Hello to everyone!
 
I'm thinking of chartering a yacht in Croatia this summer, but I have some concerns you might help me with. The thing is that I have some experience sailing but I never sailed in Croatia.
Do you think it is better for me and my crew to charter a crewed or bare boat yacht in this case, and could you point out the advantages of each of the options?
From your experience, would sailing in Croatia be too challenging for us, should we go for a skippered yacht?
I'm hoping to receive a quick reply from you, that could really make our choice a little easier.
Thanks in advance!
Matthew Genre

Hi there. Thanks for posting your question, I’ll try to help you with the answer as much as possible.
 
As you probably guessed, there are numerous advantages of skippered or crewed charter in Croatia. From your question I am guessing you will be chartering a sailing yacht this summer.
 
In that case, taking a sailing yacht with skipper has several important advantages.
 
To begin with, in this case your yacht security deposit (depending on the yacht size - from €500 to €2,500) will be relatively safe. Meaning that the responsibility in case of any damage happened while handling the boat, lies on the yacht’s skipper, usually provided by the Croatian charter agency. Your security deposit in this case could be charged fully or partially only for the eventual damage done to the yacht interior or equipment by your group.
 
Skippers in Croatia are highly knowledgeable about the sailing, winds on the Adriatic, protected bays and marinas where they can hide the yacht ad protect the safety of its passengers from the pending storm.
 
Skippers are also familiar with all the hidden bays and most beautiful private beaches on the Croatian coast as well as with the most stunning islands away from the crowd, ideal for mooring and quiet family vacation.
 
Of course, they know all the marinas in Croatia, all the facilities and services they offer, which can be a valuable experience. They can give you accurate information on what to expect in each port, recommend some excellent restaurants, sightseeing sites or recreational activities. The typically Mediterranean phenomenon of “knowing all the right people” might come really handy here, as your skipper will probably know somebody in every marina and with a little luck will manage to squeeze you even in some of the most crowded and popular marinas in Croatia, where it’s almost impossible to find a berthing place on your own, like in Hvar or Bol.
At the beginning of your Croatian yacht charter vacation, you can talk to your skipper and tell him/her what you want to get out of your sailing vacation (pure relaxation and enjoyment of the beautiful untouched nature, wild summer parties, cultural exploration or anything else that interests you) and your skipper can create a tailor made charter vacation according to your preferences.
 
On the other hand, some disadvantages of chartering a skippered yacht are:
 
Skipper price runs from €1oo to €120 per day.
Every restaurant you go to you should bring skipper with you or at minimum pay his meal somewhere else. General rule of thumb is that everything you eat during your charter vacation, skipper eats as well, on your expense.
 
Sometimes the personalities of the group and the skipper clash and the atmosphere on board can become unpleasant. It is up to skipper to adjust to you and your group in this case and if he fails I would suggest you to call your charter agency and ask for immediate skipper replacement. After all it is your holiday and you’re paying for it.
 
Regarding the advantages of chartering a bare boat yacht, I think that to any passionate sailor the bare fact of sailing on his own, confronting the winds and the waves, conquering mile by mile the azure Croatian sea, would be enough of a reason. Experiencing the freedom, making your own sailing choices, visiting and exploring a completely new corner of the world, all this will give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment which can’t measure to anything similar. More prosaically speaking, it would be definitely cheaper for your budget, considering that you don’t have to pay for the skippers’ services or meals. Also, you and your group would have your complete comfort, with no stranger on board. Then again, if your doubt your own competences you should reconsider since in this case, all responsibility for the yacht and crew safety lies with you.
 
I hope that with this answer I have cleared up some aspects of both options and that after reading it you are a bit closer to making the final decision. Good luck with it!

REGARDS FROM CROATIA,
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WWW.GARDELIN.HR
THEY ARE CRUSING WITH REFERENCE FROM PEOPLE WHO CHARTERED BOAT!