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CROSurf >>> Windsurfing - Peljesac Channel (page1) - Introduction, Channel, Safety

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Introduction

Peljesac Channel is narrow channel situated between Peljesac peninsula and Island of Korcula in Dalmatia (southern Croatia). Due to specific shape of the channel and surrounding topography (mountains), different winds affecting Peljesac Channel on different way than other areas in Adriatic Sea. Channel is long about 5 nautical miles (9 km) and average width is about 1 n.m. (1.8 km). Most popular summer wind for windsurfing is meastral, while rainless sirocco is good for windsurfing during the whole year. Channel has its west and east entrance. Western entrance is narrow (about 800m), while the eastern entrance is wide and protected by numerous islets of Korcula archipelago; therefore channel is very safe place for windsurfing. On this page I will try to familiarize you with winds in channel, how they affecting different areas of the channel, location of the best landing spots, and safety notes. If you want find out more about winds in Adriatic Sea, and other basic things about winds and windsurfing use left menu.

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Channel

Result of specific shape and location of the Peljesac Channel is increasing strength of the north westerly wind – maestral. This is a main reason why the channel is very popular among European windsurfers. One of the most important windsurfing events in Croatia was European Windsurfing Championship in Viganj 1989. We can say that maestral is prevailing summer wind, while the bora and sirocco (local name is Jugo) are prevailing winds in other parts of the year, but this is not always rule. Due to specific shape of the channel, we can divide winds into 3 groups: westerly, easterly and crossing wind.

Through the Peljesac Channel from the west entrance blowing following 4 winds: ponente (local name is pulenat) (W), maestral and maestralun (NW) and tramontana (N).

Easterly winds are: levanat (E), jugo-sirocco (SE) and jugo-ostro (S). Both, eastery and westerly winds blowing in channel as side-shore (cross-shore) winds.

Bora (NE) (local name is “bura”) and Libecchio (SW) (local name is “lebic”) are crossing channel; Bora from north to south, and Libecchio from south to north, therefore bora is for Peljesac coast off-shore wind and libecchio on-shore wind (for Korcula coast is opposite).

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Safety (in channel)

Channel is safe regarding tidal streams, currents and tides. In Peljesac channel current is frequently West-going, except near Korcula, at a rate of about 1 knot, but in W winds stronger East-going current is established. In calm weather and light winds the E and W-going tidal streams change with the tide, attaining a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 knots. Difference between low and high tide is approximately 0.5 meter.

Visibility in channel is always good; fog is rare – approximately one time per year. Visibility could be reduced in rain showers. Luckily, showers are not frequent during summer and, when rain starts, wind start decreasing force. Shark attacks were never noted in this area. Channel is also clear of submerged rocks, except “Vrbovica” well marked with red cone. Along the Korcula coast are mostly rocks which could be dangerous for windsurfing equipment, especially during bura. Personal floating device is not obligatory, but it’s recommended.

Precautions should be taken to other windsurfers, sailing boats, ships, hydrofoils… During summer Peljesac Channel is favorite destination for huge cruising vessels. It is a strictly prohibited for windsurfers to cross a bow of these ships. Before such ship enters a channel, she will indicate that by five short blasts. This is signal for windsurfers to go back to the beach or keep well clear from middle of a channel. Crossing the bow, and entering in lee area ahead of such ship, navigating upwind could have fatal consequences. Cruising ships are big and could be seen before entrance, and they have really loud whistle. Speed restriction of maximum 12 knots for bigger ships (more than 500 brt) will give you more time to go back to the beach.

Even more dangerous could be hydrofoils and catamarans; they have no speed restriction; they are fast and smaller than cruising ships or ferries passing the channel. Mostly small collisions are happen among wind or kite surfers. Big crowd (more than 100 surfers) is around horn Zamosce and Saint Liberan. (See windsurfing areas – maestral). Also numerous sailing boats sailing in channel – you have to avoid everything except other “give-way” windsurfers.

Another danger for beginners, not equipped with appropriate stuffs, can be unpredictable bura. In light wind and nice weather, sometimes starts bura, accompanied with sudden and strong gusts. In such case, beginners are advised to jump in the sea and start swimming toward beach; otherwise soon they will be on rocky Korcula coast.

Emergency phone numbers:

Korcula Port Authorities - 020 711-178, VHF Ch.16

Search and Rescue at Sea - 9155

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