CHAPTER.ISTRIA

CHAPTER. ISTRIA
Sometimes a journey doesn't begin with a plan,
but with a moment.

A morning in the port of Pula.
The lines are cast off, the sails slowly rise into the wind.
Behind us lie the old city walls, before us opens the tranquil expanse of the Adriatic Sea.

We will take our time for a week.
We sail along the Istrian coast, anchor in quiet bays, and visit small towns that hold more stories than streets.
On board, a dinner is created from simple ingredients as the sun slowly sinks into the sea.

It's not the great distances that make these days special.
It's the little moments in between.

The moment when the boat comes to rest at anchor.
The first swim in open water.
A glass of wine in the cockpit as the coastline slowly disappears into the evening light.

Finally, we return to Pula.
But something has changed.

Perhaps the speed of thought.
Perhaps the view of the sea.

Or simply the feeling,
to have lived a different life for a week.

A chapter at sea.
Come aboard.
The next chapter begins in May.


POSSIBLE DRAMATURGY.

8 days through an island world of stone and pine trees
May is perhaps the most beautiful time in this area.
The air is clear, the sea calm, and the islands seem as if they are just awakening from their winter slumber.
The sailing season doesn't begin with hectic activity.
It begins with light.

Day 1 — Pula
Reception at the quay.
The Roman port of Pula acts like a gateway to the Adriatic Sea.
In the evening, dinner together in the old town.
The nautical chart is later placed in the cockpit – and the route slowly takes shape.

Day 2 — Cres Island
First longer leg out into the Kvarner.
Cres appears wild and pristine.
The coast is rocky, the water deep blue.
Anchoring in a quiet bay.

Day 3 — Mali Lošinj
Sailing along the long island of Cres to Mali Lošinj.
A lively harbor with colorful houses and cafes.
Evening stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Day 4 — Ilovik Island
A short sail to Ilovik.
The island is small and almost entirely car-free.
Anchoring off the village.
Swimming in warm spring water.

Day 5 — Unije Island
Sailing back west.
Unije lies peacefully in the middle of the sea, an island without a large harbor or major roads.
Perhaps a barbecue on the beach in the evening.

Day 6 — Rovinj
Today the route leads along the Istrian coast.
Rovinj suddenly appears on the horizon – one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic.
The old town rises directly out of the water.

Day 7 — Open sailing off Istria
No destination port.
Sailing only along the coast.
Perhaps we'll anchor again in a quiet bay.
Time for logbook entries and discussions in the cockpit.

Day 8 — Return to Pula
Final tack back to the harbor.
The arena of Pula appears above the rooftops.
The first chapter of the year is coming to an end.