The day began in fine style. Doug and Cam had the gennaker back in place before breakfast, and before long we were off with its colourful sail billowing like a proud flag. She really is a beauty under way.
By mid-morning, we’d slipped into Uvala Luka and dropped anchor – little did we know the entertainment was just beginning. One by one, boats arrived. Then more. And more. The peaceful bay transformed into a nautical game of Tetris, skippers edging into spots barely the width of their hulls. As anchors were dropped, those who’d been there first suddenly became sentries – eyes narrowing into that universal “don’t you dare” glare every sailor knows. Were they crossing our anchor? Could they swing too close? Even the pug on the boat next door was dishing out side-eye like a pro! We sat in the cockpit, watching it all unfold like a slow-motion regatta, debating whether it was wise to leave Kora unattended. In the end, Doug volunteered to stay behind for a quiet day onboard, while Khali, Cam, and I went exploring.
It was a short dinghy ride and ten-minute stroll to Korčula’s Old Town, fondly called “Little Dubrovnik” thanks to its stone walls, red-roofed houses, and dramatic seaside perch. Founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC and later shaped by centuries of Venetian rule, the town blends ancient history with a lively Mediterranean charm. Marco Polo is said to have been born here, and you can’t walk far without finding a shop, sign, or statue reminding you of the town’s most famous son.
We wandered along the palm-lined promenade, the scent of the sea mixing with that faint mineral smell of old stone. The path to the monastery offered one of my favourite moments: locals and visitors alike slipping into the crystal water straight from the rocks, laughing in the sunshine. Tempting? Absolutely. But gelato won out, so we each grabbed a scoop and savored each bite as we strolled along the water’s edge on our way back to our dinghy and Kora.
At the end of a hot day we were back in the water cooling off – Cam caught a few perfect shots of the girls! We wrapped the day with cheese, crackers, and limoncellos, before tucking into Cam’s chicken enchiladas (sailors may live afloat, but we eat well).
The night ended with Doug and Cam on deck, talking boats, sails, and whatever else came to mind, perfectly content under the moonlit sky.
The next morning, we slipped away again – sails full, sun warm, and another perfect day ahead. Sometimes it’s the bustle in the anchorage, sometimes it’s the calm on the water – but Korčula gave us the best of both.
