29 Jun
Nicht kategorisiert

Wreck diving in Istria

Wreck diving in Istria

The best spots and important tips
Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, is not only known for its picturesque coastal towns and rich culture, but also for its fascinating underwater world. For divers, there are numerous opportunities to explore impressive shipwrecks. In this article, we discover the best wreck diving spots in Istria and provide valuable tips on what you should look out for.

The top wreck diving spots in Istria

1. Wreck of the Baron Gautsch

The wreck of the Baron Gautsch is one of the best-known and best-preserved wrecks in the Adriatic. It lies about 8 kilometres off the coast of Rovinj at a depth of 28 to 40 metres. The Baron Gautsch, a passenger ship from the Austrian Lloyd fleet, sank in 1914 during the First World War after hitting a mine. Today it is a paradise for wreck divers, surrounded by colourful shoals of fish and rich in marine life.

Tip: Due to the depth and the often strong current, this dive is recommended for experienced divers. Visibility is usually better in the summer months.

2. Wreck of the Giuseppe Dezza

The Giuseppe Dezza, originally built as a torpedo boat for the Italian navy, was later converted into a minesweeper. It was sunk by a British aircraft in 1944 and now lies at a depth of 33 metres south of Rovinj. The wreck is relatively well preserved and divers can gain interesting insights into the structure of the ship.

Tip: This spot is ideal for divers who enjoy exploring the details and history of a warship. The moderate depth also makes it suitable for advanced beginners.

3. Wreck of the Coriolanus

The Coriolanus, a British minesweeper, was sunk by a mine in 1945. The wreck is located at a depth of 11 to 25 metres near Novigrad and is particularly known for its good visibility and rich biodiversity. The wreck is broken into several pieces, which makes it particularly interesting for exploration.

Tip: Due to the relatively shallow depth and good visibility, this spot is also suitable for less experienced divers. It is advisable to take an underwater camera with you to capture the many different fish and plants.

4. Wreck of the Hans Schmidt (Istra)

The Hans Schmidt, also known as the Istra, is a German cargo ship that sank in 1943 after hitting a mine. The wreck lies at a depth of 30 to 40 metres off Pula. With its length of over 100 metres, it offers divers the opportunity to navigate through the decks and explore the fascinating remains.

Tip: This dive requires good buoyancy control and experience in wreck diving, as entering the ship’s holds can be a challenge. Always dive with an experienced guide to ensure safety.

5. Wreck of the Flamingo

The Flamingo, a small passenger ship, sank in the 1980s near Medulin. The wreck lies at a depth of 20 metres and is known for its impressive remains, which are overgrown with marine life. It offers a rather leisurely dive with many photographic opportunities.

Tip: Due to the shallower depth, this spot is ideal for beginners and divers who want to specialise in wreck diving. However, be aware of possible currents that can occur in the area.

Important tips for wreck diving in Istria

1. Preparation and safety

Wreck diving can be challenging due to the depth, currents and complexity of the wrecks. It is important that divers are well prepared and experienced. Before you set off, you should make sure that your diving equipment is in perfect condition and that you have the necessary certificates and experience.

2. Knowledge of the diving conditions

Always check the current weather and diving conditions in advance. Currents can be strong and visibility can vary depending on the time of year. Local diving schools and centres are a good source of up-to-date information and can also offer guided dives.

3. The right equipment

For wreck dives, you will need special equipment such as a good diving torch to explore the dark areas of the wrecks, as well as a reserve air source. A dive computer and an underwater camera can also be useful to make your dives safer and more exciting.

4. Responsible diving

Wrecks are sensitive underwater habitats and historical sites. Divers should take care not to damage the wrecks and the surrounding marine environment. Do not touch corals or marine life and do not take anything from the wreck to the surface.

5. Diving with a guide

Even experienced divers benefit from the local knowledge of a dive guide. An experienced guide can help you find the best parts of the wreck and ensure safety. Many diving centres in Istria offer guided dives to the most famous wrecks.

6. Respect for the law

It is important to comply with local laws and regulations. In Croatia, there are specific regulations for diving on historical wrecks, and divers often need permits. Make sure you have the necessary paperwork before you go into the water.

Our summary

Istria offers some of the best wreck diving spots in the Adriatic, from historic warships to passenger ships that have been reclaimed by nature. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, you will be amazed by the diversity and richness of the underwater world. With the right preparation and respect for the marine environment, you can experience unforgettable adventures. Dive in and discover the fascinating stories that lie hidden beneath the surface of the blue Adriatic.

27 May
istria, sailing

Easy anchoring with a sailing yacht / sailing catamaran

Easy anchoring with a sailing yacht

Step-by-step instructions

Anchoring a sailing yacht is a basic skill that every sailor should master. Whether for a relaxing night in a quiet bay or a short break during a sailing trip – correct anchoring ensures safety and comfort. Here we explain in simple steps how to anchor your sailing yacht safely and effectively.

1. Preparation

Before you start anchoring, it is important to prepare thoroughly. It is important to know which anchor you are using. Depending on the anchor, they may be better suited to different bottom conditions. Check the weather conditions and tides to make sure the anchorage is safe. Also pay attention to the ground conditions, as they influence the holding power of your anchor.

Checklist:

  • Check the weather forecast and tide calendar
  • Using maps and GPS
  • Know/observe soil conditions

2. The right anchorage

A good anchorage offers protection from wind and waves, sufficient depth and enough space for swinging (swinging the yacht around the anchor). Look for a quiet spot away from traffic and other boats. Please note that anchoring is not permitted everywhere. Restricted areas are marked on the charts and depending on the GPS version.

Ideal anchorages:

  • Not in restricted zones
  • Away from busy routes
  • Pitches with sufficient depth and even ground conditions

3. The anchor manoeuvre

Once you have chosen the anchorage, approach it slowly against the wind or current. Prepare the anchor and anchor chain and make sure that they can run freely.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Travel slowly against the wind or current to the anchorage
  2. Lower the anchor slowly while the boat is travelling slightly backwards
  3. As soon as the anchor has reached the bottom, let out more chain, about 3-5 times the water depth
  4. Reverse to dig in the anchor and check its holding force
  5. Secure the anchor by remaining in position and checking the holding force

4. The anchor chain and the Schwojen

An important component of anchoring is the correct length of anchor chain. As a general rule, the length of the chain laid out should be at least 3 to 5 times the water depth. This ensures that the anchor lies flat on the bottom and provides maximum hold.

Length of chain:

  • At a water depth of 5 metres: lay out at least 15 metres of chain
  • At a water depth of 10 metres: lay out at least 30 metres

Swaying is the natural swinging of the boat around the anchor point. Make sure that there is enough space for the boat to swing safely without colliding with other boats or obstacles.

5. Securing and monitoring

After the anchor is set, check your position regularly to make sure the anchor is holding and the boat is not drifting. Use GPS and visual markers on land to monitor your position. An anchor alarm on the GPS device can also be helpful.

Our tips:

  • Regularly use visual checkpoints on land
  • GPS anchor alarm
  • Keep an eye on weather changes

6. Anchor lights

When it’s time to raise the anchor, sail slowly forwards and haul in the chain. Once the anchor is free, rinse it to remove dirt and debris and stow it safely on board.

Steps:

  1. Drive forwards slowly and retract the chain
  2. As soon as the anchor is released from the bottom, pull it up and clean it
  3. Stow anchors safely

Our summary

Correct anchoring is an essential skill for every sailor. With careful preparation, choosing the right anchorage and precise execution of the anchoring manoeuvre, you can ensure that your sailing yacht is firmly and safely anchored. Follow these simple steps and enjoy relaxing hours on the water!

For specific instructions or even a skipper training session where we practise these skills, please get in touch.

24 May
istria, sailing

Catamaran models for beginners

The 5 best sailing catamaran models for beginners

Find the perfect charter yacht for your next holiday.

Sailing catamarans offer an ideal way for beginners to explore the world of sailing. These yachts are characterised by stability, comfort and ease of use, making them a popular choice. Below we present the five most suitable sailing catamarans for beginners, which impress with their handling and equipment.

1. Lagoon 40

The Lagoon 40 is a compact yet spacious catamaran that is particularly suitable for beginners. With a length of 11.74 metres, it offers sufficient space and comfort. The easy handling and robust materials make the Lagoon 40 a reliable companion for newcomers to sailing. The model also impresses with its good price-performance ratio.

2. Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 is known for its excellent manoeuvrability and stability. With a length of 12.19 metres and a width of 6.72 metres, this catamaran offers plenty of space for families and friends. Beginners will appreciate the intuitive sailing systems and the generous living space. The Leopard 40 is ideal for longer sailing trips and comfortable cruising.

3. Bali 4.1

The Bali 4.1 is an innovative catamaran that impresses with its open-plan living spaces and modern design. With a length of 12.35 metres and a width of 6.72 metres, it offers plenty of space and comfort. The simple controls and well thought-out layout make the Bali 4.1 an excellent choice for beginners who value design and functionality.

4. Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 from Fountaine Pajot is an elegant and well-equipped catamaran that has been specially developed for beginners. With a length of 11.73 metres and a width of 6.63 metres, it offers plenty of space and comfort. Its user-friendliness and high-quality materials make the Lucia 40 a favourite among new sailors.

5. Nautitech 40 Open

The Nautitech 40 Open is a versatile catamaran that impresses with its open-plan living areas and easy handling. With a length of 11.98 metres and a width of 6.91 metres, it offers plenty of space for the crew. The good sailing performance and easy handling make the Nautitech 40 Open an ideal choice for beginners.

Unsere Zusammenfassung

These five sailing catamarans offer beginners a perfect combination of comfort, stability and easy handling. Whether Lagoon 40, Leopard 40, Bali 4.1, Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 or Nautitech 40 Open – each of these models has its own unique advantages that make the sailing experience unforgettable for newcomers. Choose one of these catamarans and enjoy the freedom on the water to the full.

For detailed information on good cruises we recommend our cruising suggestions and will be happy to advise you in person on cruise planning as well as on choosing the right yacht for your charter.