Whilst waiting for the Bura to blow through we went on an extended walk on Molat, which we had visited many times but not had time to explore inland. To our interest and surprise we discovered that Molat had been the site of a large Italian run Concentration Camp during WWII and from 1941-1942 had housed over 25,000 captured Croatians and of which many had died on Molat. There were remains of watchtowers, derelict camp buildings and walls, pathways and possible burial grounds cascading through wooded areas down the hill from the top of the small town towards the east facing coast, as shown in a few photos below. One could almost feel the uneasy past, but now there were good signs of harbour wall regeneration on the east coast, plenty of brand new park benches and perhaps this is now a well frequented holiday camp site. Molat is a quiet and private island not very willing to give up its secrets.
We sailed with Pam and Alan to Veli Rat on Dugi Otok and found a sheltered anchorage away from the strong North Easterlies that continued to blow. Next day though, now Tuesday 22nd September, the day dawned with little wind and plenty of sunshine, so we enjoyed a slow sail south to Preko, arriving at the Marina there around 6pm. We were enthusiastically greeted by CA members Gillian Percy and Marjory Bradley and there seemed to be quite a collection of British sailors moored there. Preko, see below, is delightful and we had a lovely evening revisiting Restaurant Joso to whose opening night we had been 5 years previously. It was still good!
The last leg Preko to Sukosan on Wednesday 23rd September in good winds enabled us to do a record trip averaging 7 knots. A great way to end the sailing season.
Soon after we arrived in Sukosan on Wednesday we all took a whistlestop tour of Zadar in the last of the fine weather for a while. The famous promenade sea organ was a favourite to see and hear.
Pam and Alan departed Thursday in torrential rain and another Bura. We have 4 days ahead to clean up, pack up, lift Deja Vu and winterise her until next year.
Although we had more disjointed sailing this year, and stayed in Croatia, we are pleased that we discovered several new places to visit and enjoyed some hot sunny days and good sailing. September proved to be excessively windy with Buras and Yugos blowing in succession. One thing is sure, variety is the spice of life and the weather in Croatia does not disappoint on this score! We are looking to Greece next year but will see how the politics and economics, (especially in relation to the marine industry and tourism) pan out over the winter before making any commitments.
Deja Vu 
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