Record numbers of RPAYC cruising sailors to Croatia

by Jeanette Batcheler on 26 Oct 2005 A record 110 cruising sailors from Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in 18 sailing boats are just back from two weeks cruising the coast of Croatia.

'Highly successful and enjoyable in all respects,' was the verdict of Eoin Asker, the Vice-Commodore Cruising of the Club, which is headquartered in the Broken Bay area of Sydney. 'Even the negatives were handled superbly. One member who fell ill was treated quickly and expertly, sent home with the best care and attention throughout, and is doing nicely as a result.'

‘What a wonderful sight it was in Trogir’ added Jeanette Batchelor, a member of the contingent, ‘All of our 18 boats rafted up at the wharf flying Aussie flags!’

The strong support team including a Mechanic, a Race Director and a Tour Guide accompanied the cruise, which was organized by Trevor Joyce’s Mariner Boating with the support of Sunsail.

The lineup of boats consisted of two Beneteau 50s, two Dufour 51s, one Grand Soleil 40, a GS 45, a GS46, a GS 50, an Oceanis 423, six Oceanis 473s, and a Lagoon 410 catamaran, and this resulted in some interesting approaches to handicapping!

There were six races during the 14-day rally, so plenty of chances to complain about the handicapping, plenty of chances to explore the idyllic surroundings and enjoy magnificent Croatian seafood,

The trip, which started in Split and ended in Dubrovnik, followed a lazy path down the spectacular Dalmatian Coast, via Murter, Smokvica, Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, Sobra, Janska Cove and Sipan. The sailing was in great weather, with a variety of light breezes. When not racing or complaining about the handicapping, the sailors spread far and wide, swimming and sightseeing, walking the cobbled streets and feasting on Croatia’s wonderful seafood, and complaining about the handicapping.

No trip would be complete without a little drama however, so 25 knots provided some excitement in the final race. Fellow cruisers will be glad to know that the fine spirit of cruising prevailed again and a good number of the boats decided not to race. What the organizers didn’t tell the remaining hardy participants was that a plethora of fast container ships were to join the race and would refuse to adhere to the rules. .

And who won the rally?

RPAYC is not telling. Jeanette Batcheler sums it up: ‘There can be only one winner in a Rally such as this - Congratulations, Alfred’s Cruising!’



Following is a day by day itinerary of the races

Days 1-3 Race 1 (10nm, Biograd to Murter) was sailed in light winds (9kts) and was an exercise in trimming the sails and spotting the zephyrs. From Murter we had two lay days. Some took the opportunity to visit the dramatic Kornati Islands, some headed south to Sibenik and up the fjord to Skradin and the beautiful Krka National Park with its spectacular waterfalls. Others spent time swimming off the island of Tijat and overnighting in the picturesque little town of Privic Luka, before heading south with many boats mooring off the picturesque, medieval walled city of Primosten.

Days 4-5 Race 2 (12nm, Smokvica to Trogir) was again sailed in light winds and did not favour the heavier Beneteaus however all boats finished within 35 minutes of each other. At the historic island of Trogir we rafted up on the town quay next to the old city with its beautiful narrow shiny cobbled streets and quaint old buildings. What a sight, each of our boats flew the Australian National Flag on the spreader halyard and many flew their Alfred's burgee as well. From the town quay of Trogir the sight was wonderful, all these Aussie flags and boats. The locals and tourists enjoyed the sight and many asked where we came from and some wanted to know why the extra star on the flag instead of just the five stars in the Southern Cross. We educated all concerned by explaining the significance of the Federal Star representing the States and Territories of Australia.

The fleet had to vacate the town quay next morning so a variety of places were visited that lay day. Some sailed to Drvenik or Maslinca on the island of Solta, which was close to the start of the next race, while others sailed to island of Brac and spent the night moored in Bobovisce Inlet.

The date was Friday 2nd September, a First Friday, so Novello Bliss (Ross Scoble & crew) and Lucky Lady Lucy (Peter Batcheler & crew) met up on shore at Bobovisce and celebrated First Friday with a toast to the cruisers 'minding the shop' at Alfreds. This was a very different First Friday, one which will be forever etched in our memory.

Days 6-7 Race 3 (14nm, Stracinska to Hvar) was sailed in a little more breeze (10 kts) and provided a picturesque beat toward the island of Hvar (Lavender Island). Overnight we berthed at St Klement Island on the Palmizana marina. Most people chose to visit Hvar the next day either in their own yacht, by ferry or by water taxi. Hvar is a beautiful, historic old city of Venetian origin with an amazing fort towering over the town. Most walked the many steps up to the fort for an outstanding view of the city and port. The old town of Hvar has a large town square, swimming 'beaches' and is a holiday destination for many Europeans. Hvar is known for producing beautiful lavender, which is sold everywhere.

Days 8-10 Race 4 (14nm, Scedro to Korcula) was sailed in heavier conditions, with stronger winds (15 kts) and the heavier cruising boats enjoyed better results. The fleet finished in Korcula, the 'Venice of Croatia'. This old medieval Dalmatian city claims Marco Polo as a native. Most took time to explore the old town, its historic buildings and walked the historic cobbled streets both straight and curved. Streets on the western side of Korcula Old Town run straight to catch the Maestral breeze, while the eastern streets are slightly curved to protect the town from the cold and unpleasant north easterly (Bura) winds.
Some boats stayed overnight to view the celebration of the 707th Anniversary of Marco Polo’s historic battle with the Genoese and watched the re-enactment of the battle by a fleet of gulets with period costumed crews, blazing cannons and a fireworks finale.
Others chose a quieter alternative and sailed to the island of Mljet with its three adjoining salt-water lakes and monastery in middle of lake to be explored, anchoring in bays at Pomena or Polace Inlet on Mljet Island.

Days 11-12 Race 5 (12nm, Sobra to Janska Cove) was to be Ladies Day and the sailing instructions stipulated either a lady at the helm or alternatively, a man wearing ladies black lace undies and other appropriate garments. Unfortunately the start was delayed by a lack of wind, and after the fleet motored for some time to another starting point the race finally got underway. Soon after the start the wind again dropped and the race was abandoned. This was most disappointing for some ladies as they enjoyed being at the helm. Overnight was spent in Janska Cove, anchoring outside the Kompas Kaitanija where we had another wonderful presentation dinner. Next day being another lay day, many took a morning cruise up the Stonski Kanal to visit the town of Ston, famous for its production of salt and its huge fortress and wall that dominate the town, and then sailed to the island of Jakljan to visit the village of Sipanska Luka which used to be a retreat of the wealthy merchants from Dubrovnik. Others cruised and explored nearby bays around Jakljan Island, which was near the proposed start of our last race.

Day 13 Race 6 (6nm, Sipan to Dubrovnik) was the final race of the Rally. It was sailed in strong winds (25knt+) with reefed sails and rather blustery conditions, heading for the beautiful and historic city of Dubrovnik. A few crews decided not to race, others had numerous discussions regarding the number of reefs to be set in the main