Rain and Lightning – again
Logbook: 2024.07.02 Boboviska to Grebastica, Uvala Mirine
Weather forecast says the thunderstorm will pass by 14:00.
At 10:00 sky looked bright and wind wasn’t too bad. However, since the mooring is deep in a fjord, there is little visibility what’s out on the water. Anyway. Time to take on the day.
Getting out of the fjord, there were some really dark clouds and it looked like rain over Trogir. That was an option, but with this weather I will definitely not go there. Prediction is that the thunderstorm will follow the coastline further south, not being in my way.
Two hours later, that changed significantly. A part of the weather separated, moving further out at sea. That getting me and the Jolie Fleur right in between those dark clouds. Wind picks up to 20+ knots. The reef reduced the sail area, still the Jolie Fleur leaned over in the gusts. Keeping watch on the weather movement very carefully. There is not really a safe path or escape now. Make the best of the worse, sailing directly into the most narrow gap between those two weather fronts. It is getting cold and it starts raining. Poring. Massively. With the wind the thick drops flew horizontal and mixing with the salty break of the waves, stinging like needles. Rain gear and safety west – again. Thunder is rolling dark and loud. Lighting in the weather centers. Finally we find some wind protection at a bay in lee of the main land. Idling the motor, the weather is passing left and right of us. It is still raining and cold for another hour or so. Finally, the sky gets clear and the rain stops.
On the way passing a boat that lost the mast. Seems that weather was somewhat heavy in some areas. Lucky me!
Wind is now predicted in favor to get further north for some hours. I identified a nice, protected bay near Sibenik to anchor for the night.
The Grebastica bay, Uvala Mirine, offers nice anchorage. 3-4 m depth, sandy bottom and clear water. Unfortunately the wind blew right into the bay, but is expected to drop towards the night. So all good.
There is an interesting site nearby. A high wall that is separating parts of the insula. Took the SUP to shore and went for a hike. The wall’s purpose is to protect the forest. In the past 100 or so years, wood was harvested and left many islands dry and pale. The wall defined the parts where no wood should get cut down. But also separating different species of forest. The top of the hill provided an fantastic view to the Croatian coast and its islands.
The Jolie Fleur idling on its anchor with just another boat in the bay. A wonderful place.
9h sailing, 39 nm
Wind 10-15 kn,S , clouds / rain
