Three Weeks In Paradise. 8. Hvar at Last

Another morning waking up and marveling at the beauty around us. After the ritual dive into the clear waters in birthday suit, a light breakfast and off towards Hvar. The wind has weakened and veered West. We start with reefed sails as the weather forecast still warns of strong gusts, but soon we need full sails to move at all. Plus the occasional help of the outboard motor to cross calm patches in the Splitska Vrata. Once in the open we make good progress.

The Jadrolinja ferry on the Splitska Vrata.

Unfortunately it is overcast with occasional light rain. After Rt Pelegrin, the W tip of Hvar and into the Paklenici Kanal, the wind vanishes completely and we have to motor the rest of the way.
Part of the dream was sailing into Hvar harbour in glorious weather. Instead we are motoring under a dull sky. Never mind, we made it. We can already see the balcony of the family house where years ago we started to dream how wonderful it would be to come here with our own little sailing boat.

How we dreamed of this moment: Mekicevica entering Hvar harbour.

The harbour is a complete mess. Busy with yachts, small local boats, rental motor boats, and taxi-boats. To add to this, the ferry has created a terrible swell that is breaking on the stone quays. The Skipper nearly panicked and wanted to turn away. Finally with some encouragement from the First Mate, we tied a long stern line to a mooring buoy which allowed us to push Mekicevica's nose between the local boats more or less under control. By the time we finished the messy maneuver, the water was calm again and the whole harbour was an image of tranquility. Tonight we are having a home cooked meal and are sleeping in a bed!