Central Dalmatia

Central Dalmatia, Croatia. A seven day sailing week from Split. Islands two hours apart, stone harbours and the clearest water in the Adriatic.

Here is the whole loop: 7 short legs and about 108 nautical miles in total. Maslinica, Vis town, Komiža, Palmižana, Bol, Milna, and back to Split.

Day 1. Split to Maslinica, Šolta, about 12 miles. A short first sail west out of the Split channel while you get to know the boat, with time for a swim before the evening. Swim stop in Nečujam bay on Šolta's north coast. Marina berth in Maslinica, a quiet village with a castle on the waterfront.

Day 2. Maslinica to Vis town, about 20 miles. The longest open-water crossing of the week, south to Vis, usually on the afternoon breeze. Vis was a closed military island until 1989 and still feels unhurried. Stern-to on the town quay or on a mooring buoy in the bay.

Day 3. Vis town to Komiža, about 17 miles. Round the west end of Vis to Biševo for the Blue Cave in the morning light, then across to the fishing town of Komiža. Blue Cave, Biševo: yachts wait outside and visit by small boat. Buoys or anchor off Komiža; the town quay fills early.

Day 4. Komiža to Palmižana, Pakleni islands, about 16 miles. Back east to the Pakleni islands, the pine-covered chain off Hvar town, with sheltered bays for lunch. Marina berth at Palmižana; water taxis run to Hvar town for the evening.

Day 5. Palmižana to Bol, Brač, about 15 miles. North round the tip of Hvar and east along the Hvar channel to Bol, home of the Zlatni Rat beach. Small harbour in Bol; arrive early or anchor west of the beach in settled weather.

Day 6. Bol to Milna, Brač, about 18 miles. West along the south coast of Brač, past steep cliffs and quiet coves, to the deep, sheltered inlet of Milna. Marina berth in Milna, one of the best-protected harbours in the area.

Day 7. Milna to Split, about 10 miles. A short morning hop through the Split Gate between Šolta and Brač, refuel, and back to base by late afternoon. Return to the charter base for check-out the next morning.

Where to fill up. Water and shore power are available in the marinas and on most town quays, but not on buoys or at anchor. Fuel is available in Split, Vis town, Komiža, Milna. Keep the tanks topped up when you pass a fuel station.

Summer brings settled weather with a daily sea breeze. Two winds change plans: the bura and the jugo. The Maestral blows from the north-west. Afternoon sea breeze from late morning to sunset, usually force 3 to 4. Ideal sailing. The Bura blows from the north-east. Cold, dry and violently gusty off the mountains, even under clear skies. Seek shelter on the mainland side of islands or stay in harbour. The Jugo blows from the south-east. Warm and humid, building over a day or two with a long swell and rain. Avoid harbours open to the south.

Stern-to mooring with lazy lines is the norm in marinas and on town quays. Have fenders out on both sides and a crew member ready at the bow. The Split Gate between Šolta and Brač is the main route in and out of Split. Expect ferries, fast catamarans and heavy traffic in summer. Waters are deep close to most shores, but check the chart for isolated rocks and shoals off headlands, especially around the Pakleni islands. Many bays have paid buoy fields. Anchoring is not allowed in some protected areas: follow local signs and the charter company's briefing.

Best months: May, June, September. Sea temperature: Around 18 °C in May, 24 to 26 °C in July and August, 22 °C in late September. No sailing licence? Add a skipper and simply enjoy the week.