In early July it was decided to go sailing for the day on a 42ft yacht called Nera. Tara and Diego were visiting Croatia for the second time and so plans were made, the yacht was booked and on a very sunny Thursday morning we caught the fast Jadrolinija catamaran from Split Harbour to Milna on Island Brač. Arriving into Milna at 8.40am it was time to find a cafe and have that morning coffee! Passing by a number of coffee bars, I mentioned to Tara we needed to look for a place where the elderly gentlemen of Milna congregate, because that’s where we’ll find the best coffee! She thought I was joking, but soon I was proven to be right!!

Meeting Skipper John and Hostess wife Lyn at 9.30am we jumped on board ‘Nera’ and were warmly welcomed with a chilled glass of prosecco while John explained the program for the day. This was starting to feel very comfortable, and quite luxurious having John and Lyn take control and organise our adventure.. We sailed out of Milna Harbour and moored in a cove with amazingly translucent azure crystal clear water. The floating Prosecco floaties soon appeared and my Australian guests were soon shedding their clothes and entering the water with much gusto! Ahhhh…!

Sailing on the western side of Brač we entered the forked cove of Bobovi??a and could see the little uninhabited island of Mrduja in the distance, located between islands Brač and Šolta. John told us the story about the annual regatta of Mrduja, held on the first Sunday of October. Starting from Split harbour, yachts race to Island Mrduja and return to Split..On this day the locals of Brač and Šolta follow the 90 year old tradition of competing for the ownership of this little island strategically located between their islands. They hold a ‘tug of war’, and the winners become the owners of the island until the following year, all amidst great celebration, lots of good food and plenty of wine and good cheer!

While John told a few salty stories, gin and tonics appeared and then canapes were served. Delicious morsels of favourite delicacies, and a vegetable risotto for lunch, served with some fine red and white wines. The day was progressing well as we sailed in and out of a number of beautiful coves, heading towards the mainland in the distance. We visited the bays of Stiniva, Stipanska, and Marlinovica before heading for home late afternoon.

Diego took over the wheel while Skipper John attended to the sails, and Tara was in her element, enjoying every moment! Time to cross the channel and enter Split Harbour, so sad to end this glorious day, yet so happy to have had such a wonderful sailing experience, swimming, snorkelling, and some great conversation with this couple of ‘yachties’, who are so welcoming, flexible and friendly.

When in Split, I can highly recommend day sailing or sunset sailing on this elegant 42ft yacht. John and Lyn offer hospitality plus, also plenty of space on deck for relaxing and privacy if preferred. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Contact Robyn +385 998280102 on WhatsApp.