Windsurfing Peljesac Channel — Wind, Launch Sites & Live Forecast

The venue

The Peljesac Channel

Running 7.5 nautical miles (14 km) between the Peljesac Peninsula and the island of Korcula, the channel is only about 1 nautical mile (1.8 km) wide — a natural funnel that accelerates the daily thermal wind into one of the most consistent windsurfing venues in Europe.

Our house sits right on the Zamosce bay, a few steps from the launch. The local thermal — the Maestral — averages 16–25 knots through the Venturi effect between Korcula and the Sv. Ilija hills, and Zamosce beach hosted the European Freestyle Pro Tour in 2015 and 2016.

Viganj and the Peljesac Channel, Croatia

Right now

Live Wind Conditions

Powered by Windy.com · for the detailed spot forecast see Windguru — Kuciste/Viganj.

Where to rig

Launch Sites

Zamosce Beach & Bay

Right in front of the house: a 450 m bay and 500 m beach, about 35 m wide at Zamosce Point. Expect a 3–4 kt easterly current in westerly winds.

St. Liberan & Viganj Bay

A 550 m beach, less than 50 m wide, waist-to-chest deep 5–10 m out. Private campground rigging areas along the shore. Cross-shore to cross-onshore — ideal for speed and slalom.

Korcula (Puntin)

A 30 m pebble beach at the old-town peninsula, working in every direction except Bura. A short ferry ride across the channel from Kuciste.

Know your wind

Wind Guide

The channel funnels several distinct winds. The Maestral is the summer regular — here's the full picture.

Maestral NW

The summer thermal: builds through the morning, peaks 4–5 Bf in the afternoon, funnel-accelerated through the channel, and dies away at sunset. The main reason people windsurf here.

Jugo / Sirocco SE

A warm, humid wind that builds ahead of low-pressure systems. Can reach 5–6+ Bf and bring swell — treat it with respect, especially the cyclonic variety.

Bura / Bora NE

A cold, gusty katabatic wind off the mountains, partly blocked here by the 961 m Sv. Ilija ridge. "White Bura" runs clear skies; "Black Bura" brings cloud and rain with it.

Tramontana N

A cooler, less frequent northerly, generally moderate in strength.

Levant E

An onshore easterly that brings extra humidity; usually moderate.

Lebic SW

A cross-channel wind that can build sea and swell over time.

Since 1986

Championship History

1986 — Viganj hosts its first windsurfing competition.

1990 — the European Funboard Championship draws 113 competitors from 19 countries.

2013 — Viganj hosts the Formula Windsurfing World Championship: 127 competitors, 26 nations. Final results: 1. Casper Bouman (NED), 2. Gonzalo Costa Hoewel (ARG), 3. Stephen Allen (AUS), 4. Antoine Albeau (FRA), 5. Arnon Dagan (ISR).

2015 & 2016 — Zamosce beach, right in front of the house, hosts the European Freestyle Pro Tour.

What to bring

Equipment Guide

Light wind

120L+ board · 8.0 m² sail

Standard (75–85 kg rider)

100–110L board · 6–6.5 m² sail

Strong wind

<95L board · <5.5 m² sail

Water Temperature & Wetsuit Guide

Jul–Aug

23–25°C

Board shorts

Jun / Sep

21–23°C

Shorty 2/2.5mm

May / Oct

16–19°C

Semidry 3/2mm

Nov

16–17°C

Semidry 3/2mm

Apr

14–15°C

Semidry 4/3 + boots

Dec–Mar

13–15°C

Semidry 5/3 + boots, gloves, hood

Stay safe

Safety

Watch for cross-channel currents and tides, especially near Zamosce Point. Sea fog is rare but check visibility before crossing toward Korcula. There are no dangerous marine animals in the channel.