It’s time to wrap up another unforgettable sailing adventure!
This time, our private flotilla consisted of eight friends on a ten-day journey.
We chose a truly amazing destination – Croatia! A huge thanks goes to Ronen from Sailing Around, who guided us in picking the right sailing route and destination. Until the very last moment, we weren’t even sure the trip would happen, but optimism won. We landed on a direct flight to Tivat, Montenegro, and from there drove a few hours to Dubrovnik, arriving on Friday.
At first, we imagined sailing together on three yachts, but in reality each crew had their own boat. Still, we managed to meet from time to time, whether in the streets or even in hidden bays.
Dubrovnik turned out to be absolutely breathtaking, a true gem on the Adriatic Sea. We wandered through the Old Town and in the evening joined an incredible party at a local hotspot, Revelin Bar. The next day, Saturday, we continued exploring both the city and the stunning beaches in the surrounding area.
In the afternoon, we reached ACI Marina Dubrovnik. We split into teams – some of us went shopping, others took care of the check-in, and the rest enjoyed a coffee at the marina.
Our yacht was waiting for us, and it exceeded expectations both in quality and in the equipment provided. This year we decided to upgrade and take the “Adrenaline Package”, which included a speedboat and a full set of watersport gear – a fantastic addition for anyone looking to spice up their sailing holiday. Since it was already late, we stayed overnight at the marina.
Sunday – Early the next morning we set sail north, on a five-hour journey (around 40 nautical miles) towards Mljet National Park, anchoring in the small village of Polače.
We arranged with a local restaurant that had a small private pier: in exchange for committing to dinner there, we were allowed to moor directly at their dock – a perfect solution. The island is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, with hiking trails and mountain bikes available for rent. At its center lies a beautiful lake, ideal for cycling around.
The following morning, Roy and I started the day with a refreshing run along the island’s charming coastline – the perfect way to greet the new day.
Monday – We set sail towards the northern town of Vela Luka on the island of Korčula.
It’s a picturesque tourist town, and along the way we made the most of the time by practicing with the watersport equipment included in our package. After a relatively long sail, we reached the marina late in the evening – thankfully we had reserved our spot in advance.
When we arrived, the town was quiet and sleepy, so after a nice dinner we called it an early night, making sure not to disturb the neighbors.
Tuesday – Early in the morning, after restocking supplies, we headed north towards the island of Hvar. The moment we left the protected bay of Vela Luka, the sea turned rough with headwinds of 40 knots and strong swells lifting the bow on every wave. To avoid any risk – and spare the crew unnecessary struggle – we decided to complete this leg under engine, without sails.
After about four tough hours, we finally reached the spectacular island of Hvar. I set my sights on finding a mooring spot right at the entrance to the main harbor, and with some patience (and a touch of Israeli persistence), we managed to secure a buoy exactly where I hoped.
From there we took the speedboat and dinghy across the bay to a small group of islands opposite Hvar called Palmižana. This charming archipelago is made up of lagoons, each more beautiful and unique than the last, and every one of them has its own exotic beach bar.
In the evening, we returned to the yacht. The sea was still high, but I trusted the forecast promising calmer conditions – and sure enough, it settled down.
That night we went out to experience the vibrant energy of Hvar Town, with its countless restaurants, lively bars, and buzzing nightlife. It’s definitely a place I’d highly recommend to any sailor.
Wednesday – The plan was to continue our journey and begin the return south, but we felt there was still more of Hvar to enjoy. So, unanimously, we decided to stay another night. Most of the day was spent relaxing in lagoons and on the beaches, and in the evening we returned once more to the lively town.
That night we anchored Mediterranean-style in one of the lagoons, surrounded by calm waters and starlit skies.
Thursday – We set off early, heading south after topping up on water and supplies, this time bound for the capital of Korčula Island, also named Korčula. With the wind and sea in our favor, we arrived quickly. Some of us went ashore to explore the island’s charm, while others enjoyed watersports in a nearby lagoon. By afternoon, we all reunited for a stroll through the Old Town, with its narrow streets, cozy restaurants, and lively bars. It was also the perfect chance to pick up gifts for loved ones back home.
Friday – Once again, we departed early, this time towards our home port in Dubrovnik. The strong winds worked in our favor, and we practically flew back – downwind sailing at up to 30 knots with two reefed sails. It was the fastest run of our entire week.
We reached the marina by midday, completed a quick check-out, and set off for Budva in Montenegro, chosen because of its proximity to the airport.
What a surprise Budva turned out to be – a beautiful city blending the charm of its Old Town with a more modern side, all mixed together with traces of Soviet-era architecture. A fascinating combination. And of course, it was impossible not to notice the stunning women of the city – truly unforgettable. The Old Town itself is packed with restaurants and bars, and the coolest detail is a small gate in the old city walls that opens directly onto bathing beaches right beneath them.
Saturday – We spent our last day strolling through the charming streets of Budva, soaking up the atmosphere together before returning to reality.
That’s it – another incredible sailing journey completed. Until next time!
A huge thank you to my incredible crew who placed their trust in me throughout this journey:
Saar Koblinsky – my all-capable partner and the chief organizer.
David Elimelech – the powerhouse with endless energy, and the one who led our delicious cooking all week long.
Roy Nachmias – the responsible big brother figure, always watching out for me.
Roi Hasel – the one who always takes care of everything ashore and is ready to help with anything at any time.
Itai Oren – my very first childhood friend, always easygoing and bringing joy wherever he goes.
Oded Golan – the newest skipper in the group; it’s a relief and a pleasure knowing he’s on board so I can finally relax a little.
And of course, Ran Eran – who supported us with the organization, skippering, and countless important decisions throughout the trip.
We couldn’t have done it without the support back home – our partners, our kids, and yes, even our exes. Thank you all for making this adventure possible.
And to you, Elinor Dvilanski, my love – thank you for your patience and understanding.
That’s a wrap – until next time!
