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An all-round successful trip through the Croatian islands. The boat was an absolute stroke of luck: superbly balanced, very easy to handle and extremely well organised. In calmer phases the yacht was easily manageable single-handed. In higher seas and strong winds on the final legs, however, the well-practised three-man crew proved an unbeatable advantage for quick manoeuvres and full sailing enjoyment.
Country: Croatia
Departure: Marina Mandalina Sibenik
Destination: Marina Mandalina
Route: Marina Mandalina - Prvić - Opat - Žakan - Otok Donji - Sakarun - Luka - Otok Žut - Pakoštane - Vrgada - Oblik - Marina Mandalina
Nautical miles: 200
Travel dates: 19.09.2026 – 26.09.2026
Sailing yacht: Catamaran, VAAN R4, 42 feet
Charter company: Mare Yachting
Organiser: www.e-charter.de
Trip report: Šibenik Archipelago – Kornati – Dugi Otok
Crew: 3 men (experienced sailors, 1 catamaran experienced, 1 monohull specialist, 1 with extensive dinghy experience)
Sailing area: Dalmatia (Šibenik – Kornati – Dugi Otok – Žut – Pašman Channel – Šibenik)
Total distance: approx. 200 nm)
Character: Sporty, eventful men's trip with optimal sailing and wind conditions
Route and legs
Day 1: Mandalina → Prvić
Distance: approx. 8.5 nm
Route: On the first evening, immediately after handover by the very friendly, competent and professional team at Mare-yachting, we headed straight out of Marina Mandalina. A short hop across to Prvić to kick off the trip in a relaxed manner with first impressions on the water. Enjoying the first evening meal on the small island.
Day 2: Prvić → Opat
Distance: approx. 17.5 nm
Route: In the morning we continued towards Kornati National Park as far as Opat, where we let the day draw to a close and spent the second night. Mooring line at the jetty by Konoba Opat with a wonderful evening meal; details in our blog https://e-charter.de/blog/fabelhafte-restaurants-kornaten-teil-1-konoba-opat
Day 3: Opat → Žakan → Otok Donji
Distance: approx. 20.0 nm (Opat–Žakan: 4.0 nm | Žakan–Otok Donji: 16.0 nm)
Route: The next morning we went across to Žakan for a magnificent five-course breakfast. From there we continued the trip through Telašćica National Park as far as Otok Donji, where the boat lay at anchor for the night.
Day 4: Otok Donji → Sakarun
Distance: approx. 26.0 nm
Route: Further up through the island world to the north-western tip of Dugi Otok. The destination was the Caribbean-like bay of Sakarun, where we spent the night on a buoy. Unfortunately the bay was somewhat disappointing; only with drone shots did the Caribbean feeling come through 😉 as then the turquoise water was clearly visible.
Day 5: Sakarun → Luka → Otok Žut
Distance: approx. 36.5 nm (Sakarun–Luka: 22.0 nm | Luka–Žut: 14.5 nm)
Route: Over the island tip and down along Dugi Otok with an intermediate stop in Luka. The same day we sailed on to Otok Žut (Konoba Žmara) to let the day draw to a close with excellent cuisine at Konoba Žmara.
Day 6: Otok Žut → Pakoštane → Vrgada
Distance: approx. 17.5 nm (Žut–Pakoštane: 13.5 nm | Pakoštane–Vrgada: 4.0 nm)
Route: Course south-east towards the mainland to Pakoštane and on to the island of Vrgada. For the penultimate night we found a sheltered bay and lay peacefully at anchor again despite stronger winds picking up during the night.
Day 7: Vrgada → Oblik → Marina Mandalina
Distance: approx. 22.0 nm (Vrgada–Oblik: 8.0 nm | Oblik–Mandalina: 14.0 nm)
Route: The final day offered picture-perfect sailing once more: in strong winds with gusts up to 35 knots we sailed with two reefs at hull speed and up to 8.5 knots speed over ground, passing the tip of Oblik island and back through the Kanal Sv. Ante straight into Marina Mandalina.
Conclusion & Weather Summary
Weather & Wind: The first days offered wonderful sailing conditions in light to moderate winds of 8–12 knots. Towards the end it freshened noticeably and culminated on the last day in sporty 35 knots.
Sailing Performance: As the wind increased on the final legs we quickly put in the second reef. The boat lay extremely stable and stiff in the water even in steeper seas.
Summary: Perfect execution, tremendous sailing fun and a great crew – a trip that definitely deserves repeating with this line-up!
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