Brač was the first night out on the water with Mum & Dad – the big test. They’d read all about our “adventures” (aka near-mishaps and lucky saves) and were hoping for something a little less thrilling: a quiet nook for a swim, a shady spot to read, and a glass of wine at sunset.
We didn’t stray too far – just 15 NM across from Split – but what a difference. Brač is known for its rugged limestone cliffs, olive groves, and the famous Zlatni Rat beach that changes shape with the tide. We weren’t looking for crowds though, so after motoring past anchorage after anchorage packed with boats, we finally found our spot: a tiny cove near Zastup, almost private, tucked away from the chaos.
It was also our first attempt at setting lines-to-shore without extra hands. We nailed it – crossing the stern lines like pros, giving them double duty as springs.
Then it was straight into the water. Mum and Dad jumped off Kora’s sugar scoops with the same joy Oscar and Chelsea had shown weeks earlier – proving once again that it doesn’t matter how old you are, cannonballing off the back of a boat is always fun! We swam for a while, pulled out a paddle board, Kaitlyn and Doug even snorkled a bit after swimming the anchor (just for good measure).
Dinner was classic “Spag bol,” eaten fast as thunder rumbled in the distance. Hatches were closed, deck cleared, and we sat waiting while lightning flickered all around. For Mum and Dad, it was probably a “what-have-we-gotten-into” moment. But in the end, it was more bark than bite – some rain, light winds, and the odd whiff of smoke from a fire burning somewhere ashore. The only real aftermath? Kora dusted with a fine layer of black ash that left smudges on her gleaming deck until we wiped her clean the next morning.
Meanwhile, over on Hvar – just two days before our anchorage, and a spot we’d even considered returning to that very night – the storm hit with full force. Violent gusts whipped through, anchors dragged, chains tangled, and dinghies and jet skis went tumbling off tender platforms. Thankfully, our friends who rode it out came through safely, thanks to the grit and goodwill of fellow sailors rallying together in the chaos.
So Brač gave us everything we wanted: a quiet swim, a cozy cove, a chance to aquaint our new crew with boat life, and a dinner devoured too quickly for photos. Call it the perfect “make-or-break” start – Mum & Dad declared that we had passed with flying colors!
