general, istria, sailing

Sailing etiquette

Sailing etiquette - rules of behaviour in Istrian harbours and marinas

When you sail into the idyllic marinas of Istria, a world full of fascinating coastal towns and hospitable harbours awaits you. But in order to maintain harmony, there are a few unwritten rules of behaviour to follow. Whether mooring, talking to other sailors or dealing with the harbour team – with the right manners, you will not only be remembered as a friendly guest, but also as a respected sailor.

Communication on arrival

A professional impression begins even before you dock: Let the harbour staff and other sailors know in good time by signal or radio when you are heading for the entrance. This way, everyone knows that another boat is heading for the harbour and can prepare for it. A well-placed hand signal or a brief greeting ensures clarity and creates a respectful atmosphere. This is particularly helpful in the busy marinas of Poreč or Umag, where space is often limited.

Mooring like a pro

A safe mooring manoeuvre is not only important for your boat, but also for the surrounding boats. Keep an eye on the wind, the space and make sure that your boat is not too close to the other boats. Clean, slow manoeuvring not only looks confident, but also prevents possible damage or unpleasant misunderstandings with your neighbours.

Even a short mooring for a ‘lunch break’ should be well planned. If you only want to moor for a short time, let the harbour staff know so that you can choose the right berth.

Respect for privacy

Even though proximity is often unavoidable in the marina, personal conversations and the privacy of your neighbours should be respected. Try to avoid excessive noise and don’t run over other boats without cause. Especially in small, charming harbours such as Rovinj or Novigrad, people will quickly feel disturbed if you talk excessively loudly or take too obvious an interest in your neighbour’s boat.

Electricity and water utilisation

In Istria’s marinas, electricity and water are often limited and shared. Make sure that you connect all connections correctly and do not use more than is absolutely necessary. Some harbours have clear rules on water consumption – it’s worth taking a quick look at the harbour regulations. Even if showers in the harbour are sometimes scarce, using them briefly helps everyone to have enough water and not cause waiting times for the next person.

Waste disposal: Clean marinas for everyone

Cleanliness in Istria’s marinas and along the coast is a matter of respect and responsibility. All harbours have designated rubbish stations that you should use. Don’t leave any rubbish on board that could be carried away by the wind or water and follow the marina’s recycling rules, if available. This will preserve the idyllic coastal ambience for everyone.

Friendly communication – harbour team and fellow sailors appreciate it

A simple ‘hello’, a smile or a little small talk with the harbour team and fellow sailors quickly creates a positive atmosphere. The local staff can often provide helpful tips on the surroundings or the weather conditions. Friendly contact can provide you with useful insider information and shows the team that you respect their work.

Observe safety precautions

There are safety precautions in every harbour that are also relevant in an emergency. Find out about emergency numbers and emergency zones. Also respect the rules for open flames or barbecues on board – some marinas prohibit this for fire safety reasons. This keeps the harbour area safe and avoids unnecessary risks.

Check-out the next morning

The check-out should be quick and smooth. Especially in the high season, many marinas expect you to vacate your berth by mid-morning at the latest so that the staff can prepare everything for the next guest. Therefore, pack up your equipment in the evening and leave the berth clean. A quick thank you to the harbour team is also appreciated.

Our summary

Istria’s marinas offer you a hospitable atmosphere and picturesque views – with the right manners, you can ensure that they remain a place of relaxation and socialising for you and other sailors. Stick to the sailing etiquette and you will see that many doors are open to you.