ROVINJ

ROVINJ (45° 05'N; 13° 38'E), town (pop. 12,910 in 1991) and harbour on a peninsula and hill slopes. The harbour has two parts: southern (Sabionera) and northern (Valdibora).

Approach: Rovinj is easily identified from the sea by the belfry of Sv Eufemija church on the hill top, the chimney of the sardine cannery in the N harbour, the square white stone tower (white light) on Sv Eufemija point, and the islet of Sv Katarina S of the town.

When approaching the south harbour the passage between Sv Katarina islet and the cylindrical buoy with a post (black and red, two cones on top their bases together) which marks the E edge of a shoal (E of the islet), must not be used.

In Lon cove there is a submerged ship; its mast 1m above the surface of the sea.

Mooring: The north (Valdibora) harbour is well protected from the bora and sirocco but exposed to W and SW winds when the sea floods the whole quay. The south harbour is also well protected from the bora and sirocco but exposed to W and SW winds.

In the north harbour yachts drawing up to 5m may moor along the quay, smaller vessels can berth SW and NE of the quay.

If there is a strong SW wind, and at the first sign of summer gales, vessels should transfer to the south harbour. In the south harbour (Sabionera) the outer side and part of the inner side of the angled breakwater are reserved for passenger and excursion boats; other vessels can berth at the root of the breakwater at the pier or along the masonry waterfront. It is advisable for smaller craft to bearth in the marina. When there are strong E and W winds a powerful current develops along the outer side of the breakwater which makes manoeuvering difficult.

Rovinj is a permanent port of entry; customs, harbour master's branch office, post office; hospital with orthopedic surgery, medical services, chemist's; duty-free shops, a large number of hotels, banks; the Mirna fish cannery, the Rudjer Boskovic marine research centre, an experimental fish farm, marine aquarium. Medusa Fishing Club. Maestral Yacht Club.

In the southern part of Mascin islet, joined by a narrow sandy causeway to Crveni otok (Red Island) is a naturist camp. Muntrav Park (under nature protection) with its hotels and bathing beach extends S of the town.

Facilities: Water hydrants in north and south harbours, all kinds of fuel from pumps in north harbour on the W corner of the waterfront, other supplies in town shops and duty-free shops.

A boatyard is located in the SE part of the south harbour (part of the Mirna food processing factory) which can carry out small repairs to wooden craft and servicing. Slipway for vessels up to 400 GRT.

In summer the art colony holds exhibitions in Grisia street.

Sights: Sv Eufemija church (St Euphemia, 1736, on the site of an old Christian church), Sv Trojstvo chapel (Chapel of the Holy Trinity, 13 C), Loggia (1592), clock-tower and Balbi arch (1680), Town Hall (17 C, museum). In the graveyard there is an avenue of cypresses which is a natural monument. Svetvincenat (graveyard church with frescoes, Sv Marija church, 16 C, Grimani mansion 1589) 33km. Barbariga (Roman villa rustica, 1 C) 8km.

A number of areas around Rovinj (the forest and park on Zlatni rt, the islets fronting the town and an area along the coast) are under protection as nature reserves.

ROVINJ MARINA (ACY) is in the SE part of Rovinj harbour (Monte ulin), beside the shipyard, surrounded by pine-woods, 1km by oad from the centre of the town. Islet of Sveta Katarina and a reakwater protect it from all winds except the SW wind which eldom blows except in late autumn and winter when it is angerous; the W wind causes a heavy swell.

The marina has 380 sea-berths up to 15m (four-point moor) and 120 ry-berths. Water and electricity hook-ups are on pontoon piers nd on the pier.

The marina is open all the year round.

Anchorage in Valdibora bay (N of the belfry of Sv Eufemija hurch), depths 2024m, 300m offshore; recommended anchorage in ront of the south harbour is 500 m NW of the centre of Sveta atarina islet, 600 m SW of the islet of Banjol or 300 m SSW of veta Katarina. Small boats and yachts can anchor a little urther east. If the bora blows wessels should anchor in abionera bay (southern harbour) south of Sveta Katarina islet, epth 615m.

The marina has reception office, restaurant, shop and duty-free hop, toilets and showers with hot water, laundry, sporting quipment. Boats can be hired (charter).

Crane (10 t) and a small slipway. Modern workshops for all kinds f repairs to hull and engines. Larger repairs can be carried out n Rovinj.

Permanent information and warning services concerning weather, torms and tides. The marina offices offer weather forecasts and eports.