winchman
New Member
Please be aware that it can be difficult to obtain fuel in Croatia marinas and harbours because many just don't have fuel stations.
I've just returned from a week out of Kastela Marina, Split. On the last day I called in at Milna to refuel but there were at least 10 yachts circling the fuel pontoon - at probably 15 minutes, the wait was going to be significant. Checking the official fuel station list, I found that Split had a fuel station and sailed there only to find that harbour wall construction work meant it was out of action - probably, from the extent of the works, for all of summer 2012. The other fuel stations in the area probably meant a 3 hour round trip plus refuelling wait and fill time. This was not possible, so I returned to Kastela where the charter company tried to fine me 100 Euro plus fuel costs for not returning the boat with a full tank. They said that they had advised me and the mate that Split was not available, but neither of us remembered this happening. Given that their list stated Split was available, after a lot of discussion they agreed to waive the 100 Euro.
Some friends had a worse experience in 2011 sailing out of Pula where some fuel stations in the area were dry. The motto seems to be: fill up when you can and try to fill up the day before you return the boat, when queues should be shorter. And keep the receipt! Or buy a container and fill the boat's tank from that - just don't let them catch you doing it!
The charter company also told me to leave the holding tank seacock open at all times - not fair on the locals when you're in their harbour, and needless to say I ignored it.
I've just returned from a week out of Kastela Marina, Split. On the last day I called in at Milna to refuel but there were at least 10 yachts circling the fuel pontoon - at probably 15 minutes, the wait was going to be significant. Checking the official fuel station list, I found that Split had a fuel station and sailed there only to find that harbour wall construction work meant it was out of action - probably, from the extent of the works, for all of summer 2012. The other fuel stations in the area probably meant a 3 hour round trip plus refuelling wait and fill time. This was not possible, so I returned to Kastela where the charter company tried to fine me 100 Euro plus fuel costs for not returning the boat with a full tank. They said that they had advised me and the mate that Split was not available, but neither of us remembered this happening. Given that their list stated Split was available, after a lot of discussion they agreed to waive the 100 Euro.
Some friends had a worse experience in 2011 sailing out of Pula where some fuel stations in the area were dry. The motto seems to be: fill up when you can and try to fill up the day before you return the boat, when queues should be shorter. And keep the receipt! Or buy a container and fill the boat's tank from that - just don't let them catch you doing it!
The charter company also told me to leave the holding tank seacock open at all times - not fair on the locals when you're in their harbour, and needless to say I ignored it.