Boat life – Chapter one: From Zadar to Serenity
Not only was our first week aboard Dali a success—it was totally divine! There were a few moments of hesitation leaving Zadar with the Bora still gusting through. With winds hitting 25 knots, we timed our departure carefully and, thankfully, managed to leave the dock without turning our maiden voyage into a game of bumper boats.
Our first night was spent tucked into a quiet bay on Ugljan. The original plan had been to continue on to Vir, but the wind had other ideas. So, we adapted our plans, turned downwind instead and found ourselves in a sheltered bay near Brguljski Otočić on Molat. Photos had shown it packed in peak season, but in April? We had it entirely to ourselves.
We pulled out the scooters and set off exploring, winding our way up to a stunning viewpoint before coming across a bocce court by the beach. We settled in for the afternoon: cold beers in hand, playing bocce, with Dali quietly anchored in the distance. One of those moments you wish you could bottle.
The next day, conditions finally aligned for us to make our way to Vir Island. A bit of a busier, livelier Island, we figured they might have some interesting cultural Easter festivities to partake in. We dropped anchor in what can only be described as a dream: crystal-clear water, complete stillness, and a view of old castle ruins right from our “bedroom.” It’s one of those views that makes you stop and think… is this actually my life?
Cruisin to the Rhythm of the Sea
And while the world beyond our little floating bubble can often feel gloomy and chaotic—heavy with news, tension, and uncertainty, I’m trying to lean into something different out here. To be present. To appreciate the small, quiet moments. To live a little lighter. Because truthfully, what else can you do?
Over the past few years, it’s often felt like the world has halted making progressive strides and is instead moving backwards. But out here, life naturally simplifies.
After just one week aboard, the two of us have used only 150L of water combined. Less than what many people use in a single day back home. We’re finding local and choosing products with less packaging, and relying on solar and wind power as much as possible. So far, we’ve sailed every leg of our journey, using the engine only to raise anchor and maneuver in tight spaces so we’ve barely touched our fuel tank. It’s a small shift, but it feels like a meaningful one.
So cheers for a good first week, to slower days, changing winds, and whatever follows course with the sporadic Velebit Channel weather!
EN_CA
Nicole Zimmer
Truly a REMARKABLE start! I would think you need to pinch yourself every once in a while to see if it is for REAL!