The eastern Adriatic is a true pearl among the Mediterranean waters - also thanks to the reliable thermal winds, the calm seas and the bathing suitability of the waters. But every now and then it shows its other side, surprising you with violent thunderstorms and waterspouts. Or with a strong and extremely gusty wind that attacks the coastal sailor from the land - from a direction from which one is otherwise only familiar with the gentle land breeze of the night and morning hours. This attack from the hinterland is called Bora.
"The bora is a woman" is a Croatian proverb. Meaning: marvellous to look at, but unpredictable. The first impression of her is of beautiful weather with an unusually deep blue sky. The distant views are so intoxicating that you almost want to embrace the area in view of these postcard colours. But appearances are deceptive: gusts of wind suddenly arrive, violent up to gale force, from November to March even up to hurricane force. Within a few nautical miles, these gusts increase or decrease by 2 to 5 Beaufort.
In the big YACHT report in issue 8/2018, meteorologist Dr Michael Sachweh explains how the bora develops, how to recognise it early and what to do if you get caught in a bora. Plus: Croatia's notorious bora corridors and safe retreats.
An overview of the best Bora warning services can be found here...
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
