Holiday Joy Sailing in Croatia from Pula
Sailing Report by Klaus Pitter – Part 1 (Short Charter)
As every year, I prefer to spend my family summer vacation sailing in Croatia. Even after all the time I've spent sailing in Croatia, there's always something new to discover. The time spent together on board is very important to me, and although our children are now 16 and 20 years old, they still enjoy coming along because a vacation on the boat is something special. 😊 You are closer, have more privacy than a hotel vacation, and a more familiar atmosphere that provides valuable family moments.
Since the children were born, our annual sailing vacations have been a fixed part of their memories. Our fellow sailors are often close friends with children or now teenagers of the same age. We are often out with several families spread across different yachts.
➡️ This year, we sailed in Croatia twice. First, for 10 days on a BAVARIA C57, as a colorful group with family members from four different families. Then we did a short charter with good friends to get to know sailing on the BAVARIA Cruiser 46 "Dalisa III". We started from our bases Polesana and Veruda near the beautiful port city of Pula, which we naturally included in our itinerary.
Highlights of our Short Charter Trip
Saturday, 27.07.2024: From Veruda to Uvala Portić
Due to several 2-week trips, it's quieter at the base, and we can set off very early. On the way to Uvala Portić, which is opposite the small island of Šekovac, we make a swimming stop at the tip of Istria at the small island of Fenera. We anchor in the south of the island and swim to the coast. 🌊 The two boys, 14 and 16 years old, paddle over with the SUP, which serves as a means of transport for the wild garlic we picked on the island and will be useful in the kitchen in the coming days.
After the extensive swimming stop, we anchor with a shore line perfectly protected near the small beach bar in the eastern part of Uvala Portić. The beach bar closes at dusk; there is no music after 10:00 PM. After homemade Scampi Buzara, we enjoy a quiet and clear night. 🌙
Sunday, 28.07.2024: From Uvala Portić to ACI Marina Pula
Since we will be attending the Lenny Kravitz concert at the Pula Amphitheater in the evening, we head back to Pula by noon. In the early afternoon, we enter the marina and enjoy the afternoon strolling and sightseeing in Pula before heading to the concert. The Amphitheater regularly hosts good concerts in the summer, and arriving by boat is a real insider tip. 🤭
Coastal City of Pula:
There is so much to discover in Pula. From the ACI Marina, you can go directly to the center of the old town. The historic atmosphere and impressive sights make a visit an absolute must. The Amphitheater rises just a few hundred meters behind the yachts in the marina – a great sight! The underground tunnel system of the Zerostrasse is also a must-see. Pula offers an exciting mix of early Roman antiquity and was once the fleet port of the Austro-Hungarian Navy in World War I. A popular promenade for vacationers leads from the harbor to the triumphal Roman arch and invites you to stroll with numerous shops and cafes. 🛍️
Monday, 29.07.2024: From ACI Marina Pula to the Surrounding Bays
After a great concert evening and a longer get-together on the ship, we stay until noon in the beautiful old town of Pula. Then we head south to the Bay of Soline below Veruda and anchor in the upper part. In the evening, we return to the home port. By car, we go from Veruda to our second base Polesana in the northern part of the Bay of Pula. There we enjoy a wonderful meal at the Marina Restaurant Katarina 🍽️ – with a fantastic view of the setting sun!
Tuesday, 30.07.2024: The Last Vacation Day
We want to take the last day together easy and decide not to head for a distant destination. Instead, we go again to the picturesque Bay of Soline and anchor this time in the southern part near the campsite. Here we spend cozy hours while our boys are out and about with the SUP in all directions – it's almost hard to get them back on the ship! 😉 In the afternoon, we finally start the return journey and let a harmonious trip end on a satisfying note. ⛵
Conclusion on the Short Sailing Vacation from Pula
Our little trip to get to know sailing with our friends was a classic short charter and brought us the desired relaxation. After the fun but lively trip in a large group, this short trip allowed us to relax in complete peace. 👍 Cozy bay hopping without much action, short sailing times, and sociable evenings on board with a good glass of wine provided a welcome break. The visit to Pula rounded off the experience.
I can recommend such a varied little break to anyone looking for peace and wanting to see something at the same time. Part 2 of the report on the 10-day charter in a large group will follow soon. Stay tuned, the route leads from our new base Polesana (Pula) southwards to the Kornati Islands. - Your Klaus Pitter
