Friday 2 July 2010 Sali to Zadar

Friday 2 July 2010 Sali to Zadar 14nm

The morning dawned and we felt great after a good night sleep, only one or two mozzies.  We went up to the bar for a coffee after breakfast.  It was like a mirror image of last night except that the beer and wine had been replaced with coffee.  People talking, greeting each other with handshakes.

Last night while drinking our Gin Ivan told us about the Croatian equivliant, Pelinkovac.  So after our coffee the 'Skipper' orders us three P&Ts (you drink it with Tonic like Gin)!!!  It was 9am!!!  We both resisted, for about 5 seconds and had just one before heading out.  This Croatian lifestyle was getting better and better :)

It was with very heavy hearts we left Sali.  Sali will hold a place in my heart.

Back on the boat the wind had already started so just as we left the port we raised un-furled the sails and sailed all the way to Zadar.  After our lunch stop we then had to beat to windward with a reefed headsail all the way back to Zadar, excellent sailing.  When Ivan suggested I start the motor and have one last close look at the Zadar foreshore I said “One more tack offshore, the wind is stronger out there”

At the entrance Ivan took over the helm just in case the police boat should do a check and went to the fuel dock to fill up, 26 litres for the four days, not bad.

After tying up the boat we then went for a last drink with the skipper who turned into a dear friend.  We had some more Pelinkovac and Tonic.  Ivan's wife Melita, came down and had a drink with us as well.  We had a great time this week and it turned out to be the holiday to end our adventure.  We would have loved to take the boat for another week but we both know it's time to start the journey home.  Sad but happy we slept one more night on the boat.  Before we needed to catch the ferry to Ancona, Italy.

We would like to give a huge plug to Dragan and his team at Torete Yacht Charters http://www.torete.hr/ in Zadar.  If you ever get the chance, look them up.

If you need to best skipper than ask for Ivan Mokos.  Ivan only does this part-time now as he has his own business but if your lucky he might be available.