[Matt]

Hello! As lovers of Croatia with 25 years of sailing experience in this magnificent maritime space dotted with nearly 1,300 islands, we can only deplore the growing commercialism. The prices in general, the often cold welcome, but especially what now amounts to a form of organized “extortion” against pleasure boaters.

The latest incident occurred today at Veli Rat in the north of Dugi Otok, the outermost island facing Zadar. A white-bearded man with a shaved head, claiming to be from the Pantera concession, demanded 5€ per meter while we were anchored outside the marked buoy zones. Without proof of his legitimacy, we refused to pay. He THREATENED to return at night to cut our anchor. He left while insulting us and making an obscene gesture. A deplorable spectacle, especially since a 12-year-old child who was accompanying him witnessed the scene.

Be careful therefore, and let’s be firm and respectful of the real rules. We must stop accepting these intimidation tactics. Ask for a professional ID card, justifications, and supporting documents…

Croatia 🇭🇷 deserves much better than these isolated but common “mafia-like” behaviors.

[Mann]

Yes, we shouldn’t encourage this kind of behavior – he probably thought he was dealing with a weekly boat renter. There are 3,000 sailboats for rent in Croatia, so the market for these kinds of scammers is enormous.

[WPI]

Curieux pays où l’état laisse la mer se privatiser, baies encombrés de bouées de mouillage appartenant aux restaurateurs, certe c’est beau mais avec le sentiment d’être un porte monnaie ambulant, l’âme slave est deconcertante aussi, non ils ne font pas la gueule mais le sourire ne fait pas partie des mœurs. Devant les hausses de prix les sté de location on commencées à migrer vers la Turquie, pas de chance c’est une inflation galopante qui les attendait la bas.

[Dany]

I can’t let this go unchallenged… I sail in Croatia every year and have never encountered this type of character, though I don’t doubt your experience.
Don’t hesitate to film these guys and send the videos to Croatian police – they will be merciless with these parasites.
It’s true that every cove with a restaurant has buoys installed by that restaurateur, but never once has any of these guys approached me because I anchored nearby, never.
In Croatia, there are no hypocritical smiles. Due to their recent history, they are cautious and closed off at first, but warm and reliable once the ice is broken. They are proud of their country but also curious about foreigners. You need to be respectful and don’t hesitate to talk to them – there are many rich discoveries to be made.
Last year, I broke a rib in a nasty fall on the boat; not only was I well cared for, but for the rest of the stay, I received incredible welcomes at each stop. It was enough for my wife to mention I was injured to get help with mooring, thoughtful attention, offers to do our shopping – often I was told they had been informed by people from the previous stop.
Without wanting to start an argument, I’m Belgian (you can see and hear it 😁), and I notice that I’m often much better received than my French friends, even the nicest ones – perhaps it’s a question of approach?

[Mann]

In 2016, I talked with a guy who managed about twenty buoys in a cove. He explained the system to me.
The state grants them the concession of a bay, and they are responsible for equipping and operating it. But at the time, out of 20€, he only received 4€ per night, and the rest was paid to the state. In fact, he found himself tied hand and foot to his buoys for a miserable income.
I’ve never encountered extortion, but finding yourself permanently stuck if you don’t want to systematically pay is quite annoying.
I’ve been to this country three times, and each time I’ve seen the mercantile aspect taking over more and more on the water, while on land it’s very different with modest and welcoming inhabitants.

[Author]

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