by Wally Wdowychyn

Once again the UANAI is off to a unique and unusual destination. This is another great opportunity for our members to travel and share good times and good company. The fall sailing trip will take place in Croatia. Croatia has long been a very popular European travel destination, but only recently have Americans discovered it. The UANAI will be sailing the waters of the Central Dalmatian coast. The islands and the waters surrounding Hvar and Brac will be home for us from September 30 through October 7, 2000.

As usual, we will extend the trip for those who want to take a longer vacation by exploring the Croatian countryside the week before. Those doing the one-week land portion will arrive in Dubrovnik on Saturday, September 23rd. After a much-needed rest we will begin our journey on Sunday by exploring the surrounding town and nearby villages. We will visit Cilipi and Cavtat. Monday September 25th we will have a walking tour of the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik. Its medieval ramparts encircle the city, which pedestrians can enter only through one of two gates. The old city is virtually unchanged since the thirteenth century. We may visit the 14th Century Franciscan Monastery, the Cathedral and the Dominican Church. George Bernard Shaw once wrote, "Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik." We shall see if that is true!

The next day we leave this city to venture into the countryside to the island of Korcula. It is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Korcula is a photographer's dream, with its terra cotta roofs, stone churches and winding streets. We will overnight here and proceed on our tour via ferry to the city of Split. Split, along with Dubrovnik, is on UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage centers. We will tour this ancient city from its stone walls to its modern harbor to its open-air markets. Split's museums boast galleries of contemporary art along with ancient exhibits. One can enjoy oneself by dining at one of the many open-air cafes and taking in the Old World charm that Split has to offer.

The last day-trip will be to the Krka National Park to view the spectacular waterfalls. We will visit the small neighboring towns of Sibenik and Trogir as we explore the coast north of Split.

Our sailing journey will take us to the islands of Hvar and Brac. The city of Hvar on the island of Hvar is an ancient Venetian walled city. We will have waterfront accommodations as we use the boats as our hotels during our visit to the small fishing villages and towns that line the coast. We can explore the Zlatni rat, the gravel beach in Bol on the island of Brac that changes its shape as the wind blows!

The number of spaces is limited on this trip. As always, full members have priority in booking. However, after June 1st, 2000, these priority rights are waived. So please book early if you are interested in taking in this UANAI trip. The cost of the land package is approximately $800.00. This includes double occupancy in first class hotels, breakfast each day, along with some lunches and dinners, all transfers via bus and ferry, city tours and entrance fees to the various sites.

We are attempting to finalize the airfare for the trip from a gateway city on the East Coast. However, the preliminary cost will be approximately $750.00. The boat cost will be $500.00. This includes the boat, administrative fees and the initial cost for provisioning. Additional costs will included any meals on land, along with additional boat provisioning.

This will be an extraordinary experience! There has already been much interest in this trip, so book early to guarantee your spot. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis, with full UANAI members having priority until June 1, 2000. The deadline to sign up is June 27, 2000. Please note that due to the trip pricing and the need to book early, all deposits will be non-refundable, under any circumstances. Participants may wish to purchase optional trip cancellation insurance on their own.