Cruising Croatia 2023 Flotilla Highlights | Modern Sailing

Cruising Croatia 2023 Flotilla Highlights

As always, Croatia is an incredible cruising ground, the most active sailing area in Europe. While this can lead to crowded anchorages, there are ample alternatives to the more popular spots. The Dalmatian Islands were our playground this September of 2023 — Trogir, Brać, Hvar, Vis, Lastovo, Mljet, Korčula, and Šolta. 

September can sometimes bring weather to the islands, necessitating a few changes to itineraries. Leg One was delightful with exception of some breezy southeast headwinds. Dodging one thunderstorm delayed the Leg Two flotilla by one afternoon, allowing for parlor games and a splendid dinner aboard. Croatia’s islands afford numerous anchorages to accommodate itinerary changes for sailors. The country has prioritized nautical tourism so facilities are abundant and top notch. 

During the adventure, Modern sailors had the opportunity to visit and tour historic vicinities of Uvala Gradina, Vela Luka, and Korcula Town on Korcula Island; Konoba Galija, Pomena; Lastovo, Uvala Skrivin; Uvala Prozura; Uvala Lučice, Brać; the famous Pakleni Island off Hvar Island, and more.

Tying up on the quay at Kut, Vis, the sailors found numerous konobas (wine cellars) and espresso bars to delight their senses. Offering a relaxed change of pace, Lastovo, Uvala Skrivina was quaint anchorage, isolated, and refreshingly undeveloped. The Konoba Porto Rosso provided an incredible meal under the stars and olive trees, an introduction to Dingac wine, and a traditional peka meal, a first for some in the group. A quay tie-up at Pomena brought them to Konoba Galija for another spectacular dinner. Korcula Town, Korcula Island is a gem for onshore activities — catching the famous sword dance, history, great food, and wine. At Hvar Island, the sailors explored one of Trip Leader Capt. Stephen Spoja's favorite spots, Stari Grad, a most picturesque and charming town with many konobas, swimming spots, and cafés. 

Chibby Alloway was among the flotilla participants and was kind enough to share his personal thoughts about his recent experience sailing and exploring Croatia with Modern Sailing Global Destinations:

The Best Highlights of the Cruising Croatia 2023 Flotilla

  • Incredible blue water with excellent swimming options at every stop. The water was so clear, typically we could see our anchorage down thirty to thirty-five feet!
  • You go for the sea but every island stop had lots of hiking options. Several were National Parks and others were walks to wineries.
  • Towns and harbors were coffee book picture material. Several of our anchorages had only 3-4 boats – isolated and quiet.
  • Wine tasting was an option throughout the trip. In within town shops or at wineries. They offered up good tastes at fair prices. As lover of our local zin’s – it was interesting and fun to taste the parents and children of the original zinfandel variety. The whites surprised – unique and good buys.

Why Others Should Consider a Global Destinations Flotilla

  • The catamarans we used were great boats for sitting, reading, and sleeping, and stable even in choppy seas. The seas and boats significantly minimize any seasickness concerns.
  • Novice sailors can relax, the catamarans are easy boats to sail and the hired skippers handle the tough stuff. 
  • The boat was a movable hotel room with great views and towns as your next stop.  We covered 10 days of sailing and new towns and never had to pack up and lug the suitcase up the stairs. At night you feel like you are sleeping at home.

A Glimpse into the Cruising Croatia Experience

We've also pulled together a short video with some of the photos taken by Cruising Croatia participants so you can have a glimpse into their experience. The end of the video includes an announcement about where Modern Sailing Global Destinations is going next!

 

Share This Page

Testimonials

  • David Dolenc, Member

    I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and greatly appreciate everything that MSC has to offer, the classes, clinics, club sails, racing and charters. I enjoy our supportive sailing community and use every opportunity to spend time on the water. After obtaining the certifications from MSC I did my first charter in Croatia in 2022 with my family. It was amazing and we’re looking forward to returning soon!

    David Dolenc
  • Rolf Zingg

    Since many, many years, I had the dream to sail underneath the Golden Gate bridge. On October 14th last year, my dream became true. Thanks to our dear friend Aaron Fritz who made it possible and organized this cruise for us. With this adventure I was able to achieve one more milestone on my sailing career.

    Finally on the water, it was great! Full moon made the flows even stronger and it was like sailing in a washing machine.

    I did my sailing education in the English Channel, where the situation with the wind and flows is comparable to the San Francisco Bay. So I felt pretty much "at home" being on the helm in the Bay.

    I hope our skipper Stan Lander enjoyed this day cruise too. We, definitely did! It was an unforgettable experience for all of us.

    A very big thank you to all of you who made it possible, that my dream became reality! Also thank you for the MSC flag I got at the end of the day. It found it's place in my study, where I can see it daily.

    Rolf Zingg
  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

    I would definitely recommend Modern Sailing to anyone who is interested in learning to sail the right way.

Follow us
on Social Media

Modern Sailing School & Club

Contact Us

Modern Sailing School & Club

Sausalito Location
2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

Berkeley Location
1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

Map / Directions