kateandjohnsail.boats

On the quay in Zadar, Croatia, there is a work of public art known as the Sea Organ. From the seaside walkway there are steps down to the Adriatic Sea, and in the steps there are special holes and chambers that allow the water to flow in and out through tubes that have openings like organ pipes. When the water moves, it “plays” the instrument so that it emits musical tones and intervals.

Leaving nearby Preko one morning, we decided to visit this wonder. The sea was calm and flat when we motored there, and we saw that many folks from the nearby cruise ship were observing the sea organ, but not looking very excited about it. We, too, were disappointed that when we went by, we couldn’t hear anything. Oh well. Very soon our wake began to ripple over the steps, and we began to hear sighs and notes from the pipes. Even as we left them farther and farther behind, the cruise ship people became animated and began pointing at the steps, clearly elated that the entertainment had begun. We were happy to help!