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After sailing through Split Gate (the channel between the islands of Brac and Solta), which always holds some surprises for regatta crews, turn your bow towards the western tip of the island of Hvar, or to be more precise, towards the Pakleni (or Paklinski) islands. Once there, you have to find a passage between the islets of Vodenjak and St.Klement (be cautious as there is the reef of Langva and shoals). By now, you have sailed some 12 miles, so you can start skirting the south shores of St. Klement (at a safe distance, as there are shoals, and do give a wide berth to the Bibic promontory!). Now, you are spoilt for choice as there are seven coves, and it is difficult to say which is the most attractive for a swim. The lagoon next to the islet of Dobri (the Soline harbor) and the coves of Tarsce and Vinogradisce stand out as particularly good anchorages.
Set sail for the island of Vis in the early hours of the afternoon. This is a short passage of only nine miles and you can usually do it under sail alone. The proper summer maestral picks up at that time, driving choppy seas through the Vis channel. Don't let this discourage you, as this is a benign wind that will help you get to the vast harbor of Vis in no time at all. If you feel like having another swim or if you prefer a quiet berth, you can enter the safe coves of Parja or Rogacic immediately to the west of the approach to the harbor. Alternatively, there are two quiet mooring spots in the same bay of the island's biggest town; depending on the prevailing wind you can choose: the eastern side below Ceska vila (the Czech villa) or on the opposite side of the bay in the inlet of Stonca.
Yachts most often prefer to tie up along the harbor's seafront in the southwest end of the Bay of Vis where most berths are fitted with mooring lines, power points and water. Depths vary from 2 to 3.5 meters. In front of the west bank, there is a long car ferry terminal where you are not allowed to tie up, and you cannot anchor close to here either as the car ferry requires a considerable amount of room to maneuver. There is a petrol station (depth 3 meters) to the north of the terminal.
The bora creates swells along the eastern part of the harbor, where there are mooring lines, and incidentally this spot is also exposed to wake wash from car ferries and passenger catamarans so your stern should be further away from the quayside than usual. The part of the harbor that affords the best protection from the bora is in front of the peninsula of Prirova.
The peninsula of Prirovo, with a monastery and church, is the oldest part of the island, the ancient Issa. Although there seems to be no telltale signs, this part of the harbor is the windiest when summer neveras roll over from the west. When they do, it is impossible to anchor in Kut, the beautiful eastern part of Vis harbor. Apart from this, it is pleasant to spend a night at anchor here, under the loveliest old houses of Vis, but stay at least 50 meters away from the seafront to be certain that your anchor does not get entangled with the mooring lines of local boats.
Alternatively, we suggest you stay on the same course when approaching Vis harbor and carry on sailing along the north side of the island passing the coves of Gradac and Okljucna; however, this will add on an extra eight miles. This will bring you to Komiza, the place that many people regard as the nicest and most enchanting town on the Croatian islands. All berths alongside the long breakwater are fitted with mooring lines, power points and water taps. (Depths are invariably over three meters). However, do not head for this side of the island in strong southerly winds.
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