Noonsite Port of the Month: Dubrovnik

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-09-06 12:36:22
Topic: Noonsite
Countries: Croatia

No other country in the world has seen such an expansion in yachting in recent years as Croatia with thousands of charter yachts and almost as many private yachts enjoying the countless cruising opportunities of its many islands and attractive shoreline. Nature has been extremely generous with Croatia but man has made his own contribution with countless picturesque ports dotted about the coastline and surrounding islands. Foremost among them is the medieval city of Dubrovnik now restored to its former splendour after the devastation cased by the 1991-92 siege when the Yugoslav army bombarded the old port during the war of Croatian independence.

Declared a world heritage site in 1979, Dubrovnik is one of the best preserved walled medieval cities, its many historic buildings bearing witness to a glorious past. In the 16th century, during the height of the Ragusa Republic, as Dubrovnik was then called, it competed with Venice for the mastery of the Mediterranean. At that time it had the third largest commercial fleet in the world, with over 180 long distance trading vessels manned by thousands of highly qualified sailors. Dalmatian captains had such a high reputation that they were sought after throughout the world. This glorious seafaring past is beautifully illustrated in the Maritime Museum located inside the city ramparts.

As Croatia’s southernmost port of entry, Dubrovnik is a convenient port to complete formalities by yachts arriving from other parts of the Mediterranean. The actual port of entry is Gruz, Dubrovnik’s commercial harbour, located in a sheltered inlet north of the city itself. Arriving yachts should come alongside the eastern quay, next to the ferry terminal, where the customs and immigration offices are located. Having completed those formalities, the captain must visit the harbour master’s office, across the road, to pay and acquire the compulsory cruising permit. In 2006, the annual permit for a 13 metre (43 foot) yacht was approximately €250.

Having completed entry formalities, yachts may move along the quay in Gruz itself, where a section of the main quay is used by visiting yachts. Dubrovnik’s old harbour (Stara Luka), within the medieval ramparts, is reserved for the use of small fishing craft and excursion boats, and is prohibited to yachts. The best alternative is Dubrovnik Marina located about two miles up the Dubrovacka River. The marina offers the full range of facilities and as it is very popular with visiting sailors, those who wish to leave their yachts here for longer periods need to make reservations up to one year in advance. The marina has its own repair yard with two travelifts. Specialised workshops provide any kind of repair or servicing. Access to the city is by bus or taxi. ACI Marina Dubrovnik, Tel. 020 455 020, Fax 020 455 022 email: m.dubrovnik@aci-club.hr

Dubrovnik is a highly interesting city to explore, either at the beginning or end of season when it is not so crowded, or during the annual summer festival when artists and performers from all over the world congregate here for a series of classical, pop, jazz or folk concerts as well as plays and exhibitions. Dubrovnik is also the perfect starting point for a cruise among the Southern Dalmatian islands, the closest being only a few miles away.