Senj
General
44°59'-4N 14°54'.2E Charts BA 2719 (includes a plan), MK 7, lmray M24 The open harbour of Senj lies on the N side of a promontory which juts out from the mainland coast into the Velebitski Kanai. Senj is renowned for the ferocity of the hara it experiences, especially during the winter months, and is rarely visited by yachts. Senj was for centuries an extremely important port and town, and was surrounded by an effective defensive system. Parts of the defences remain, as Rijeka Rijeka HM office Pula (MRSC) VHF transmits and receives on Ch 16, 10 Pula HM office The current between the Brioni Islands and the mainland to the east (the Fafanski Kanai) can reach 2.5kns going in a northwesterly direction with the flood tide. The current is however usually weak southeast-going on the ebb. Strong winds from a constant direction can cause currents to flow in the same direction as the wind is blowing, holding back the natural current. Later when the wind dies away a strong current flowing in the opposite direction appears as the water finds its equilibrium. Tidal rise and fall is around O.7m in the S part of the area and 0.9m in the N near Trieste at spring tides. Weather can influence the water level. Strong S winds increase the height of the tide by perhaps 0.3m, and strong N winds decrease it by perhaps 0-4m. Fog Fog is rare in this area as a whole, but can be encountered off the W coast of !stria. It is most likely the town. The view from Fort Nehaj, completed in 1558, is worth the trek up the hill. During the second week in August Senj hosts an international Summer Carnival.
Approach
The square castle, Fort Nehaj, on the headland to the S of the town, and the light structure at the foot of the headland, are conspicuous from all directions when approaching Senj. There are no dangers in the approach to the harbour, which lies on the N side of the headland.
Lights
Lukobran Marija art (Senj S headland) Fl(3)10s10m8M Senj N breakwater Fl.R.3s10m5M During the summer, the castle is floodlit at night.
Berth
There are a number of possible berths at Senj. Choose a berth to give the best shelter in the conditions and avoid obstructing the ferries. Tie up alongside the N breakwater, alongside the pier in the SE corner of the harbour, or alongside the quay near the harbour office on the S side of the harbour. Note that there is an underwater ledge projecting from part of the quay near the harbour office. There are depths of at least 3m alongside all these berths.
Shelter
The shelter available at Senj is poor, especially since a hara can occur suddenly with little warning. It is said that one of the signs of the hara is a clear blue sky with thick clouds over the Velebit Mountains. At Senj, the hara blows from ENE. Senj is no place to be in a hara, particularly in the winter months when the hara can reach hurricane force. The harbour at Senj, looking north
Officials
Year-round port of entry. Harbourmaster and customs can be found in the building with the old tower on the S quay. Police.
Facilities
Petrol, diesel and water are available from the filling station on the main road up the hill, near the N breakwater. Several food shops, including supermarkets, butchers and bakers. Fruit and vegetable market. Several hardware stores, some selling a limited range of chandlery. Banks, ATM, Post Office and telephones. Hospital, doctors, dentists, and a pharmacy. Tourist information. Hotels, restaurants, and cafe/bars. Bus service. Taxis.
History
The most interesting period in the history of Senj was undoubtedly during the 16th and 17th centuries when the town became a place of refuge for people fleeing from the Turks. These refugees, called Uskoks, used Senj as a base for their attacks on Turkish shipping in the Adriatic. Later on, when Venice made peace with the Turks, the Uskoks turned their attention on Venetian as well as Turkish shipping. Their raids on ships and settlements up and down the Adriatic were widely feared. The Austrian authorities, under whose jurisdiction Senj came, ignored the problem, since the Uskoks defended the border area from the Turks. Finally, Venice became so enraged that she declared war on Austria. The three-year war ended with the Treaty of Madrid, signed in 1617. Amongst other provisions, the treaty led to the Uskoks being resettled inland and an Austrian garrison being based at Senj.
Visits
It is worth obtaining tourist literature locally to guide you round the streets of the old town. Fort Nehaj (open in the mornings only) is a museum, with exhibits from the time of the Uskoks. The church S of the harbour (Sveta Marija od Arta) is the sailors' church and has a number of votive gifts, including model ships. Uvala Sv. Jelena
Adriatic Navigation Guide Images for Senj
Adriatic Navigation Guide images and captions provide additional visual reference for this navigation location.
