Brna
From CruisersWiki
The small harbour of Brna lies on the S coast of the island of Korcula in Croatia, nine miles E of the SW tip of the island and just over two miles E of the harbour of Prizba Mali. The wide bay in which it lies is open SW and divides into two branches at its head. The rather cramped harbour lies in the SE branch, whereas the NW branch is a quiet and attractive anchorage. The quays of the harbour are too shallow for most yachts, but it is possible to go alongside in greater depths on the ends of two jetties on the N side of the harbour. Shelter in Brna is good except in winds from W or SW, which send in a swell.
Weather
Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2712
- 1574
- Croatian charts
- MK21
- MK22
- MK23
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
Weather
Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Passages
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
There are islets and shoal patches off the coast in the approach to Brna from W and careful attention to the chart is needed. There are no dangers in the approach from S and E. The harbour is situated to the N of a wooded peninsula that protects it from E and S. Depths in the approach are 15.0 metres and in the harbour range from 12.0 metres in the centre of the harbour to 3.0 - 4.0 metres on the ends of the jetties and just 0.5 metres on the quays.
Entrance
Vela Luka is the nearest year-round port of entry.
Communication
Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Berthing
The only suitable berth for a visiting yacht is on the end of the jetty at the W end of the harbour, which is marked with a red port beacon, or the smaller jetty further E. Both jetties are lined with tyres or large black rubber fenders, which makes going alongside a little tricky. A mooring plank is an advantage, especially since the W jetty also has a ledge at water level. Shelter here is good except in W or SW winds, when there is an unpleasant swell in the harbour.
An alternative berthing option if the end of the jetty is occupied is to drop anchor in 7.0 - 8.0 metres and go bows-to the quay wherever there is space. Depths along the quay are mostly 0.5 metres only. Much of the quays is occupied with small craft moorings, but it is possible to nudge in with care.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
There is a good anchorage in U. Kosirina, the inlet in the NW part of the bay. Depths in here range from 10 metres at the entrance to barely a metre at the head. Anchor half way up the inlet in 4.0 - 5.0 metres and take a line ashore. The holding is good in sand and mud. Shelter here is good in all conditions except moderate to strong SW winds.
It is also possible to anchor in the main harbour in 6.0 - 8.0 metres, clear of the mooring buoys on the E side. If the harbour is busy, it may be advisable to take a line ashore to stop yourself swinging. Holding is good in mud, sand and weed.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
None.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The village ashore is attractive and there are some good walks in the hills around, but otherwise there is little to do here.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarkets and other provisions shops in the village.
Eateries
Restaurants and café/bars in the village.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the quay.
Transport
Local bus service to Korcula Town and Vela Luka.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Brna at the Wikipedia
- Korcula Tourism website
Also see Croatia.
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Brna and this page's details validated:
- August 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |