Hi guys,

sorry for 30hours delay of your holiday plans. The general practice in any country for checking out is clearing with customs office. I am sure that this practice is enforced also in the UK as well. There is a difference between harbour office, police and customs office. I know that there are many customs offices for sailors all over the Croatian coast. Some of them are not opened 24/7 or during the weekends, but 50 miles looks pretty close to me. If you'd buy a ship in India or South America somewhere, maybe you would had to sail 4-5 days, not 4-5 hours for customs office clearance. This process can be very disruptive and long, not for finding the office, but for boat inspection itself. It is common that some customs officers come to your boat and check all of your stuff. If this practice would not be established, everyone could smuggle anything on ships. Waiting for the officers for hours is also common, does not matter if because of shifts change.
From this point of view, driving you to cafe seems (to me) like a heaven. I visited Croatia more than 10 times and I believe you found some good guys that evening there. Not doing inspection, even in formal way… You guys had to make an impression to them! 🙂

I have been in Sibenik, it is a beautiful city. There is an amazing opportunity to sail the river to the waterfalls. The city has been used as inspiration and filming location for Game of Thrones series, as the City of Braavos. Most of the sailors go to Italy through the island of Vis. It is a nice Croatian island almost half way to Italy. I am sure it has 24/7 customs office. My advice is to search the web for particular country for check-in and check-out recommendations. You would not believe what kinds of things can be problematic with the officials. For example, some equipment on your boat can put you behind the bars in several countries. https://krakenlife.com/skippers-dont-get-jailed-for-satellite-phone/
Prices in Croatian marinas are absolute craziness! Like in Monaco or Malta. Wish you happy sailing. Don't get upset by laws and officials! :)