I have dropped anchor in this bay many times, the first time over fifteen years ago. I liked the pretty village set on the isthmus between two bays, with two completely different aspects. Kosirača, with its harbour wall, jetties and little houses, facing northwest, out to sea, still retained the atmosphere of a fishing harbour, while Široka, facing southeast, was even then full of sailing boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes, and several large buildings had sprung up for the accommodation of tourists. Since then, a great deal has changed on Ist. Building has continued in both bays, moorings have been set up on the outer side of the jetty, and on the shore, and there are plenty of orange buoys anchored in the bay. There must be about thirty, mostly along the northern shore. However much I prefer dropping anchor, the buoys in Široka are the best choice, since the bay is exposed to the jugo, and when it blows, it is hard to stay at anchor. You will not be much more comfortable attached to a buoy, in fact, as your boat will rock quite a lot, but at least you will be safe until the wind drops. Then you can sail on. Sometimes, fierce bura winds cause swell, but it is not usually high. In all other weather conditions, particularly during the summer, when the maestral prevails, and the greatest danger is from squalls, the bay is safe for anyone dropping anchor in the sandy bed at a depth of 6 or 7 metres. You can relax and swim during the day, and set off in the dinghy for the shore in the evening. But do not sit down in the first restaurant you find. Behind the village, a winding path will bring you after a twenty-minute walk to the peak of Straža, 175 metres above sea level, and the little Church of Our Lady of the Snows. Apart from stretching your legs and working up an appetite for dinner, you will have a wonderful view of Zapuntel Passage, through which many boats pass during the summer months, and the surrounding islands of Škarda, Premuda, Silba, Olib and Molat, stretching out before you, as though on the palm of your hand. Take a moment for contemplation before setting off to Karuba or Kety, the two best places for gourmets on Ist.