Issue 2004/2

For sailors

The EU Money Vivify Lithuanian Inland Waterways

Jole Juraite

Andrius Varnas, a sailor of many years, yachts' captain, the founder of Kintai sailing club Mariu Bures, is full of enthusiasm. He is sure, that the European Union money will vivify inland waterways and will open fascinating corners of Lithuania and the beauty of the primordial nature almost not affected by civilization for foreign and native tourists. Of no less importance is that the money will help to preserve and cherish the sensitive ecosystem of the Nemunas delta.

In the Minija village - a modern yachting port

Andrius can tell for hours about reviving Minija village.
Minija is an old fishermen's village at the Lower Minija. It was mentioned in 1540 already. In the 19th century the village became the center of the district. Public, administrative buildings, a school, a post-office, water measuring station, and a sail workshop were operating.
Minija is called the small Lithuanian Venice. This is because the village is situated on both sides of the Minija river, which serves as the main street, and the main mean of communication among the neighbours is a boat. Since olden times the settlement was called by the locals Mine, the German administration called it Minge.
Now thanks to community enthusiasts Minija village becomes even more attractive center of tourism and leisure.
Implementing PHARE-2000 ESS project Development of Water Tourism in the Lower Minija the port of little ships and yachts was built in Minija village. It is a modern engineering building able to accept ships and tourists. The tourists arriving there can cook, warm themselves in a bath, fill up the reserves, change the used oils. For tourists arriving by motor transport, a convenient parking lot is equipped, a mighty crane helps to put little ships brought by land on water.
While some sailors sail tourists to Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Norway and other localities beloved by Lithuanian travelers,other members of Kintai sailing club take care of the yacht club, change each other on duty in it and help the coming guests on any issue.

Urban conveniences in a village idyll

The sailors are the most proud of the fact that they managed to unite the local community for a common activity. On the initiative and efforts of a sailors' club and public organizations operating in the area the project Introduction of Ecological Water Cleaning in the Lower Minija, in other words, the water cleaning equipment was installed. It is a rather rare occurrence in Lithuanian villages.
The project was supported and coordinated by the Program of Small Projects of the World Environment Fund of United Nations' Development Program. Klaipeda ecological club Zvejone helped implementing it. Zvejone club applied its partners in Sweden - environmental protection organization Coalition Clean Baltic and association of consulting groups SwedEnviro asking to help finding effective and economic method of water cleaning for small coastal villages and farmsteads.
Now the inhabitants of Minija and their guests can use urban conveniences preserving water tidiness and all sensitive ecologic system of the coast.

63,5 sea miles by the Lithuanian Venice
Expert's advice to travelers on the route Klaipeda-Nida-Minija-Rusne

Andrius Varnas
Yacht's captain

Klaipeda-Juodkrante: 12 sea miles

Positions of departure: red-green (R-G) buoy No.2, coordinates 55 39 21 N; 21 08 04 E. Fairway leads to south, heading 175-185 degrees. The ground is solid sand. The depth - 2,4 -5,2 m. The depth of the fairway between the buoys No. 5 and No.9 is 4-6 meters.
Currents: depending on wind direction. When a strong Southern, Southwestern, South-East wind blows with the force 5-7, current direction from the South is 1-1,5 sea miles/h, when North - North-West wind blows - the current from the North -- 0,5-1 sea mile/h. There are no distinct landmarks, it is recommended to keep strictly the fairway.
Approaching Juodkrante one needs to concentrate on the so called buoys of Juodkrante gate No. 6 - green (G) - 55 33 08 N; 21 08 15 E and to the red buoy (R) No. 11 - 55 33 08 N; 21 08 15 E. Wheelman must keep in the middle of these buoys, after passing them, to change the course to the right straight away by 165 degrees, to the buoy No. 13 - 55 32 38 N; 21 07 33 E, this buoy remains on the left.
Straight in front of the ship, on the right - Juodkrante jetty of passenger ships 55 32 51 N; 21 07 38 E.
The depth near Juodrante jetty of passenger ships is 2,4 -3,2 meters.
When the winds of South-East-North-East blow, a surf forms near the jetty, it is unsafe to berth a ship. It is not recommended to leave a ship without security, in case of wind direction change, the sides of the ship might be devastated.
This jetty is not equipped for leisure ships and a long stay is not recommended.

Juodkrante- Pervalka: 10 sea miles

Positions of departure: 55 32 51 N; 21 07 38 E, Juodkrante jetty of passenger ships, the course 187 degrees. The buoys (R) No. 15 and (R) No. 17 are passed with the left ship's board, after that into the buoy (G) No.8 - 55 30 46 N; 21 07 29 E; and to the buoy (G) No.10. It is complicated to the wheelman to notice green buoys, their colour blends with the forest colour, that's why it is recommended to sail strictly by a compass, till you see a green buoy. At this stage there are many fishermen's nets and stakes. The bottom of the lagoon at this stage is sandy, mixed with silt, the depth is 2,8-2,6 meters. On a sunny day, sailing from Juodkrante, a landmark can be seen in the distance - Vente horn. After passing the green buoys the course is not changed till the buoy (R) No. 19 - 55 2916 N; 21 07 48 E; from this buoy we change the course to 190 degrees and sail parallelly with Neringa dunes to (R) No. 23 - 55 26 23 N; 21 06 18 E.
It is the most beautiful stage in the voyage; the depth from the buoy (R) No. 21 allows getting close to the shore, with the distance of 25-100 meters. In this stage, when Southwestern - Northwestern winds blow, you can safely cast anchor, and sail by boat to the Curonian Spit. Don't leave the ship without supervision, in case of wind direction change it can be cast ashore. It is also not recommended to climb the dunes - it is prohibited.
After leaving the buoy (R) No. 23 on the ship's left, we change the course to the left - 160 degrees till the buoy (R) No. 25. The depth is 2,2-2,6 meters.
From this buoy the fairway splits: by the course of 160 degrees - to the Nemunas delta, by the course of 190 degrees - to Nida.
Wheelmen must pay attention: keep only the buoys of the fairway and do not get close to Pervalka lighthouse: the bottom near the lighthouse is stony; the depth here is 1,5-0,5 meters.

Pervalka lighthouse - Nida: 9 sea miles

Positions of departure: (R) No. 25 - 55 25 16 N: 21 07 17 E.
At this stage sailing towards Nida, a wheelman sees Pervalka and Preila on the right side. In these villages there are small jetties, but fairways to them are not marked, the depth - 1,2 -1,4 meters.
Fairway towards Nida.
After leaving the red buoy no. 25 on the left side of the ship, we change the course to the South, 180 degrees, and after approx. 1,2 sea mile a green buoy (G) Nr. 12 should be seen. It is recommended to sail strictly according to the compass trying not to approach the shore. For yachts and motor ships with greater draught it is recommended to keep left from the fairway. Here the depth is stable - 3-3,5 meters.
After reaching the green buoy No.12, we leave it on the right side and change the course to SE-165 degrees. With this course we sail till the buoy (G) Nr. 20 - 55 19 40 N; 21 04 06 E. On the way we leave green buoys of the fairway No. 14, 16, and 18. We remind, that if visibility is poor, it is complicated to notice green buoys, so at this stage it is recommended to sail according to the compass and keep more to the SE. Here the depth is stable - 3-3,5 meters.
At this stage westwards from the fairway buoys (G) No.16-20, three black-red buoys A, B, and C are well seen. These buoys mark sunken ships. It is not recommended to sail near them.
After reaching the (G) buoy Nr. 20, Nida can be seen. Wheelmen should not do a crucial mistake and sail straight to Nida. Sailing from the buoy (G) No.12 straight to Nida, Bulvikis horn and shore shoals of 1-1,4 m wait for you. Many yachts have run aground here. So, after leaving the buoy (G) No.20 on the right, we change the course to 152 degrees and sail to the buoy (G) No.22. After leaving the buoy on the right, the course is 145 degrees - to the buoy (G) No. 24.
After the buoy (G) No. 22 you cannot sail straight to Nida - there are shoals of 1,4-1,5 meters. After reaching the buoy (G) No. 24 we leave it on the right and the gates of Nida port can be seen, as well as red (on the eastern pier) and green (on the western pier) lighthouses. The course of the ship is straight to the middle of the gate.
The coordinates of Nida port gates: 55 18 10 N; 210063 E.
The port for yachts and small ships is more to the south; the northern port is for fishermen. The guaranteed depth in yachts' port is 2,5 meters. Electricity and water are near western pier, shower and toilets - in the premises of the port administration. Staying at the port is chargeable: from 16 to 30 litas, depending on the ship's length.
Nida port is well protected against all winds, except for the winds of NE-E directions. When strong winds of these directions blow, chaotic waves form near the southern jetty, ship's staying there becomes unsafe. It is recommended not to berth small ships to this jetty.

Pervalka lighthouse - the Nemunas delta (Atmata lighthouse): 12 sea miles

Positions of departure: (R) No. 25 - 55 25 16 N; 21 07 17 E; towards Vente horn by the course of 160 degrees. The distance to the turn buoy (R) No. 35 - 55 19 37 N; 21 10 25 E is straight, the depth is sufficient - 2,8-3,2 m. Most attention should be paid to fishermen's nets, in the fairway itself there are no nets, but deviating from it - there are lots of them. The depth to the right of the route till Pervalka-Nida fairway and to the left almost to Kintai - Ventes horn shore is sufficient (2-3 m).
Approaching the buoy (R) No. 35, when a strong NW wind blows, near Ventes horn the quite large chaotic waves appear. The Atmata current near the horn turns to the right and meets the contrary wind, that's why upright, chaotic waves rise. Do not sail closer than 0,5 sea mile from Vente horn - there are stones in the depth of 1,4 m there. Approaching the buoy (R) No. 35, better keep more to the South.
After reaching the buoy (R) No. 35, we leave it on the left and change the course to Atmata mouth. The course is 80 degrees, there are no landmarks in front, because the next buoy (G) No. 30 - 55 19 48 N; 21-12 27 E; and it melts in the forest background. It is recommended to sail strictly according to the compass. The depth to the right from the course is sufficient - 3-4,1 m, to the left from the course the shoals of Kniaupas bay begin - 06-1,4 m. After noticing green buoy No. 30, sail straight towards it, after reaching leave it on the right. On a sunny day you should already see the Atmata lighthouse.

Nida- the Nemunas delta (the Atmata lighthouse): 9 sea miles

The position of departure: Nida port gates 55 18 10 N; 21 00 63 E.
The other point of orientation, the buoy (R) No. 35 (the so-called "little man") - 55 19 37 N; 21 10 25 E; the course of the ship to the buoy No. 35 - 72 degrees. The landmark - Vente horn, seen in front on the left side. The guaranteed depth - 3-3,5 m.
In 2003 the fairway was marked by green and red buoys. Between the buoys (G) No. 26 and (G) No. 28, on the right from the fairway, some 1,4 sea miles away southward there is the pool of stones, the depth there is 1,7-2 m. On a good weather the ships of amateur fishermen stand in this place. Perches bite well here.
After reaching the buoy (R) No. 35, we leave it on the left and change the course of the ship to the Atmata mouth. The course is 80 degrees, there are no landmarks in front, because the other buoy (G) No. 30 - 55 19 48 N; 21 12 27 E melts in the forest background. It is recommended to sail strictly according to the compass until you see the green buoy. The depth to the right from the course is sufficient - 3-4,1 m, to the left from the course the shoals of Kniaupas bay of 0,6-1,4 m start. After noticing a green buoy, sail straight towards it and leave it on the right. On a sunny day the Atmata lighthouse should be seen - 55 20 07 N; 21 14 54 E (a grey metal tracery construction with a sparkling white lamp twinkling in the period of 3 seconds). When the Atmata lighthouse appears, sail towards it leaving the buoys (G) No. 32 and (G) No.34 on the right, and (R) No.37 and (R) No.39 on the left.
Attention: the fairway of the Atmata mouth is very narrow - 20-25 m, the shoals on the right and left begin right beside the fairway. It is recommended to sail in the middle of the fairway. The depth of the fairway at this spot is 2,2-2,5 m.

The Atmata mouth - The Minija mouth: 1,8 sea miles

The course is 78 degrees, the depth - 3,2-4,2 m. On the right of the Atmata river there are several very deep pits: 7,1 m and 6,2 m deep. Near the mouth of the river Kumpasis Uostas there are the remains of underwater stone barrier, they lean out to the middle of the Atmata about 12 meters, so it is advisable to keep to the middle of the river. Approximately on the halfway of this stage the left side of the Atmata grows shallow up to 1,4 m, although the depth in the middle is sufficient - 4,1 m. The currents in the Atmata are strong only during freshet, up to 1-1,5 sea miles per hour.
In the middle of summer the speed of the current is small.
During the dark time of the day the buoys of the Atmata fairwater are not lightened up. From the middle of the distance Uostadvaris lighthouse can already be seen (55 20 47 N; 21 17 39 E.
The landing-stage to Uostadvaris is rather complicated due to port mouth constantly covered by sand. It is recommended to sail in to Uostadvaris from the middle of Atmata keeping to the Eastern side of the landing stage. The depth in the eastern side is 1,6-1,8 m. You can berth at the foot of the lighthouse embankment, at the side of the pier. Uostadvaris is a departmental port, its operator - State Authority of Inland Waters, so it is necessary to obtain a permit to stay.

Uostadvaris-Rusne: 6,2 sea miles

Upwards the Atmata makes a curve, and the course constantly changes from 80 to 180 degrees. The fairway is marked by buoys, during night-time the buoys are not lightened-up. The guaranteed depth is up to 2 m. For the ships of a greater draught it is necessary to keep to the fairway, because the depth near the shore is 1,1-1,5 m. 4,8 sea miles away from Uostadvaris the river Sysa flows into the Atmata. There is a red buoy of the Atmata fairway in the mouth of the Sysa. The landing-stage to the Sysa is not complicated, you must keep to the middle of the river. The guaranteed depth is 1,6 m. Rising upwards by the Sysa, 3 sea miles away we will sail to Silute port. The port is convenient to stay, the depth is 2 m. Unfortunately, there are no modern conveniences at the port.
1,5 sea mile away from the Sysa mouth rising upwards by the Atmata we sail to the town of Rusne. You can stop before a bridge, the depth near the shore is 1,6 m. You cannot sail upwards due to the bridge (the height from the water surface to the bridge is 14 m) and the prohibition of the border. If you want to sail upwards by the Nemunas or the Skirvyte or the Pakalne towards Jurbarkas, you must have permissions from the border and environment protection institutions. If you want to sail by Nemunas upwards to Jurbarkas or by Skirvyte, it is necessary to have the permission from the border.

The Minija mouth -- the village of Minija (Minge): 1,2 sea miles

The speed of ships within Minija village is restricted - 5 km/h.
There is a red buoy of the Atmata fairway (55 20 47 N; 21 17 39 E) near the mouth of the Minija. Sailing in to the Minija we leave that buoy on the right with the distance of 2-3 m and change the course of the ship to the left, sailing we keep to the middle of the Minija river.
At the Minija mouth you cannot sail close to the right side of the mouth-it is not deep there, there are lots of various deposits.
The course till the confluence of the Minija-the Upaite is 50 degrees. The depth in the river is sufficient - 2,6 -3,4 m. Near the confluence of the Minija-the Upaite you should keep to the right shore, there is a shoal on the left shore - 1,2-1,5 m. From the Upaite confluence, Minija village can already be seen, characteristic red tiled roofs - the course N.
After approaching Minija village, on the left you can see the jetty of Minija village with a crane for ship lifting. On the right - the jetty of S.Petrosius village and water tourism estate.
The jetty of Minija village renders the following service: ship's staying near floating bridges, the supply of electricity and water, a slip, a crane, sanitary conveniences - shower, toilet, sauna.

Minija village - JSC Kintai jetty: 2,3 sea miles

After sailing through Minija village, we sail upwards by the Minija river. Attention: near the last farmstead of Minija village there is electricity line of high voltage installed over the Minija river. The height from the surface of the water is 9,5 m. It is dangerous to sail for ships with high masts. The depth in the whole segment is sufficient - 3,2-4,1 m. It is recommended to sail in the middle of the river, the fairway is not marked. The current is little, except for the time of freshet and during the summer after great storms. Then the speed of the current reaches 1,5 sea mile per hour.
After sailing through the bridge, on the left you can see the jetty of JSC Kintai. It is recommended to sail in to the jetty from the middle of the river, keeping to the Southern part of the channel landing stage. The jetty renders various services: electricity, water, hotel, cafe, pleasure fishing is possible, in autumn - bird hunting.

Planned routes of water tourism in the Lower Minija

At present it is allowed to sail in the other rivers of the Nemunas delta due to environmental protection restrictions and the border. They are applied to all rivers of Rusne island (the Skirvyte, the Pakalne, the Vytine and others). Also, from July 14, tourist groups can sail by Krokai flood plain till Tulkiarage pumping station, and sail by Kniaupas bay from the Upaite river till the Curonian lagoon.

Possible routes of water tourism:

1. By the Minija from the mouth to the confluence of the Upaite-the Minija, by the Upaite to Knaiupas bay, Kniaupas bay - the mouth of the Atmata, by the Atmata upward till Uostadvaris - 12 km totally. The guaranteed depth in this route is 0,8 m. The route is suitable for motor ships, kayaks and canoes.

2. By the Minija from the mouth till the confluence of the Upaite-the Minija, by the Upaite till the confluence of the Upaite- Kumpasis port, then by the river Kumpasis Uostas till the Atmata, by the Atmata upwards till Uostadvaris. Total - 4,2 km. The guaranteed depth in this route is 1,6 m. The route is suitable for little yachts, kayaks, canoes, and motor ships.

3. The Atmata- the Duobele- Krokai bay- Tulkiarage pumping station - the Duobele - Atmata. The route is attractive for sailors, especially the beginners. The water area is wide enough, there are no waves, no currents, and the conditions are great for sail sailing. The guaranteed depth is 1,6-1,8 m.

Note: it is nor recommended to sail by the Curonian lagoon and the Nemunas during the dark time of the day. The buoys present are give a very weak light, it is complicated to find them. Better plan your trip during a day.