Best Bay for safe anchorage sailing Croatia in strong winds - Zadar archipelago

Best Bay for safe anchorage in strong winds like Jugo in Zadar archipelago - PART 1

Let us give you some recommendations for the closest safe mooring place based on the Jugo wind. Let's imagine you booked a boat with (us) Angelina yacht charter in Croatia, for example in one of our bases in Zadar archipelago like Biograd na Moru's marina Šangulin or in Sukošan's Marina Dalmacija. Windfinder, Windy, Windguru, or any other app you use will show you the rising of a particular wind called JUGO that blows or will start to blow the day you have to check in your boat on your arrival in Croatia. You don't want to spend your first day in a crowded marina with other boats and, noisy tourists that don't care about others and you are an experienced sailor, but you know it's best to be on a safe spot/anchorage. It is always safe to remain in port rather venture out into the sea. So, before heading out on your sailing adventure, there are a few things you should know to stay safe, such as where the closest safe anchorage places are when this wind picks up.  But first, let us introduce you to the wind and provide some additional information:

Jugo or Sirocco: The wind of the Adriatic Sea

When a cyclone forms over the Adriatic, Jugo is the name of the wind you can encounter while sailing in Croatia. It blows moderate to strong from the ESE to SE (from southeast) across the Adriatic. Occasionally, but not always, it brings clouds and showers, as well as sand from the Sahara, which can turn your yachts yellowish and unclean. Jugo is most often a constantly blowing wind. In contrast, to the wind Bura that is unpredictable and blows in gusts. Although Jugo is moderate to strong in power, it allows for excellent sailing conditions for experienced skippers. There are consistent waves to go along with the wind. An experienced sailor is able to read the waves and obtain high speeds in a Jugo. Jugo mostly occurs when the air pressure drops. Jugo develops over time and gains strength gradually.

When does the Jugo occur?

Jugo most often occurs in the spring and autumn. It can reach speeds up to 35 to 45 knots. Typically, Jugo remains between 15 and 25 knots in the summer, although it is rare during the summer months in Croatia. Waves can swell due to Jugo and can reach up to five meters. Therefore, traveler’s sailing in Croatia needs to be aware of the wind's dangers. Yes, Jugo can provide an amazing sailing in Croatia trip. However, on occasions, it is better to anchor and wait out the strong winds and waves. 

Impact on body, mind and soul

There have been many articles written online and elsewhere about the impact of this wind on the locals' mind, body, and soul: because the wind is known to make Croatians grumpy, slow, and depressed due to the air pressure drop causing low pressure in our heads, but we will skip that part this time as this will be a safe adventure and pure joy for sailors, skippers, windsurfers, and kite surfers.

When and where to anchor during a Jugo? MULINE !

So, to return to the primary topic at hand, anchoring or docking is best done on the islands' northern side. Safe anchoring can be found at around the northern portion of the island Ugljan in the bay and the settlement of Muline in the Zadar archipelago from JUGO, and from similar winds like OŠTRO AND LEVANTO. The bay's ground is sand with seaweed patches. Muline is located at the farthest end of the island Ugljan. Beautiful beaches and manicured trails exist along the coast and inland, and sailors are heading to Muline because of the port and mooring. It is exposed to a steady northwest wind that should not pose a threat to your anchorage and it is protected from Jugo wind and (belonging) waves. 

Important notice:

In the passage of Veli Ždrelac, there is a strong current with a speed of up to 4 knots (present when arriving in the bay from S). Anchorage in Muline: Larger vessels can anchorage in the bay's Center and vessels with a draught of up to 3 m near the concrete jetty. So, if you are seeking a safe place to wait out the Jugo, or even Oštro and Levanto then Muline provides an excellent place to stay. 

Photo Gallery Images @ https://www.ugljan.hr/hr/muline