NORTHERN ADRIATIC

RIJEKA (45° 20'N; 14° 25'E), town (pop. 167,964 in 1991) and largest Croatian commercial port.

Approach: Rijeka can be approached from three directions: from Kvarnerski zaljev (Kvarner Bay) through Vela vrata (Vela Straits), between the peninsula of Istria and the island of Cres; from Kvarneric through Srednja vrata between the islands of Krk and Cres; from Velebitski kanal (Velebit Channel) through Tihi kanal (Tihi Channel) between the island of Krk and the mainland.

The following landmarks are conspicuous when approaching the harbour: the high hexagonal tower of Mlaka lighthouse (black and white bands, white light), the pointed white steeple of the church on Kozala Hill (above the town), the building of the large city hospital, the large travelling crane of the Treci maj (Third May) shipyard to the left of the harbour, the green tower with gallery (green light) at the head of Rijecki lukobran (Rijeka breakwater).

West of the entrance to the main harbour lies Brgud, the harbour of the Treci maj (Third May) shipyard (green tower with post above a house, green light). In the E part of the harbour part of the waterfront is reserved for passenger boats and the berthing of boats. Rijeka harbour does not provide good facilities for yachts and is not suitable for a longer stay. Large yachts will have great difficulty in finding a good berth in the harbour, the only available berths being in the E part of the main harbour (Karolina Rijecka Pier and E of this to Senjsko pristaniste). In entering and leaving boats must keep to starboard and sail at moderate speed.

In spring and autumn the sirocco frequently blows (foretold by cloud cap on the top of Ucka). Nimbus and cumulonimbus clouds above the Velebit range usually herald W and NW winds, accompanied by rough sea and strong slop in the harbour.

On the coast from Preluk to Bakarski zaljev are several small sports harbours (Kantrida, Treci maj, Jeleticevo, Grcevo) but they are crowded during the summer season and it is difficult to find a good berth.

Rijeka port is open to international sailing and is a permanent port of entry with customs and health authorities.

Facilities: Harbour master's office, post office, train and bus terminals, airport (on the island of Krk) and airfield for sports planes (on Grobnik, outside of Rijeka), tourist offices, hotels, several hospitals, extensive medical services (outpatient's department for seamen).

Rijeka has a university; shipping companies Croatialine and Jadrolinija; Treci maj shipyard.

The coastal maritime radiostation RIJEKARADIO forms part of Croatia Maritime Radio Service.

Provisions of all kinds are available in the town shops and the open market beside the harbour. Drinking water from hydrants and fuel (oil, petrol, gas) on the petrol station. Navigational publications and charts are available from PLOVPUT Plovno podrucje Rijeka (Sailing in the Rijeka area, Senjsko pristaniste 3), and at the Maritime Faculty.

Repairs of all kinds to hull, engines, and all kinds of refitting available at Viktor Lenac shipyard in Martinscica. Repairs, servicing and installation of engines up to 184 kW (250 HP) at Kantrida boatyard.

The seat of the Association for Sport Fishing and Underwater Activities is in Rijeka; Luben Fishing Club, Galeb Yacht Club (Kostrena), Treci Maj Yacht Club and Viktor Lenac Yacht Club. The central organization in Croatia for the international Flying Dutchman class, and international Sljuka class yachts are also in Rijeka, and the commodore fleet for the international Cadet class for the north Adriatic.

Car-ferry line: Rijeka - Porozina; Rijeka - (M. Losinj) - Rab - Zadar - (Primosten) - Split - Hvar - Korcula - (V. Luka) - Mljet - Dubrovnik.

Sights: Sv Marija cathedral (13 C, renovations 1695, 171526, leaning belfry 1377), city tower (18 C), Capuchin monastery and church of Sv Jeronim (Baroque 18 C, Gothic chapel), Sv Vid church (St Vitus, rotunda 16381742), theatre (1885-86), Gospa Lurdska church in Zabica (Our Lady of Lourdes, in Zabica, 1906 and 1929), Calvary (remains of Roman limes), church (1934) and graveyard on Kozala (view of Rijeka Bay). Trsat: 538 steps of Petar Kruzic (lower part 1531), Frankopan castle (before 1288, additions in 19 C, fine view of Rijeka Bay), church of Marija Lauretanska (12 C, renovated 1824, rich inventory). History and Naval History Museums, Natural History Museum with Aquarium, Zoo, Modern Art Gallery.

ZURKOVO (45° 18'N; 14° 29'E), small harbour about 2.5M southeast of Rijeka.

Approach: The red cliff of the stone quarry W of the harbour is conspicuous.

Mooring: The harbour is exposed to SE and SW winds which do not cause waves. The bora may be violent. Small craft can anchor in the middle of the bay.

Facilities: Motel and restaurant. Water from hydrant on waterfront, motel and restaurant, supermarket at the W side of the cove there is a petrol pump.

Brodoservis has a small boatyard which can carry out repairs to small craft, such craft can also find winter berths. There is a hoist on the head of the main pier and two small slips.

Galeb Yacht Club of Rijeka.