Why the Ždrelac Bridge is the Biggest Threat to Sailboats in Croatia?
The Ždrelac Bridge Trap: How to Avoid a Costly Sailing Mistake
If you plan a sailing holiday in Croatia, here's one crucial tip: don't push your luck with the Ždrelac Passage. Every year, sailors attempt to squeeze under the bridge only to end their trip early with costly damage. Let's begin with one of our most popular themes, particularly for the Zadar sailing region bases, such as the Biograd yacht charter and Sukošan sailing charter base in Croatia:
THE (IN)FAMOUS Ždrelac Passage!
Specifically, https://goo.gl/maps/AX8gteSZL5u6yNQU7
Connecting the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, this bridge has earned a notorious reputation among the sailing community, often referred to as a "mast killer." Understanding the risks associated with the Ždrelac Bridge is crucial for anyone planning a sailing holiday in Croatia.
We will repeat this post several times over the years because it appears that people do not read or follow our warnings/advice regardless of how many hazards we highlight and how many risks we mention.
In our FAQ section, this question is answered very shortly and clearly:
Question: Is passing the 'Zdrelac bridge' allowed? Answer: This is strictly forbidden for all boats except motor boats, sailing boat Bavaria 32 and sailing boat Bavaria 33.
The Ždrelac Bridge: A Structural Overview
In this article, we'll explore why the Ždrelac Bridge poses significant threats to sailboats, share real-life incidents of Ždrelac fails, and provide essential navigation tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.
Key Specifications of The Ždrelac Bridge (Pašman Ugljan Bridge):
- Location: Connects Ugljan and Pašman islands
- Total Length: 210 meters
- Main Span: 68 meters
- Deck Width: 11.8 meters
- Clearance Below: Approximately 16.5 meters at high tide
Originally constructed in 1972 and reconstructed in 2009, the Ždrelac Bridge facilitates road connectivity between the islands. However, its clearance of 16.5 meters at high tide presents a significant challenge for many sailing vessels.
The Ždrelac Passage: What You Need to Know:
Each year, a couple of boats collide with the bridge with their sailing masts in an effort to drag the mast beneath the bridge; numerous ships are similarly destroyed. The bridge connecting Ugljan and Pašman appears to be an attraction for weekend sailors certain that they can pass beneath it and then get caught with their mast.
Mostly, all our sailing boats and catamarans in Croatia that are not able to travel through the Ždrelac passage (Pašman Ugljan Bridge) due to their size and dimensions have a warning sticker placed directly on the cockpit. In case of any doubts please consult with our base manager at the office, and he will give you first hand instructions.
As a general rule of thumb or generally accepted guideline, SAILING boats up to 38 feet are able to pass, whereby catamarans don’t follow that rule as they have much larger masts due to their specific type of construction.
See the accompanying image (warning sticker placed directly on the cockpit):
The majority of sailboats at surrounding marinas that are available for sailing charter in Croatia have a sticker warning that they cannot pass under the bridge owing to the mast's height and the boat's size. This bridge is the primary route for boaters, although yachts with masts over 16.5 meters in height are not permitted to cross due to the bridge's height. Ždrelac was rebuilt 11-12 years ago and was elevated by half a meter during the rebuilding.
The bridge is 210 meters long and 16.5 meters high, and the navigable canal is designated with six pillars of red and green hue and light on nautical maps. The channel beneath the bridge is 20 meters wide and 4.3 meters deep. You should also factor in the tides and powerful sea currents that flow through that sea passage.
Warning: The sea current beneath the bridge is unpredictable in direction and can reach rates of up to 5 knots, making steering the ship fairly challenging. The maximum speed for passage is 8 knots.
The Ždrelac Passage and Why It’s Not Worth the Risk:
Powerful Currents & Narrow Passage
- The channel is only wide enough for one sailboat at a time.
- Sea currents can reach up to 5 knots, making navigation tricky - especially for smaller boats.
Mast Height vs. Bridge Clearance
- Most charter sailboats exceed 16.5 meters in mast height.
- Example: A Bavaria Cruiser 41 has a mast height of around 18 meters—which means a guaranteed collision.
Serious Damage & High Costs
- Mast collisions with the bridge happen every year.
- Repair costs? €15,000 – €20,000, plus a lost deposit.
- Insurance covers the damage, but the responsibility always falls on the skipper.
What to Do Instead?
Play it safe. Instead of risking your trip (and your wallet), take the longer but safer route:
Route Options to avoid the Pašman Ugljan Bridge
- ⛵Sailing around Ugljan → Approx. 17 NM
- ⛵Sailing around Pašman → Approx. 30 NM
So, if you're looking for the shortest alternative, sailing around Ugljan is the better choice. But if conditions require it, going around Pašman is still a safe (though longer) route.
Yes, it takes a bit more time, but you’ll avoid potential disaster and get to enjoy a smoother, more scenic sail. Not sure? Check the warning stickers on your boat or consult with the charter base manager before making any decisions.
COST OF DAMAGE EXAMPLE
Typically, such negligence will cost the boat owners damage between 15,000 and 20,000 euros, and in addition to the guests'/clients' deposit being forfeited, the damage will almost certainly be covered by insurance, and the error will be blamed on the skipper's carelessness.
Consider some previously documented instances. Consider the film of what it looked like, as well as the ones below that you may have missed previously. The following movies demonstrate some of the prior cases:
Real-Life Ždrelac Fail Incidents
Skipper Error 1: Charter Catamaran Collision
Pros and Cons of Navigating the Ždrelac Passage
Final Thought: Don’t Be That Skipper
Despite clear signage, warning stickers, and navigation charts, some sailors still attempt to pass under the bridge and fail. Don't let your sailing holiday in Croatia be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Take the safer route, and enjoy your trip stress-free.
Book your Yacht Charter Now!A: No, passing under the Ždrelac Bridge is strictly forbidden for all boats except specific models like Vektor 950, Bavaria 32, and Bavaria 33.
