Sailing Time to Chill

It was time to see Montenegro from the other side... the land side. We've heard so many great reviews of its mountainous landscape, that we had to have a look ourselves. So off we went, driving deep through Durmitor National Park.

Road Trip Montenegro 2024 It was time to see Montenegro from the other side... the land side. We've heard so many great reviews of its mountainous landscape, that we had to have a loo...

OUR NOT-SO-WELCOME ENTRY INTO MONTENEGRO: Lessons and Fines from Two Adventurous Sailors

- Read this if you plan to sail from Albania to Montenegro

Sailing from Albania to Montenegro seemed like a breeze—until we found ourselves tangled in a web of regulations and fines. We're sharing our story to help fellow sailors avoid our mistakes.

The Setup: Two Aussies in the Med
We’re an Australian boat spending half the year exploring the Mediterranean. Now in our second season, we still consider ourselves novices, learning the ropes. Our mantra? Stick to the rules and officially sign in and out of every country, often with an agent's help.

Smooth Sailing? Not Quite
After a few months in Greece, we entered Albania, using recommended agents to handle our check-in and out. With all documents ready to exit, we anchored in the bay outside Durres port, ready to set sail early the next morning. The plan? A straightforward journey to Montenegro. The reality? A lesson in bureaucratic nuances.

The Change of Plans
We initially aimed for city of Ulcinj but quickly realised it lacked a check-in facility. Our next option was Bar. Despite scouring Google and Facebook groups, we found no recommendations for agents in Bar, so we decided to handle the check-in ourselves. As it was now 6pm, we anchored in the small bay of Kruce Rakita Beach, just 9.1 nautical miles from Bar, intending to check in early the next morning.

The Innocent Mistake
Crossing into Montenegrin waters, we dutifully changed our courtesy flag—a seemingly harmless act. Anchored and relaxed, we kayaked to shore for dinner at the inviting Sunset Bar. But our peace was short-lived.

Sudden Turn of Events
Within 10 minutes of ordering our meal, a police boat approached our yacht. My husband rushed back to find out what was happening. Unbeknownst to us, we had been spotted by radar, and the Bar harbourmaster had tried calling us on CH16. We missed the calls while dining, triggering a swift police response.

The Ordeal
Three officials in the Police boat, demanded our documents, and ordered us to head to Bar immediately—without our passports, which they took with them.

**Note on Intentions:
We had hoped to anchor safely overnight before checking in, avoiding navigating an unfamiliar port at dusk and departing in the dark. But Montenegro has different priorities.

The Long Night
Arriving in Bar after dark, we docked at the Customs area. Three hours of waiting and paperwork ensued. We faced fines from the port police (€67) and customs (€330). Thankfully, the harbourmaster waived his fine. But anchoring in Bar or its vicinity was off-limits. So, we had to motor through the dark to the nearest anchorage, 4.2 nautical miles away.

Lessons Learned
Planning to spend nearly three months in Montenegro, this was not the welcome we had anticipated. To spare others from a similar fate, here are our hard-earned lessons:

1. **Mandatory Check-In**: When crossing from Albania to Montenegro, check-in is non-negotiable on the day of entry. The port of Bar, despite being 21.3 nautical miles from the border, is the first port of entry from the South. Plan your journey accordingly, allowing ample time for procedures and reaching a safe anchorage afterwards.

2. **Communication is Key**: Upon entering Montenegro, call the harbourmaster on CH16 to announce your arrival. This crucial step, which we overlooked, would have underscored the importance of the check-in process and spared us a frantic night.

3.**Have all your documents in order**: We have not been asked for all documents anywhere else. This includes exit details of the last country, Yachtmaster and radio operator qualifications, insurance, boat registration, and passports.

3. **Exit Protocols**: When leaving, you must check out with the harbourmaster, then the port police, followed by customs. Declare your departure to the harbourmaster on CH16 as you leave the harbour.

Final Thoughts
Our misadventure in Montenegro taught us valuable lessons. The sailing community, including forums and Facebook groups, has been instrumental in our journey. We hope our story adds to the collective wisdom and helps fellow sailors navigate these waters more smoothly.

May your adventures be smoother and your check-ins seamless!
Sail safe and happy travels!

Carina Tomietto

This is Zakynthos... you may not have heard of this little Greek Island... a stunning place filled with curious caves, white sandy beaches, not to be missed
https://youtu.be/5_iYLDATQ5A
Sailing Time to Chill

Zakynthos with Josh and Ali We explored this island thanks to Ali. This location was on her bucket list and now we all understand why. Beautiful white rock cliffs, white sands and water...

The crumbling houses of Agia Sofia

Agia Sofia Kefalonia Greece On our last day in this tranquil anchorage, I head over to the tiny town to explore what seems like abandoned houses.

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