Marina Frapa, Port of Gruz, Dubrovnik

The long-awaited marina in the Port of Gruz, Dubrovnik, has finally opened. In fact it can claim to have opened last year, 2019, but it was mostly too late for that sailing season.

We had been watching its construction for around 2 years and then looked on for a further 2 years whilst apparently they got their paperwork in order. Such is often the way in Croatia it seems.

We finally decided to spend the night there and avail ourselves of the facility of being able to walk into Gruz, a popular spot for us and worth visiting for essential shopping if you know your way around. It is also only a short walk in the other direction to the resort town of Lapad.

There is no doubt that, like its original in Rogoznica, Marina Frapa is set up for luxury yachts. But due to circumstances, at least partly, out of their control, the designers of this large project have got several things wrong and I suspect that the result will be that it will remain under used. This Covid-19 year will not help a fair assessment. But the real issues apart from Covid are numerous.

Marina Frapa's position from a navigational standpoint is pretty much faultless. A short distance from the open sea and close to the Q quay, fuelling station (for shallow draft yachts), restaurants, hotels and shopping.

Berthing is to substantial concrete piers that have been built far to high for most sailng yachts. There is nearly alway a constant water movement from the port traffic which puts a strain on your nerves if not on the deck fittings.

The staff are professional and friendly but the price is high - a 43ft yacht is €120 per night which does include water, power, facilities and pool. The floor in the mens' showers was constantly wet and I saw no sign of an attendant.

Somehow the attempt at luxury is out of place in this central port marina unlike its sister in picturesque Rogoznica. I think a more utilitarian marina would be better utilised and sorely needed for stops in Dubrovnik.

covid information

The following is forwarded from Irene Ken a physician whose daughter is an Asst. Prof of infectious diseases at John Hopkins University. Informative medical science facts... 

In our community chat this useful excellent info helps all to avoid contagion 👾.  

 * The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation), and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

 

 * Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own.  The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

 

 * The virus is very fragile;  the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat.  That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).  By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

 

 * HEAT melts fat;  this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything.  In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

 

 * Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

 

 * Any mix with 1 part BLEACH and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

 

 * The virus is not a living organism like bacteria;  we cannot kill what is not alive with antibiotics, but the virus quickly disintegrate its structure with everything mentioned above.

 

 * NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth.  While the virus is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous material), 4 hours (copper), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic). If you shake or use a feather duster on above materials, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

 

 * The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold or air conditioners in houses and cars. Viruses also need moisture to stay stable, especially n darkness.  Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade them faster.

 

 * UV LIGHT on any object breaks down the virus protein. 

 

 * The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

 

 * Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the  protective layer of fat on the virus.

 

 * NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, help.  The strongest vodka has 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

 

 * LISTERINE helps if it has 65% alcohol.

 

 * The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

 

 *  Wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc.  And when using the bathroom.

 *

 * Use MOISTURISER to humidify hands which tend to be dry from so much washing. Virus molecules can hide in the micro cracks of dry hands. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.  * Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there. 

TAKE CARE & STAY SAFE💕