The Meditterranean charter season kicks off this month with the launch of The Moorings’ new base in Pula, Croatia. For yachtsmen, this opening brings a magnificent cruising destination that stretches from the north coast of Istria to Dubrovnik, coupled with a guarantee of the high professionalism that charterers have to expect form The Moorings.

The Istria Peninsula and coastal Dalmatia frame sailing grounds that are both historically rich and amazingly beautiful. Sheltered waters and steady, favorable winds make for great sailing conditions. A wide variety of anchorages, from unspoiled islands to lively small ports, offers cruisers a delightful range of possible itineraries. For those who prefer short sailing distances and private anchorages, the Kornati Islands National Park boasts more than one hundred peaceful islands in natural surroundings. Other who opt to cover longer distance can head for Hvar, or Korcula Island, where Marco Polo was born. For excursions ashore, there are highlights such as the Emperor Diocletian’s palace at Split, the waterfalls at Skradin, and the island of Cres with its rare bird, the griffin.

Available for charter from The Moorings base in Pula is their brand new fleet of 11 Beneteau and Jenneau yachts, ranging from 36 to 52 feet, and offering form 3 to 5 cabins. Located in the north of the Croatian coast, Pula is easily accessible by air from Europe and by a fast two hours by boat. Roman amphitheater— is conveniently located for provisioning, dining and exploring the town.

"Our decision to open in Croatia was driven by popular demand," says Hans Birkholz, Vice President Global Sales and Marking for The Moorings, "The cruising area is well known to Europeans, and is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful in the world."

The Moorings, head quartered in Tortola, B.V.I., with administrative offices in Clearwater, Florida, operates 23 yacht chartering bases worldwide, managing over 650 bare boat and crewed sailing yachts for charter in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and South Pacific.