Jurilovca Lagoon Approach

About This Anchorage

Jurilovca sits on the western shore of Lake Razelm (Lacul Razelm), Romania's largest coastal lagoon — a vast, shallow body of water covering 415 km² that was once an arm of the Black Sea, gradually cut off by the sand barriers and delta sediments of the Danube. The lagoon system (Razelm-Sinoe) forms part of the outer delta complex and is included in the Biosphere Reserve protection. Jurilovca itself is a Lipovan fishing village of several hundred inhabitants, its traditional character well preserved and its fishermen still working the lagoon's extensive fishing zones. The approach by water from the delta system passes through a series of connecting channels and smaller lakes — a landscape of reed beds, fishing net posts, and extraordinary birdlife including huge flocks of flamingos in the shallow margins. The ancient Greek colony of Orgame (Argamum) stood on the cape north of Jurilovca — the ruins are accessible by road from the village.

Hazards

• !Very shallow lagoon — constant depth sounding required, chart data may be out of date
• !Strong E winds create steep short chop in the shallow lagoon
• !Fishing net poles throughout lagoon — navigate carefully, especially at night

Skipper's Tips

• →Ancient Greek ruins at Argamum cape north of village — worth visiting by dinghy or on foot
• →Flamingos frequent the shallow lagoon margins — extraordinary sighting in European waters
• →Local fishermen sell carp, bream, and catfish fresh from the lagoon

Nearby Anchorages