Essential Information

Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Address

Sunsail Marina Veruda
Prekomorskih Brigade 12
52100 Pula
CROATIA
Mobile: +385 91 34 34 102
Email: daniela.jerkovic@tuimarine.com

Location

Marina Veruda, on the north west coast of Croatia on the Istrian Peninsula lies 5km from the center of Pula and near the settlement, Pjescana uvala. Pula Airport is 5 km and approximately fifteen minutes away. It is also possible to arrive from Trieste, 120 km distance.

Marina Contact

Phone: +385 52 224 034
Fax: +385 52 211 194

Base Open Hours

Mon – Thur: 8:30 – 5:30
Fri –     Sun: 8:30 – 7:00

Base/Shore Facilities

Reception, exchange office, restaurant, toilets and showers, grocery shop, chandlery, dry cleaners, fuel, water, telephone and parking for 300 cars. Parking costs approximately 35 Euros per week.

Cash, check or credit card (Diners, Master, Maestro, Visa and Visa electron are accepted.
The shop and chandlery both open from April to October.  Daily in the supermarket you can buy fresh bread, fruit and vegetables.

The Marina is protected from all winds, and has been awarded the Blue Flag for the last nine years. There are regular bus and railways connecting Pula with all Croatian towns. You can walk from the Marina to the town center in approximately 35 minutes.

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Arrival & Departure

Time difference

Standard Time Zone in Croatia is GMT + 1.

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage onboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance.  You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Check your duty free allowance in the duty free guide available on the flight.

Airport

Pula Airport is approximately 15 minutes (5KM) away from the base.
Facilities at the airport include:

• Money and Communications: There is a bureau de change, and ATM machines.
• Business facilities are provided by the spacious VIP lounge.
• Eating and drinking: There are bars and cafés which offer light meals and refreshments.
• Shopping: There is a range of duty-free and regular shopping outlets selling local handicrafts, gifts and produce.
• Transport: Car rental and Taxis are readily available at Pula Airport

Transfers

Transfers from the airport to the Base can be arranged on request, but they will need to be paid for locally. Please send your travel arrangements to us prior to departure so we can assist with transfer details where required.

Please note: Guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract / invoice.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

Before leaving the airport you will have to clear Customs and Immigration.  Customs and Immigration do work on a spot check basis.

On Arrival

Your yacht will be ready at 6:00 pm for boarding. Chart briefing and Boat briefings will be scheduled. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.

The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Croatian Tourism tax: this tax will be collected upon arrival at the base. The charge is 1 Euro per person / per day and must be paid as a cash payment for the whole of the charter period.

Out of hours arrival procedure

 Outside of these hours we leave directions to your yacht,  a contact number, and other relevant information outside our reception for you to collect.

On departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 0900 hrs so we recommend that you return to the base the day before. Before departing the boat please collect a debrief form from reception.

The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and refrigerator of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Pula: Sailing Experience Level 2
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licenses

The Croatian Port Authorities require all skippers to hold proper sailing ability licenses.  We therefore strongly advise that you take any sailing certificates on vacation with you.   This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police.  If you have not already done so then both the Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Skippers & Crew qualifications and boat papers

It is ESSENTIAL that we have all of the following details in advance: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport number/ID card number for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base. The sailing experience you provide on your booking confirmation is required as proof of sailing experience for the Croatian Port Authorities. Please bring any sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you.

Night Sailing

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

Limitations: Slovenia in the North (from Pula Base) to Dubrovnik & Italy in the South.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Mooring fees are usually charged in harbours and on town quays by the local municipality. These are usually between €25 and €30 which is less than the per night charges in the larger marinas, but shower and toilet facilities may not be available.

Well equipped marinas are common in Croatia and generally cost about €50 (for a 30 ft yacht) to €80 (for a 50ft yacht) per night. The actual price is dependent on the size of your yacht and the specific marina pricing policy. Shore power, water, and shower and toilet facilities are included in the cost of berthing in a marina.

If you use a private jetty free of charge, you are expected to eat at the owner’s restaurant.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures.

It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc. The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have his own cabin. 

For one-day check out skipper’s it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back.

The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Fuel

Cost Guide                      £1.00 per liter
Fuel Station location        Marina Veruda

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

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Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The official currency of the Republic of Croatia is the Kuna (HRK), divided into 100 Lipa.
You can exchange money at the departure airport, but the exchange rate is often better once you are in Croatia. Only 2000 Kuna can be imported or exported.

Banks

Open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 12 noon Saturday.
There are ATMs on most of the islands. Traveler’s checks are not readily accepted.
Cash can be exchanged at banks, post offices, exchange offices, travel agencies, marina offices and hotels. There are many small exchange offices in town offering a better exchange rate than the bank.  They are open from 8am to 8pm.

Credit Card Information

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger towns and on some islands but it is advisable to have cash to pay for meals.
Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal checks and cannot give cash back on credit or debit cards.  

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General Information

Language

Croatian, Serbia, and other (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German).

Cost of living in Croatia

Restaurants

There are restaurants close to the bases and around many of the islands, with a wide selection of menus at various prices. Freshly caught local seafood is very popular. The local Sunsail staff will advise you of the whereabouts of restaurants.

Vela Nera – Marina Veruda
Tel:    +385 52 219 209       
In Pjescana uvala, with a terrace overlooking the yacht harbour. Good restaurant for lunch and supper offering excellent seafood specialities.

The bistro-pizzeria "Volaria" also at the Marina offers a rich menu of pizzas, pasta and a wide choice of alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks.

Tipping

Tipping in Croatia is becoming more commonplace, especially in upscale restaurants. In the past, tipping was welcome but not expected. Today, however, in newer, higher end places, an extra 10% or 15% is considered polite.

Shopping

When shopping in Croatia you may be offered receipts in shops far lower in value than the amount paid. Shops do this to declare less tax. The Customs Officers at your home airports are well aware how much most goods are worth. If you declare a lower value, you may have the goods seized and a heavy fine imposed.

In Pula, there are four big shopping centres with good supplies and excellent service.

Opening Hours:  In high season: from 8 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm  
Out of season: from 8 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 7.30 pm.
Supermarkets and grocery shops are open from 6.30 am to 8 pm or 9 pm and on Sundays to 1 or 2 pm.

Croatia offers many handcrafted souvenirs. Filigree jewelry, coral, pearl, embroidered table cloths, linen, Dalamatian wine, spirits, preserves and dried fruit.  
A VAT of 18.5% is added onto all non-essential products and services purchased in Croatia.

Hotels

Scaletta Hotel
Flavijevska 26
52100 Pula, Croatia
Tel:  + 385 52 541 025
Fax: + 385 52 540 285
E-mail: krtalic@pu.t-com.hr
www.hotel-scaletta.com/eng/
12 modern, comfortable, fully equipped rooms and excellent restaurant, near the Roman amphitheatre in the center of Pula.

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Croatia is 220 Volts, and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. 

Mobile phones

Check with your service provider for coverage and roaming fees. There are companies such as Cellular Abroad who offer international phone rentals if you are not a resident of the country. Using your own GSM mobile phone in conjunction with a prepaid SIM card is also very popular and convenient.

Internet Connectivity

Telephone and internet facilities are available at Marina Veruda.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD while sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

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Activities

There is a wide choice of sport activities. In the vicinity of the marina there are: tennis courts, basketball, football, diving school, mini golf course, water skiing, parasailing and a horse riding center at Libora.

Car Rental

Car rental is available from the airport or the Marina base.  Sixt Car & Hertz.
You should note that international driver’s licenses are not deemed valid in Croatia.   

Watersports

Fishing

For any kind of fishing you need to buy a fishing license. The cost of the fishing license for 1 week is 100€. There are no rental facilities for fishing equipment.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is strictly regulated in Croatia. Please arrange in advance to dive with a local club in Pula.
In order for you to dive from the yacht, a Croatian dive license is required. This can be bought at a cost of 2500 Kuna for the year. To purchase this license, you will need to produce Dive qualifications. Costs will then be approximately 200 kuna per day and 8 kuna a liter to fill tanks.

The best option is to go through a Dive center. The cost is approx. 350 Kuna for one dive including rental of all equipment and approx. 550 Kuna for 2 dives, including rental of all equipment, and they will be able to show the best spots along the coast.

Diving Club Pula
Cottova 26
Tel:  +385 98 25 58 34

For more information about scuba diving visit the Croatian Tourism Diving Association website: www.diving.hr.

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Hiking

Hikers and mountaineers will be in heaven! Particular hiking attractions include the mountains in Gorski Kotar with the Risnjak National Park and the Velebit mountain range with the Paklenica National Park.

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location.  More information on provisioning.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at a Sunsail base or Club.

If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.

Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills. Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn. We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.

We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.

Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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