Docking in a Harbor

Entering the harbor: the moment of truth

The sun is low over the Adriatic, the waves are glistening – and the entrance to the marina appears in the distance. For many sailing vacationers, this very moment is a small thrill: entering the harbor. Making radio contact. Mooring. Organize Crew.

If you are traveling by yacht for the first time or only occasionally, the question arises: How does it all actually work? And how do you manage to moor confidently, stress-free and safely – without embarrassing maneuvers or unnecessary stress?

Why a stay in port is more than just a berth

A port visit in Croatia is much more than just a break between two legs. It is a central element of your trip – organizationally, technically and also humanly. After all, those who enter the marina well prepared are not only demonstrating their nautical skills, but also their consideration, communication skills and respect for Crew and their hosts.

Especially in Croatia, where the marinas are excellently developed and usually very well organized, charter guests experience a high level of service – combined with clear procedures. Whether in Šibenik, Hvar, Split or on the Kornati islands: Similar rules apply in almost every marina. Those who know them arrive more relaxed – and can enjoy their stay much more.

Port of Hramina Pitter Yachtcharter Base Croatia

Marina Portoroz, Alfa Charter Base, partner of the Nautic Alliance

It’s so easy to relax in the port

Imagine you are entering a Croatian marina. The fenders are neatly deployed, lines prepared, your Crew knows its job. You have politely announced your arrival by radio and a marinero is already waiting at the jetty. The mooring maneuver is calm, clear and structured – without any stress or shouting. Then a friendly “Dobar dan” at the harbor office, a few steps to the promenade, perhaps a café or a konoba by the water. This is exactly what a perfect day in port feels like.

Mooring in the harbor

To get you there, it’s worth knowing the basic steps:

Selecting the port – which marina are you heading for? Find out in advance about the local conditions and where the guest berths are located. You can usually find this information in the port regulations.
It is advisable to reserve a berth in advance, especially in high season (e.g. online via mobile apps such as mySea or Seasy)
The radio announcement is usually made 10-15 minutes before arrival on channel 17 or 16 (especially for larger yachts!). Have the most important information ready: Boat name, length, possibly draught, and whether you have a reservation.
Mooring in Croatia is almost always done backwards, with mooring lines at the bow. One crew member takes the line, another catches the jetty. The marinero provides friendly but swift assistance – especially in the high season.
Registration at the harbor office takes place with the boat papers, the Crew list and, if applicable, the booking confirmation. The staff usually speak fluent English and will explain electricity, water, Wi-Fi, waste separation and shopping facilities.
Good manners are not just a question of etiquette, but are particularly valued in the marina. Clear communication, calm behavior and respectful interaction with staff and neighboring boats are an expression of nautical style – even with little experience.

Practice harbor maneuvers, navigation, trip planning and much more!

Your next steps for a successful stay in port

If you are planning a sailing trip in Croatia in the near future – whether as skipper, co-skipper or co-sailor – take a moment to familiarize yourself with the port procedures. It’s worth it.

Why a stay in port is more than just a berth

Systematically prepare your Crew and the boat before entering the harbor.
Communicate clearly, friendly and in English with the marina staff.
Learn the basics of reverse mooring with Muring.
Bring maritime etiquette with you: Calm, order, mutual consideration.

Especially in the first few days of a charter trip, it helps to consciously practice these procedures – after that, everything almost becomes second nature. And that’s when the real pleasure begins: the moment when the lines are securely fastened, the sun sets over the harbor and you can toast the success of the day with a cool drink.

Croatia Coast Cup - Pitter Yachtcharter and Nautic Alliance — Mooring in the port is teamwork

Docking in the port: technology meets teamwork

Hardly any other moment generates as much attention on board as the docking maneuver. For many sailing novices, it is a mixture of thrills and concentration – but with a clear distribution of roles on board and a calm helm, the mooring is almost always a success.

The procedure in the port

Most Croatian marinas work with so-called mooring lines. You moor with the stern against the jetty, while a line attached to the bottom leads to the bow and is secured there. This type of mooring may seem a little unusual at first, but with a little practice it can be done very efficiently.

As a rule, a harbour employee is already waiting at the jetty to hand you the lines or help you maneuver. It is quite common for them to give you instructions via radio or hand signals as to where exactly you should moor. A member of Crew can maintain contact with the harbor staff while the skipper(s) concentrate fully on steering.

Make sure you slow down in good time, keep a sufficient distance from other yachts and, above all, stay calm. Loud shouting or frantic gesticulation are not only unnecessary, but also quickly appear unprofessional to outsiders – even if the situation is under control.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about mooring in ports in Croatia and communicating with port staff.

About the Nautic Alliance

In most ports, you can reach the marinero (port staff) by VHF radio (channel 17 or 16) or by telephone – the contact details are often listed in nautical manuals, port guides or apps such as Navily or Portbooker. Before entering the port, state the name of the vessel, length, draught and arrival time and wait for a berth to be assigned. Have your radio and Crew ready!

The marinero will usually show you your assigned berth with a dinghy or by hand signal. During mooring, he will often help you take the lines or hand over the mooring line. Pay attention to his instructions (e.g. with gestures or spoken language). Friendliness and clear communication in English or in simple nautical terms are common – a short “Thank you” is always well received.

Find out in advance about the local conditions in the port (e.g. on the website of the destination port, port regulations).
Observation: Pay attention to wind, current and traffic flow in the harbor
Crew-Briefing: Assign clear tasks to each crew member – communication is key
Prepare the ship: Attach fenders, clear lines and secure loose objects

Maneuver slowly and in a controlled manner – it is better to reverse quickly instead of stopping in the middle of a maneuver
Bow or stern maneuvers depending on the wind direction, ideally with the stern against the wind
Use of bow and stern thrusters and precise timing of speed and rudder control

Our tip: During our skipper training in Croatia, you will learn how to dock effortlessly in the harbor – with a catamaran or sailboat!

Wind direction and strength have a major influence on the mooring maneuver. Ideally, mooring should be done against the wind, as this makes the boat slower and more controlled. Lateral wind (crosswind) requires precise steering and quick action with lines and fenders to avoid drifting.

Entering the port or berth too quickly
Unclear communication with the Crew
Prepare lines too late or cover them incorrectly
Fender too high/low or not fitted at all
Hectic or rash maneuvering under stress

A calm, forward-looking approach is the key to mooring safely in port – even in difficult conditions.

The marinero (harbour staff) can usually be recognized by their uniform clothing, a harbour logo on their shirt or vest and often by their radio equipment. He often moves around the harbor basin with a dinghy, is out and about on a bicycle or stands on the jetty to guide incoming boats. Sometimes he also wears a high-visibility vest or sun hat.

Reservations are highly recommended in high season, especially in popular places such as Hvar, Trogir or Korčula. Many marinas accept telephone reservations or bookings via apps such as Navily or mySea.

Friendly communication in English, clear answers to questions and following instructions are essential. A simple “Dobar dan” (Good afternoon) is appreciated and immediately creates a good atmosphere.

Problems often arise during port maneuvers due to a lack of preparation or unforeseen conditions such as narrow pits, insufficient water depth, cross currents, missing fenders or unclear line management. Other boats mooring and casting off at the same time can also cause stress. Careful preparation and early observation of the situation on site can avoid many of these difficulties.

Before docking, the Crew should be clearly organized and briefed: Who does what, when and where? The boat is also prepared by removing all tripping hazards, making lines and fenders clear and coordinating communication on board. In outer harbors, you can wait in peace and prepare the boat for maneuvering before heading to the box.

Even before reaching the port, it is advisable to research information from port handbooks, nautical apps or the port’s website. Details such as approach, berths, water depth, box size and, if necessary, contacting the harbour master are important. This way, the mooring maneuver can be carried out purposefully and without surprises.

Croatia Coast Cup