The Croatia Cruising Companion

Publisher: Wiley Nautical, £24.99
Publication Date: 2007

Croatia, with its huge number of islands, presents a problem when presenting guide books: whether to take islands with the land closest to them or separately. Wiley have chosen to do a little of each but make it clear in their chapter headings, generally choosing to have a chapter devoted to a group as, for example, Chapter five: the islands around Split; and 7 the islands of Southern Dalmatia. The index is good enough for the regular reference needed. The general layout is conventional. The introduction summarises all manner of information about the country: charts available, weather information, notes on tides, swell and the characteristic winds, some general advice on cruising strategies. I share an earlier reviewer’s surprise that attention is drawn to “all bearings and courses are True” although I did not detect such bearings being given. Further notes come with each chapter. Most harbours and significant anchorages are illustrated with chartlets and, although I – and my crew - find the colour balance more difficult to read than some others, they are adequate for the approaches and berthing notes accompanying them. Overall the appearance of the book is enhanced with some good photographs chiefly creating atmosphere rather than to aid the navigator. Lat/Long and chart references are usually given. Most lights are shown on the charts but lists do not include height or range. My own experience of these waters is from Rogoznica to Dubrovnik and Gruz. I agree with most of the comments on harbours and anchorages. Occasionally I found the text potentially a little misleading as, for example, in Sipanski Luca, the reference to the "head of the bay" and depths of 2 to 6 m when the depths right at the head are rarely more than 2m - though the chart and subsequent text make this clear. The only other point of detail I noted was the suggestion that Gruz was not a very good Port of Entry or exit for the cruising sailor. I have found authorities very helpful and swift in their dealings so the slight problems of wash are not endured for long and much preferable to another hike down the coast if, for example, you are making for Brindisi or Otranto. It is unfortunate that the book cover does not make it clear that these notes do not deal with Croatia north of Dugi Otok and Zadar - a further third of the magnificent coastline of Croatia. If you are sailing only to the south then this guide has much to commend it. It is wise though at least to consider the competition from the Imray Adriatic Pilot. It is significantly heavier but covers the whole of Croatia, the Adriatic coast of Italy and more besides for about £7.50 more! – Michael Davey