Croatia from Feb for 3 months

[chook]

Hi all,

I am currently anchored in Greece and plan to make it to Croatia by late Feb, was just wondering if people have sailed Croatia during this time, Feb, March, April, May? I understand it can be quiet. Just wondering if the costs for anchoring/mooring balls are as high out of season. We are an Australian couple who plan to stay 3 months.

Any info would be great regarding anchorages/things to be aware of as we have only recently purchased our boat.

Thanks
Jason

[Rapanui]

Croatia will be very quiet in Feb and March, possibly also April in places, particularly on the islands. At least 50% of the island population is seasonal, so shops will be closed or reduced hours. Restaurants with mooring will be closed. There are a lot of good safe anchorages, but a lot of mooring buoys will be missing as they only buy the franchise's for the season. Marinas are in the cheap season but that is still very expensive, municipal harbours may or may not be manned. Spring particularly March is when the strongest Bora occur so watch the forecast diligently. Weather can be very cold, warming quickly in April. Cruising in April is very pleasant as there are few charter boats and weather is generally nice.
You will need to be very self sufficient with water, provisions and heating. Fuel is no problem as most stations serve boats and road vehicles but mostly mornings only.

[Rapanui]

Mooring balls will mostly be removed in winter and reinstated at earliest in April. You may find some that have been left on but our experience is that most are removed often in September when the weather is great. The big municipal buoys in places like Vis are often not deployed until June presumably to get boats alongside at outrageous prices until demand outstrips supply. You really need the best possible anchor in an extra large size to be safe. 80 m of chain would be good to get plenty of scope.
Some of the municipal quays have a time limited franchise or no attendant so you may be able to stay for free.