Colgate Sailing Adventures® — Croatia Holiday Sailing Flotilla
ROUND-TRIP ON THE CROATIA COASTLINE FROM AGANA, SAILING AS FAR NORTH AS DUBROVNIK
June 18 – 28, 2022
Sailing along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is delightful – crystal clear waters, steady winds, sunny skies and mild weather – with fascinating historic sites, a rich and diverse culture, and scenery that ranges from medieval ports to pristine bays surrounded by dense forests. Our 10-day Croatia sailing holiday starts and ends in Agana, sailing as far up as Dubrovnik in the middle, with different stops on the return. Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll love exploring the Adriatic Sea on one of the best Croatia sailing tours!
About the Sites You May Visit
Perfectly situated to allow easy cruising to a multitude of the Dalmatian islands, there are many ports, anchorages and islands to explore during Croatia sailing trips. While we can never guarantee a specific itinerary due to weather considerations and other variables here’s a description of the various stops you may visit on this Croatia Adventure. Most of the information that follows came from various websites and the Adriatic Pilot, which we highly recommend you purchase for this trip. You will gather together at Sunsail Base in Agana Marina to enjoy a great flotilla cruise adventure at a restaurant in the marina.
Places You May Visit On This Exciting Croatian Tour Under Sail
Please be aware the itineraries for our Croatia sailing tours are ALWAYS subject to change. Once you sign up for the Croatia Cruise 2022 program, you will receive a comprehensive handbook with lots of information to help you plan you trip. But always remember, though the itineraries have been researched pretty thoroughly, when you get there, you may find that the cruise leader had to make changes because of weather conditions, changes in harbors and marinas, and distances between destinations. Reserve your spot on this sailing holiday in Croatia below!
SAILING RESUME REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Important Notes:
- These trips are hands-on activities that require complete, unaided mobility getting on and off docks, boats, and dinghies.
- All participants will complete and submit a Sailing Resume before being confirmed on the trip, including answering questions regarding existing medical conditions that may hinder their full participation.
- A Skipper and Navigator will be assigned to each boat based on the completed Resumes.
- All Skippers on European charter trips must also have their US Sailing IPC, International Proficiency Certificate. Learn more about the IPC here.
Your cruise leaders must have a completed resume for all who book a Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise. When you are ready to book, please print, fill out and email the form in the link below and send it to Cheryl@OffshoreSailing.com.
SAILING RESUME FOR FLOTILLA CRUISES
888-454-7015
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
Agana to Dubrovnik
June 18, 2022 – Arrival Day in Agana
Situated in the middle of the Croatian coastline, Marina Agana is a lovely town with bright, terracotta roofs and rough-hewn stone walls. Just a short distance from Split airport, this is the start of our Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise in Croatia. The village of Marina is a short walk from the boats, with several restaurants and bars, two well stocked supermarkets, currency exchange office, a pharmacy, post office and pebble beaches if you want to swim. Boarding is at 6 p.m. Tonight you sleep aboard in the marina.
Below you will find information on ports you may visit during your Cruise:
Trogir
The old town of Trogir is on a small island between the mainland to the north and Otok Ciovo to the south. It is a lovely place to visit, with many medieval houses and churches bordering narrow streets. The old town was built on the foundations of the Greek colony of Tragurion. It was an important Roman port until it was nearly destroyed by the Saracens. Trogir rebuilt and had great prosperity for the next two centuries. Between 1420 and 1797 it was ruled by Venetians, who left an architectural imprint on the town. Places to visit include the museum and castle, medieval houses and churches. Don’t miss the carved doorway at the cathedral, known as Radovan’s Portal after its sculptor. Carved in 1240, it is a fascinating example of medieval sculpture. The fleet will berth in Marina Trogir or the ACI Marina. Both marinas have full facilities. The town has good supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, a big daily fruit and vegetable market, and a fish market on the town quay.
Luka Milna on Otok Brac
Brac (pronounced “Bratch”) has the highest mountain in Croatia and is the third largest island in the Adriatic. If you have a chance to climb or get a ride to the top, you’ll find magnificent views. On a clear day you can see the Italian coast 85 meters away. Like so many areas in the region Brac has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Illyrians, Romans, Greeks, Slavs, Croats, Bosnians, Venetians, the French and Russians all left their mark at one time or another. For a short period, pirates from Omis ruled, and Brac was in the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1797 to 1918. Venetian architecture is the most prevalent. The island is famous for its stone, with quarries visible from the sea. There are abandoned agricultural terraces on coastal slopes, indicating its once-rich farming industries. Luka Milna is the most sheltered harbor on Bravc. It was the Russian Adriatic fleet base in 1807, and before that a haven for Venetian fleets. The attractive town of Milna has a large ACI Marina where you will likely dock. Supermarkets, a green grocer, butcher, bakery, fruit and vegetable market, internet cafe, restaurants, bars, bicycles, and more are all available here.
Hvar Town on Otok Hvar
Otok Hvar is a an agricultural and fishing island, and the town of Hvar on the west end of the island is a highlight of the cruise. Fields are studded with vineyards, olive groves, fields of lavender and rosemary. The picturesque town of Hvar bans vehicles on its streets and piazza. Hvar developed during the Middle Ages and was the government center during Venetian rule. Town walls, a government palace, bishop’s palace and an arsenal to house war galleys were built by Venetians. The French were in control from 1806 to 1813 and built Fort Napoleon in 1811, which is now used as an observatory. As you approach the bustling harbor, you’ll easily see a conspicuous radio mast, the fort above town and town walls. If the quay is full, the fleet will anchor in the bay, avoiding ferry channels. The town quay has all the typical marina services. In town there is much to explore: the arsenal which is now an art gallery; the theater built on top of the arsenal in 1612; the cathedral and Franciscan monastery. The piazza (square) is the largest in Dalmatia, dominated by the 16 century cathedral with bell tower, and bordered by Gothic and Renaissance palaces. The old town is surrounded by defensive walls, with a town gate still in place. A citadel with a museum and restaurant/bar on top of the hill, provides a fabulous view of the town and Pakleni islands.
Luka Loviste on Peljesac Peninsula
Loviste is small seaside town in a cove near the western tip of the Peljesac peninsula in the Dubrovnik-Neretva county of Croatia. Founded in 1885, it has a population of just 244 and is popular with vacationers seeking a quiet summer getaway. The bay is one of the most beautiful on the peninsula, with coves and natural beaches. This stop is a favorite for sailors because of its rich culinary diversity, featuring Dalmatian seafood specialties, ecologically grown vegetables and local olive oils. Black Peljesac wines (Dingac, Postup) are produced from local grapes. White Korcula wines (Posip, Grk) and various domestic aperitifs are also popular in this region. Loviste white wine (Prc or Muscat) is identified by its high percentage of sugar and dark color. Loviste is best known for its beautiful beaches and clear, warm sea. Among its many restaurants and taverns is Restaurant Gradina, about 300 meters from the center of town.
Luka Polace on Otok Mljet
The story goes that Calypso held Odysseus on the island of Mljet for seven years, and the island has been inhabited since the time of the Illyrians. Because of their propensity to raid Roman ships, Emperor Augustus conquered the Illyrians and Mljet became a Roman possession until the Roman empire collapsed. Controlled by Greeks and later Slavs, in 1151 the island was given to Benedictine monks from Italy. In 1333, it was acquired by the Dubrovnik Republic. Mjlet is covered with forests and its residents are mostly involved in agriculture. The Luka Polace anchorage is at the far end of a long inlet, protected by four wooded islands as you approach. Moor bow to the quay near the castle, or at one of the quays owned by the restaurants. Or you may anchor in the north part of the bay where there is excellent shelter. Ashore you’ll find shops, a bakery, cafe/bar and restaurants with WiFi available to patrons. It is a safe place to leave the boats while you explore. A highly recommended walk on footpaths leading to and around salt lakes provides beautiful vistas. When you anchor National Park wardens will charge a fee for entry to the Park (around 100 kuna), which includes the cost of a bus ride to the lakes and a boat trip out to see the monastery which is off limits as it has been returned to the Church. You can swim and rent kayaks in the salt lakes. There is a ruined castle overlooking the bay, built in the 3rd or 4th century AD, which has colorful history involving emperors and poetry. Next to the castle are the ruins of an early 5th century Christian basilica.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is both a medieval and cosmopolitan city with a fascinating mix of architectural styles from Renaissance to Gothic and Baroque. You can walk a full circuit along the walls of the Old Town battlements, with magnificent views of the sea and ancient structures. Modern Dubrovnik has many cafes and restaurants, great shopping and a vibrant nightlife. There are a number of museums including the quiet cloister of the Dominican Monastery in Old Town, which houses a small but stunning collection of Renaissance art. Luza Square in the center of the medieval town is known for its pigeons and lively sidewalk cafes. After you get settled aboard, join the flotilla group for the Meet and Greet Welcome Party and Dinner, hosted by Nate and Heather Atwater near the marina.
Okuklje on Mljet
Mljet is a lush, forested island approximately 20 miles long and 2 miles wide, that runs parallel to the mainland north of Dubrovnik. It is purported to be where Odysseus holed up with the nymph Calypso for seven years, unable to tear himself away either from her or the beautiful island. Some say It is also where St. Paul ran aground on his way to Italy and was bitten by a viper before setting sail again. Mongooses, which you are likely to see, were introduced here in the 19th century to get rid of the snakes. In its day, Mljet was used by the Romans as a place of exile, then became a summer residence for the admirals of Dubrovnik. Okuklje is an attractive, land-locked anchorage surrounded by green, wooded slopes with a number of bars and restaurants and places to explore. Some of the locals make and sell wine out of grapes grown in this island’s vineyards.
Korcula Town on Otok Korcula
One of the greenest islands of the Adriatic, the ancient Greeks called Korcula (pronounced Korchula) “The Black Island” because of its dense, dark forests. Korcula Town, often dubbed Little Dubrovnik, looks like a giant sandcastle jutting out into the sea. A medieval walled city, it was occupied by the Venetians more or less continuously for 800 years from the 10th Century on. Here you’ll visit the birthplace home of Marco Polo. The Church of Our Lady, which doubles as a local artists gallery, is paved with tombstones of Korculan nobles. St Mark’s Cathedral has an outstanding rose window, a cornice carved with strange beasts and a Tintoretto altarpiece in the interior. Next door is The Bishop’s Treasury with an excellent small art collection and impressive icon gallery. Korcula Town has plenty of restaurants serving everything from pizza to seafood and excellent local wines (Grk, Posip, Rukatac) which you can find in its shops and bars along the seafront promenade. This is a good place to replenish the galley at its daily fruit and vegetable market.
Luka Lovisce on Otok Scedro
Otok Scedro is an island that lies south of Hvar, and is separated from it by the Scedrovski Kanal. Grain used to be grown here, and there was a fishing industry. The ruins of a Dominican monastery founded in the 15th century and abandoned in the 18th century are seen at the head of Uvala Manastir, one of the two most popular anchorages. The flotilla fleet will anchor in Luka Lovisce, or perhaps pick up one of the restaurant moorings as there are several popular bistros ashore.
Stari Grad Harbor on Otok Hvar
Hvar is a popular vacation island because of its mild, sunny climate. Fishermen ply the waters, and the island is known for its vineyards, olive groves, fields of lavender and rosemary. Stari Grad was settled in the 4th century BC by Greeks from Paros and parts of the ancient Greek walls were incorporated into later buildings. Its harbor is a popular stop for sailors, with berths on its south quay. Here you will go bow or stern-to, using lines provided, or pick up a mooring off the main quay. There many shops including bakeries and wine shops, a daily fruit and veggie market and a fish market. Sites to see include Tvrdalj, the fortified summer residence of famous Hvar poet, Petar Hektorovic; the maritime museum and fishpond.
Stomorska Harbor on Otok Solta
Otok Solta is one of the smallest inhabited Croatian islands, just 9 meters long by 2 meters wide. Rocky on the eastern shore and covered with scrub to the west, much of the interior is farmed with olive trees and grape vines. Stomorska is a small village on the north coast of Solga, with a quay for yachts (bow or stern-to), mini-markets, restaurants, a pizzeria, and bar. Water and electricity, toilets and showers are also available.
June 27 – Return to Sunsail Base in Agana Marina
This is the last day of cruising on our Croatian Holiday Adventure. The flotilla fleet will enjoy a leisurely sail to the Sunsail Base in Agana Marina, and tonight you gather to celebrate a great flotilla cruise adventure at a restaurant in the marina. A fortified tower or kula, built in the 16th century by the Bishop of Trogir to protect against the Turks, is now a restaurant and hotel. Elsewhere in the marina are supermarkets, a pharmacy, post office, tourist information, restaurants and bars.
June 28 – Depart for Home or Stay Ashore and Visit the Countryside
Everyone will need to be off the boats by 9 a.m. which should give you plenty of time to get to the airport for your trip home. Or you may want to spend some time ashore at a nice hotel, rent a car and do a little touring on your own before heading back to the Split Airport for the flight home.
888-454-7015
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
THE CROATIA FLOTILLA FLEET
Our fabulous Croatia sailing trip will be sailed aboard Moorings 4500 and Sunsail 454 catamarans with 4 cabins each. There area a total of 11 cabins available with ensuite heads (bathrooms with showers), big spacious decks, a large main salon and so many other cruising comforts, you’ll love sailing these catamarans.
888-454-7015
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
CROATIA HOLIDAY FLOTILLA CRUISE PACKAGES
- Single in a private cabin – $7,295
- Two sharing a cabin – $6,595 per person
$300 Loyalty Discount for Offshore Sailing School Graduates with Bareboat Cruising Certification:
- Single in a private cabin – $6,995
- Two sharing a cabin – $6,295
A word about discounts: Only those who qualify will receive the discount. If you are traveling with someone who does not have US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification from Offshore Sailing School, the original packages apply for that sailor.
888-454-7015
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
SPACE IS LIMITED — JUST 15 TOTAL CABINS AVAILABLE!
Your Croatia Sailing Holiday Includes
- Your private or shared cabin
- Starter pack of breakfast, lunch provisions
- Welcome Meet and Greet Party and Dinner
- Celebratory End of Cruise Dinner
- Commemorative Croatia Cruise polo shirt and hat
- Damage waiver
- Fuel, and initial supply of ice and water
- Comprehensive PDF handbook provided in advance – giving you more information to prepare for this cruise
- Heather and Nate Atwater guiding the cruise
Payment Terms
To reserve your cabin, a 30% deposit of the total package is due when you sign up. Terms and Conditions signed with this deposit outline cancellation policies. Final or full payment, plus a $300 refundable security deposit per person is due on February 18, 2022, at which time no refunds are allowed. We stand by our cancellation policies, no exceptions are made. Please purchase trip insurance!
Not Included in Your Package
- Travel to and from Dubrovnik and/or Agana, including transfers to and from airport
- Shore-based accommodations
- Food and beverages beyond the starter pack provided
- Any meals and beverages bought ashore before, during and after the cruise
- Docking, anchoring or mooring fees
- Fuel, ice and water purchased during the cruise
- Tourism taxes
- Park fees
- Departure taxes and other fees should they occur
A Kitty for Each Yacht: Each crew member aboard each boat will contribute to a “kitty” to use for any items and services not included in your package, but shared by all those aboard. Expect to bring at least $300 for such expenses. Credit cards may be used at many local establishments.
Qualifications and Boat Assignments
When the cruise is filled, the Atwaters assign crews in advance to each of the four yachts for each leg, based on resumes we ask you to fill out when you sign up. They will sail and live aboard one of the yachts and, using the resumes, will assign a “Skipper” and a “Navigator” to each of the other yachts. It is required that the assigned Skipper on each flotilla boat has official cruising certification and we would like the assigned Navigator to have this certification too: ICC qualification or RYA Day Skipper certification from Canada and abroad; for US citizens, an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) from US Sailing. The IPC requires you have a minimum of US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification and currently costs just $40. We recommend you apply for the IPC if you do have Bareboat Cruising Certification. If you don’t have US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification, there’s plenty of time to take one of our Cruising Courses that qualifies you for the IPC from US Sailing. Every effort will be made to honor shared boat requests among parties, however the final assignments will be made by the Trip Leaders, based on experience and fair numbers of participants aboard each boat.
Who Should Participate and Boat Assignments
This cruise is open to graduates of Offshore Sailing School and other sailors with good experience sailing boats of at least 26’. Yes, you may participate if you are accompanying a qualified sailor and only have graduated from our Learn to Sail course or have very little sailing experience. Like all Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotillas, we ask that all participants attest to the fact that, without help from others, they are able to easily get around the boat, and in and out of the dinghy from the boat and shore, and are able to walk narrow gang planks from boat to quay. You also must be able and willing to participate in trimming sails, steering, navigating or learning about navigation if you don’t have those skills, and share in the cooking and cleaning up chores. The fleet will be doing a lot of anchoring, bow and/or stern-to docking, and may pick up moorings in some areas. It’s always more fun – and safer – if you know what you are doing, so if you haven’t yet gotten your Bareboat Cruising Certification, Offshore Sailing School has many great courses in Florida and the British Virgin Islands you can participate in before this cruise starts.
Book Your Cabin Now!