sailing directions

126 Sector 11. Coast of Croatia—Rt Movar to Rt Marleraing depth of 8m. Vessels with a draft of over 6m are advisednot to use this channel.11.17 Ninsko-Ljubacki Kanal (44˚18'N., 15˚15'E.), a tortuouschannel, connects the SE end of Kanal Nove Povljane withLjubacka Vrata. This channel leads through the deep inletswhich indent the SE coast of Otok Pag, on the NW side, andthe mainland, on the SE side. It is entered between Rt Prutna,which is the S extremity of Otok Page and is marked by a light,and the NW extremity of Poluotok Jesenovo. Anchorage canbe taken in any of the deep inlets, according to draft.11.17 Ljubacka Vrata (44˚19'N., 15˚16'E.), a narrow and deeppassage, separates the S end of Otok Page from the mainlandand connects the E end of Ninsko-Ljubacki Kanal with the Send of Velebitski Kanal. A bridge, with a vertical clearance of35m, spans this passage.11.17 Before entering this passage in clear weather, vessels over 50grt and all vessels with a tow must sound one long blast. Thevessel which first sounds this signal has the priority to enterand all other vessels must wait outside. Vessels alreadynavigating the passage must answer the single long blast ofanother vessel by sounding at least four short blasts. Specialsignals are required for passage in thick weather and the localauthorities should be consulted in this case.11.17 Generally, a current with a rate of 1 knot sets S through LjubackaVrata but, at times, a rate of 3 knots has been experienced.11.17 Pilotage through Ljubacka Vrata is compulsory for foreignvessels over 500 grt; pilots are available, with advance notice,at Zadar.Velebitski Kanal—South Part11.18 The S part of Velebitski Kanal trends SE for 12 milesfrom the E entrance of Ljubacka Vrata to the entrance ofNovsko Zdrilo (Maslenicki Kanal). The NE shore of the channelis high and precipitous and contrasts considerably with theSW side which is backed by low and sloping hills.11.18 Otocic Razanci, consisting of three small and low islets, lieson a shoalbank in the middle of the channel 3 miles ESE of theE entrance of Ljubacka Vrata. These islets are not easily seenin periods of reduced visibility. A light is shown from astructure, 6m high, standing on the SE end of Razanac Veli, theSE and largest islet. A conspicuous statue stands on the summitof this islet. The passage lying on the N side of these islets ispreferred, but no attempt should be made to pass betweenthem. The channel narrows 5 miles SE of Otocic Razanci andthe fairway is bordered by coastal banks and reefs.11.18 Nosko Zdrilo (Maslenicki Kanal) (44˚15'N., 15˚31'E.) isentered at the N end between Rt Baljenica, a conspicuousbrown and yellowish point, and Rt Korotanja, 0.2 mile SW.These entrance points are fringed by shoals which are markedby buoys. The fairway of the entrance has a least depth of7.9m. The channel is 2 miles long and has a minimum width of200m with depths of 18 to 33m. Generally, vessels up to 140min length and 7.9m draft can transit the passage.11.18 Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels over 500 grtthrough Novsko Zdrilo. Pilots are available, with advancenotice, from Zadar and will board in daylight only outside theentrance to the channel.11.18 It has been reported (1994) that passage through NovskoZdrilo is prohibited to all vessels. Vessels should contact theauthorities at Zadar for the latest information concerning transitthrough this channel.11.18 A new bridge, with a vertical clearance of 77m, now spansthe S end of the channel.11.19 Maslenica (44˚13'N., 15˚33'E.), a small harbor, lieson the NE side of the S entrance of Novsko Zdrilo and is usedfor loading bauxite. A quay, 120m long, has a depth of 10malongside. However, vessels are limited by the depths withinthe fairway of Novsko Zdrilo.11.19 It is reported (1995) that this harbor is closed to shipping dueto the destruction of the bridge at the S end of Nosko Zdrilo.11.19 Novigradsko More (44˚12'N., 15˚32'E.), a land-locked bay,lies at the S end of Novsko Zdrilo and provides good anchorage.Rijeka Zrmanja flows into the bay at the E side. This riveris navigable by small craft as far as the village of Obrovca, 6miles above the mouth.11.19 Luka Novigrad, a narrow inlet, lies at the S end of NovigradskoMore. The small town of Novigrad stands along theshore and on the slopes of the hills at the E side of the head ofthe inlet and is fronted by a small craft harbor. Karinsko Zdrilo,a narrow and tortuous channel, leads from the SE end of NovigradskoMore into Karinsko More, a land-locked basin. Thispassage has depths of 11 to 20m in the fairway, but a sharp turnin the S part, with a width of only 90m, restricts its use to smallcraft and local coasters.11.19 Caution.—Mussel beds, oyster beds, and tunny fisheries liealong the shores of Novigradsko More and Karinsko More.Velebitski Kanal—Central Part11.20 The central part of Velebitski Kanal trends NW fromthe E entrance of Ljubacka Vrata and leads between themainland and the E side of Otok Pag. The N shore of the channelis high and steep but the S shore is lower and gently sloping.The fairway is deep and clear and easily navigated, but isexposed to the full force of frequent NW winds.11.20 Paski Zaliv (44˚28'N., 15˚01'E.), a large bay, lies on the Eside of Otok Pag and offers good shelter. The entrance islocated 11.5 miles NW of the E entrance of Ljubacka Vrataand lies close S of Rt Kristofor, a steep point, which is markedby a light and fronted by shallow rocks which extend up to 0.4mile S of it. The entrance fairway has depths of 20 to 57m, buta shoal, with a depth of 10.4m, lies on its E side W of Rt Kristofor.11.20 The small town of Pag is situated in the S part of the bay, 2.3miles SSW of Rt Kristofor, and is fronted by a small harborwith a depth of 4m. A salt flat, 3 miles long, occupies the valleyto the SE of the town and is crossed by a bridge. The Wside of the town is quayed and is approached through a markedchannel, 50m wide, with a depth of 4.3m. Small vessels loadingsalt and ferries use this harbor. The tidal currents in thechannel are appreciable and sometimes attain rates of 4 knots.Anchorage can be taken by large vessels, in depths of 18 to25m, soft mud, about 0.7 mile NW of the church spire standingin the town. Good anchorage for large vessels can also befound in the NE part of Paski Zaliv, in depths of 25 to 35m,sand and mud. Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels overPub. 132