July 14 to 21 (available, shortened leg)

Leg 1: Split to Hvar, Croatia

Sure, one could easily sail from Split to Hvar in a day. But with so many islands and anchorages to explore in Geja’s “home” sailing region, Geja will simply follow the wind for a week of easy sailing along the central Dalmatian Coast. Hvar is a highlight of the Adriatic Sea, and a perfect place to end the leg. It’s a short ride back to Split by ferry, or take the coastal ferry south to Dubrovnik.


Transit options: Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV) airports


July 22 to 28 (full boat)

Leg 2: Hvar to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Bookended by two of Croatia’s top tourist destinations, this leg features a classic downwind sail among well-known islands such as Korcula and Mljet. The town of Dubrovnik, regarded as “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site and fantastic place to conclude a week of sailing.


Transit options: Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV) airports


July 29 to August 4 (full boat)

Leg 3: Dubrovnik, Croatia to Budva, Montenegro

Join Geja for an international voyage from fabulous Dubrovnik to stunning Montenegro. Just across the border is the entrance to the Kotor Fjord, a 17-mile deep series of bays leading to the town of the same name. Back out in the sea, Geja will continue south, ending the leg in the hedonistic party town of Budva.


Transit options: Dubrovnik (DBV), Tivat (TIV) airports


August 5-11 (full boat)

Leg 4: Budva, Montenegro to Trani, Italy

After a wild night out in Budva, Geja will check out from The East and sail overnight to The West. The southeast coast of Italy may lack islands, but more than makes up for it in culturally rich towns and super-friendly people. Off the beaten path, few international tourists visit this region. This leg is intentionally designed to coincide with the start of the Italian holiday season, and the coast will be packed with Italians escaping the inland heat.


Transit options: Brindisi (BDS), Bari (BRI), Pescara (PSR) airports


August 12 to 18 (space for one)

Leg 5: Trani, Italy to Hvar, Croatia

The fun in Italy continues from beautiful Trani, with its stunning 12th century seaside cathedral and festive holiday vibe. Further north, from the “spur” of Italy, the crossing back to Croatia will begin, with a possible stop in Italy’s Tremiti Islands. Back in Croatia, the fun will end in the ever-popular town of Hvar on the island of the same name, from where it’s an easy ferry ride to Split on the mainland.


Transit options: Split (SPU), Zadar (ZAD), Dubrovnik (DBV) airports


August 19 to 26 (full boat)

Leg 6: Hvar to Split, Croatia

This leg covers Croatia’s most popular sailing area, casually cruising around the numerous islands that comprise Geja’s “home” sailing region. Islands like Vis, Brac, Solta, and others are all within easy reach, offering picturesque villages and countless anchorages. The summer tour will end in Geja’s homeport of Trogir, another UNESCO site and a stone’s throw from Split’s international Airport.


Transit options: Split (SPU), Zadar (ZAD)


 
The 2012 Route

Below is the proposed route, broken up into individual legs with transit options at each end. Weather, mechanical issues, and hangovers may affect the schedule, though the skipper has a near-perfect record so far in keeping with the dates. Legs can be modified somewhat to accommodate flight schedules. Consider joining for consecutive one-week legs if possible.


Typically there are a total of three people aboard. If friends share the front cabin, four people can be accommodated.


Try SkyScanner.net, WhichBudget.com, and Kayak.com to research flights within Europe.


The route is Version 1.0. Last updated July 26, 2012.