
5. Komiža – Vis
6. Vis – Hvar (Palmižana)
7. Hvar (Palmižana) – Split
Day one:
The Venetians called Milna „Valle di mille navi“ (the bay of a thousand ships) and it’s reputed as the safest and the most beautiful harbour of Brač. Bay Milna is located on the west side of the island, protectet from all the winds. ACI Milna offers 170 wet berths, 15 dry berths and high quality service even to the most demanding sailors. Have in mind that even the Russians harboured their fleet in Milna dring the Napoleonic war and they battled French in major naval battle in the waters of Milna. The islet of Mrdulja, 2.5 miles west of Milna, can serve as a landmark when approaching.
Day two:
The port of Jelsa is located on the N coast of the island and provides good shelter from all the winds, except strong NE wind. There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Jelsa. Depths in the port entrance are 6 metres and on the quays 3 – 4 m. Unfortunately, there is no suitable sheltered overnight anchorage close to Jelsa. When the weather is fine it is possible to anchor outside the port in 7 – 8 m (seabed is combination of sand and weed).
Day three:
The marina in the port of Stari Grad is located at Nova Riva, in front of Port Authorities, but you might find a place to moor at the old ferry port at the mooring place in the middle of the bay. It is possible for short periods to tie up alongside at the E end of the ferry quay half a mile SW of the harbour entrance. Depths here are around 3.0 metres, but shoal to less than 2.0 metres at the inner end.
Visiting yachts can berth to the town quay (cca 60 mooring lines) on the south side of the inlet, past the short jetty. Shelter here is good in all but strong W or NW winds. Water and electricity supply is available all along the S quay. Short jetty (depths are around 4 – 5 m) is reserved for hotel boats and tourist boats, although it is possible to moor alongside it temporarily (or during off season).
Alternatively, you can use one of 16 mooring buoys located around 50 metres off the N side of the port, where the depths are around 3 – 4 m. Vigilance is needed when approaching the N quay as the depth is too shallow for yachts. Stari Grad (literally Old Town) is the oldest town on island. The bay is enough safe to stay overnight. What to visit while you are in stari Grad? Petar Hektorović castle and Škor square for sure.
Day four:
In Komiža’s quey there are 30 spaces for sailors so it’s very likely you’ll have to manage. It’s possible to drop the anchor which could be quite a challenge. First reason is because you are not protected of the southern wind and the second is because you have to be aware of chains at the bottom of the sea dropped by anchored fishermen’s boats.
Luckily, there are approximately seventy buoys owned by Nautical center. They are placed on both sides of the breakwater, cca 20 on the south side, and cca 50 on the north side. Whichever buoy you chose, you’ll enjoy the view to Komiža’s bay.
Day five:
Vis is most western island in Dalmatian archipelago. On your way from Hvar to Vis you can experience 6 miles wide wavey Vis channel so prepare your boat and sailing route according to winds, during summer months it’s mostly strong maestral. Vis port is spacious 1mile deep bay, open from NE, exposed to northern wind (bora) which blows directly, causing big waves. The port can accomodate over 100 boats, and there are buoys aswell but lately it’s overcrowded.
The part of port which is called Veli mir will provide you protection throughout bad conditions because it’s the most protected part of all the parts of this port.you’ll have good anchoring if you drop the anchore in 7 – 8 m depth. Since there is ferryboat port, gas station and catamaran passes aswell, you can’t count on completely silence.
About 6 km from town of Vis, there is Stončica cove, better known as swimming spot, than anchorage because many sailors rather choose to stay overnight in Vis or Komiža. At the end of Stončica you can spot beautiful sandy beach with lots of shade, Mediterranean vegetation, and the entrance to the sea is very shallow (more than 40m to get to sea-depth of 1m). Stončica is under the consession (Gradina d.o.o.) and you will recognize it by 38m high lighthouse. The cove indented for almost a half of mile so it’s protected from all the winds except northern. Drop an anchor in southern part of cove (5 to 15 m depth) but take care because of sandy seabed. It would be easier if you find a buoy.
Port of Rogačić, just a 1 km far from town of Vis, consists of two coves – Rogačić and Parja which are protected by peninsula Rogačić. Compared to Rogačić, Pirja is a bit safer for anchoring because Rogačić is more exposed to N wind. You can drop an anchor in Parja at 4 – 10m depth, in Rogačić at 6m depth, but the seabed at both is similar: mud and seaweed. These coves are excellent choice for those who would like to enjoy peaceful vacation close to urban centre. It is possible to take a swim on lovely pebble beaches. In Rogačić there’s even an entrance to large tunnel used as a hidding place for military ships once the island of Vis was the most important military base.
Day six:
Palmižana is the most famous tourist resort and natural paradise with a nautic marina. ACI marina Palmižana lies in Palmižana bay on st. Klement island (the largest island of pakleni islands) just 2,5 miles from Hvar. Palmižana offers lots of exciting entertainments: hiking, swimming, surfing, kayaking, diving, great nightlife, but also perfect peace to relax your body and mind from the bustle of city life.
The marina has 180 wet berths, it’s extremely busy in high season, because it provides protection from strong winds. It’s open from April to October. Palmižana has excellent location so it’s easily to set off to explore numerous hidden coves and isolated beaches. Sometimes there is a chance of tidal wave in case of heavy west or southwest winds. In fornt of the entrance to marina lies baba Rock, marked by lighthouse. As the rock is wide, we recommend you not to sail too close to it, especially on it’s N side.
Day seven:
Hope you are not having hangover after a night(life) in Palmižana, because it’s time to have a cup of morning coffee and plan your trip back to Split.
Milna: fuel station, ATM, resuaturant, water, electricity, exchange office, market, laundry
Jelsa: restaurant, exchange office, ATM
Hvar (Stari Grad): water, electricity, restaurant, buoys, market, ATM, exchange office
Komiža: anchorage, buoys, restaurant, ATM, Exchange office, market
Vis: buoys, anchorage, restaurant, ATM, electricity, water, exchange office, fuel station
Hvar (Palmižana): exchange office, restaurant, fuel station, market, water, electricity