South to Korcula

We collected Vicky and Roger on Thursday 24th May from Kastela Marina north of Split. Not a memorable marina and not one to be recommended, but it is convenient for the airport. We did not waste any time in setting sail south for a pleasant overnight stay in Milna, a pretty village on the South of the island of Brac. Our return trip started well with a good lunch at anchor in Necujam on Solta, but the return sail turned uncomfortable as we hit unexpected  gale force winds about 5 miles south of Split. Roger and Vicky experienced some of the pluses and minuses of sailing, and tempered it all in jolly good spirits, as endorsed by this lovely photo!

They left on Saturday morning for the early Easyjet flight back to UK and we set sail south again in fair winds, or so we thought.  The unstable weather patterns over Croatia at that time were causing some very erratic local effects and once again we found ourselves in gale force winds approaching the north coast of Hvar. We sought shelter in the  uncluttered bay of Pribinja and picked up one of the few restaurant moorings, for the Ringo restaurant. What a find! One of most charming and attentive Maitre D’s we have ever had the pleasure to meet and the fish menu was equally delightful.  After a good night we continued our journey round the south of Hvar to the island of Korcula, and we stopped off at the largest town on the western end of Korcula, Vela Luka.  Unfortunately the local authorities are in the middle of resurfacing the roads in the town,  so we had a dusty view of it all,  but when finished it will be a good place to call in for an overnight stop and to reprovision.

Now it is Monday May 28th and we have lost the wind altogether. We had to motor the full length of the lush tree clad island of Korcula in hot sunshine, sunbathe and read our books! We stopped off at an empty bay for a swim, just to cool off, but the water temperature is still well below average and Mo did not stay in very long at all.

The last five miles were done under sail through the magnificent Peljeski Kanal, where the steep mountains tumble into the azure blue sea, to Korcula town which just takes our breath away.

It is a gem in the Adriatic . Marco Polo was born here in 1254, it is a beautiful Venetian style town set on a tiny peninsular and still completely surrounded by thick 13^th century walls. We discovered squares, narrow streets, attractive alleyways, winding stairways, tall towers, the Cathedral of St Mark, the town museum with ornate decoration on just about every building. Restaurants hug the town wall and make it all too attractive just to sit awhile over a glass of wine or two enjoying maginificent views.

You know there are just some places that imprint themselves in one’s memory. Korcula Town is one such place.