Otok Unije ~ anchored at Vovisča Bay
05 August 2009 | Croatia
After a peaceful night anchored just outside Pula at Valvolina, the Sangaris crew was up early and ready for a daysail south to the Otok Unije (You-knee-yea, maybe, and "Otok" means "Island"). The conditions seemed perfect with 12-15 knots on the beam making the 20 mile journey a breeze. But, the beam reach became a beat and the breeze became a blow and then a mini-"bora" with NE gusts over 30. What a first day for guests! About two thirds of the way there we anchored in the lee of the island for a lunch and wind break and by 5PM we were safely anchored in crystal clear and calm turquoise water. It was easy to forget about the intensity of the wind in Vovisča's protected anchorage. Kath and Merry swam over to Deep Blue to extend a personal invite (and pre-burn enough calories) for evening sundowners aboard Sangaris.
The next day, with the wind down to 15ish, the two boats decided to brave the chop and dinghy two bays away to a stone pier tie-up at the base of a scenic path leading up and over the hillside to the waterfront town of Unije. The aroma of fresh lavender and sage filled the air and cheerfully painted houses were a sensory delight. We chose the shady patio of the Palmira restaurant for a delicious and typically Croatian lunch of calamari and, for some, clove scented lamb goulash with wide pasta ribbons. Sated and happy we wandered the local streets admiring private gardens with apricot, fig and kumquat trees, nodding orange trumpet flowers, clusters of prickle-branched bougainvillea blossoms and many small grapevine covered patios. We anticipated heavy spray and a soak for our dinghy ride back, but the wind had eased and it really was a breeze!
Cruisers Note: The anchorage at Vovisca provided excellent protection from northerlies and good sand holding while, just two bays over in Maracol, 80+ boats paid for cheek-to-jowl moorings! If you don't mind a few thirsty non-stinging bees, Unije's NE corner offers very nice anchoring and swimming!