We did indeed spent another day in Vela Luka on Korčula island during which the heavens opened several times. Truly torrential rain but it did mean that the sea had a chance to calm down a bit. So, on Tuesday morning, we topped up with fuel before setting off for Korčula Town, some 35nm away where the rest of our club charter were. As always, the wind wasn’t quite coming from the direction they forecast so it was bang on the nose and the sea state started to build again. However, once we were in the channel between the Pelješac peninsula and Korčula island, it was a lot flatter and easier. We sailed past the old town into an anchorage just two miles south to meet the other boats only two days late!

Korčula Town

The old town that stands today dates back to 15th century and was the birthplace of Marco Polo. When we last visited here in 2004, it wasn’t as touristy and certainly didn’t make much of the fact that Marco Polo was its most famous son. That has all changed with Marco Polo museum, the house he lived in, memorabilia and tours. The front overlooking the harbour is now full of restaurants and cafes, showcasing a wonderful vista. The bell tower is a short but very steep climb to give you amazing views.

We spent the night in a quiet anchorage and walked round to Lumbarda village to eat in one of the many restaurants. It was an okay meal but lovely to be with everyone. We spent the next day wandering around Korčula as it was only a couple of miles in the dinghy and yacht Limoni gave us a lift one way! After Korčula we had a fabulous sail up the channel to Loviste on the Pelješac peninsular. It was a huge but quiet anchorage (at least until we turned up!). We had fabulous drinks and canapés on board Artmedia, a Hanse 575, with loads of toys including its own wine fridge, electric height adjustable tables and the necessary generator to power all these luxuries!

Artmedia in Loviste

Next day was a long motor sail down to Okuklje on Mljet. Liz and I were here in 2004 but have absolutely no recollection! Most of the moorings are for the restaurants but there is a very small town quay so we  snuck on there free of charge. Our fridge decided to pack up again so we ate on board whilst the rest of the club ate at one of the restaurants in this bay.

Okuklje on Mljet

Today we sailed all of 6nm across from Mljet to Luka Slano on the mainland via a lunchtime stop on Jakljan. There is a cove just inside the Slano bay called Banja and whilst fairly deep at 12m (this means that we have to put out 45m of chain), it’s a beautiful anchorage with its own chapel. Eating on board again and watching the stars after pre dinner drinks on Limoni. Magical.

Banja