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Sailing in Croatia: FAQ

Yachting in Croatia FAQs

 

Questions

 

* What about communication; are there any connections on board for?
* From where can I obtain weather forecasts?
* How about safety equipment for children?
* Are there life vests and other safety equipment on board?
* Does the yacht have all the equipment needed to prepare meals on board?
* What is the typical cost of staying in harbours, and in marinas?
* Will there be cleaning supplies on board?
* Will I need to take any bed linen or towels?
* Will there be any further equipment on board such as snorkelling etc?
* Will there be anywhere to do laundry?
* What electrical equipment can I take?
* What type of luggage should I take?
* What clothing will I need, are there any requirements for sailing?
* What sun protection will I need in Croatia?
* Will I need waterproofs?
* What currency will I need in Croatia?
* Is food included, can I get any provisions upon arrival?
* Who will pick me up from the airport?
* What is the standard 7-days route?
* Do we have to pay for the skipper's food during our trip?
* Is it possible to charter a boat through your agency from any other day than Saturday?
* Are yachts and yacht crew insured?
* If we charter with a skipper, what kind of skipper are we likely to get?
* Do you provide boat briefings?
* Should I have a travel insurance?
* What does the charter fee include?
* Which days of the week can I begin and end my charter?
* What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat sailing yacht?

 

Answers

What about communication; are there any connections on board for?

Some of our Luxury yachts have internet connections, although you will be able to access the internet through GPRS if you have the necessary hardware. Phones can be charged through a car charger adapter while you’re under sail so you don’t have to wait for shore power. Our larger Beneteau yachts have MP3 players and can accommodate your IPod, although normally you will have a CD system on board.

From where can I obtain weather forecasts?

This depends on the area you are sailing in. Usually you will find this information on the marina bulletin boards which display them in a number of languages, and/or you should ask at the base or the locals in the village you are visiting. Of course, you can always call the base for weather forecasts also, but usually there are regular broadcasts on radio and VHF.

How about safety equipment for children?

Since children come in all shapes and sizes, we suggest that you bring suitable life vests if you already own them. However, there are also children’s vests in the yachts or at our bases, so please let us know the number you require, and the size (weight) of the children.

Are there life vests and other safety equipment on board?

All yachts chartered through Sail Croatia’s exceed Croatian Health and Safety laws and with regard to safety equipment. This includes approved safety vests, harnesses, life raft, VHF, lighted buoys, distress signals, fire extinguishers, and more.

Does the yacht have all the equipment needed to prepare meals on board?

The yachts are equipped with crockery and cutlery for the number of people which the yacht would be able to take at maximum capacity. Utensils, which will enable you to cook most basica meals are also provided, along with a tin opener and corkscrew. For any specific requirements, please let us know.

What is the typical cost of staying in harbours, and in marinas?

The typical costs of Fuel depend on the amount you sail , although typically guests on a 35ish foot yacht will spend around £15-20 for the week in total. The marina costs are normally around £35 for the night with Korcula marina being one of the most expensive at £39-41. (Price is for the whole boat) Some Harbours and most anchorages will be free.

Will there be cleaning supplies on board?

Cleaning supplies such as washing up liquid, surface cleaner etc can be put on board along with other provisions for a small fee (but are provided as standard or our Kastela yachts). (Please refer to the provisioning section)

Will I need to take any bed linen or towels?

All charter companies provide bed linen and a few hand-towels. If additional towels are needed then please let us know in advance and we can organise more to be put on board before your arrival. It would be a good idea to take some beach towels.

Will there be any further equipment on board such as snorkelling etc?

Snorkelling and fishing equipment are not a standard piece of equipment on sailing boats. There are plenty of shops in around marinas where these can be purchased, or as an alternative they can be added to the provisioning list. (Most of our yachts based in Kastela will have fishing equipment on board)

Will there be anywhere to do laundry?

There are launderette facilities in every marina and they can be used as required, the skipper will help you, although you shouldn't need to do it often (once).

What electrical equipment can I take?

It’s not practical to take a great deal of electrical goods as electricity is in sparse supply. However Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Croatia uses the standard European 2 point plugs. Most of our yachts have shore power which means that you will have 220V electricity while in the marina, while some yachts a re equipped with a generator so you will be able to access 220V at all times.

What type of luggage should I take?

A soft bag – a soft holdall will help store your luggage when you unpack on the boat. A suitcase style (hard case) will be difficult to store with a number of people on the boat.

What clothing will I need, are there any requirements for sailing?

Trainers – can reduce the risk of getting the stubbed toe while running round the boat Avoid taking too much kit as it will take up space and remain unused during the trip.

What sun protection will I need in Croatia?

Sunblock (although the temperature’s won’t be exhausting (average 32) the fact that you are exposed for significant amounts of time by being on a yacht means that Sunblock is even more important than usual. Sunhats – a sunhat you can soak is very useful and a good way of staying cool.

Will I need waterproofs?

Waterproofs will be useful if (god forbid) you do have a rainy day, when it might get a bit difficult to get dry on the boat if you get soaked. It is also prudent to have waterproof gear to protect from potential wind chills while under sail.

What currency will I need in Croatia?

The national currency in Croatia is Kuna, Euros are accepted in some establishments but not everywhere. Please note that not all banks in England have Kuna in stock, you will need to order it in advance or change it whilst in Croatia. Also there are plenty of ATM’s where you can withdraw Kuna with your Visa/Switch etc.

Is food included, can I get any provisions upon arrival?

No food is included in the price of your bareboat yacht charter. However we can organise some basic provisions such as mineral water, bread, toilet roll, eggs etc. We can also organise to take you shopping to the nearest supermarket upon arrival, so you can choose exactly what you need. More provisions can be put on board but it is a good idea to stick to the basics as there will be plenty of opportunity for you to stop and stock up during your journey.

Who will pick me up from the airport?

If transfers have been organised with us in advance there will be someone to pick you and your party up in either a car or van depending upon the size of your party. They can be recognised easily as they will be either be holding either a “Sail Croatia” sign or your details “Jones party”.

What is the standard 7-days route?

We try to provide an individual route in most cases, and can give you examples of some of the most popular routes. We aim to match the route to the nature of the group and as a result they can vary significantly. We also encourage our customers to explore and disregard the commonly held view, and make their holiday unique.

Do we have to pay for the skipper's food during our trip?

Yes, your group is responsible for covering the contributions for the skipper's food whether you are dining out or on board. We have to mention that an element of common sense is demonstrated by the skippers and this arrangement normally runs very smoothly. If you are looking to have complete independence from your skipper, it is of course available at an 80 Euro surcharge.

Is it possible to charter a boat through your agency from any other day than Saturday?

We usually, like most other agencies in Croatia, charter our boats from Saturday to Saturday. It is possible to charter boats for a shorter term, and the flexibility exists but the charter price will stillbe based on a one week price.

Are yachts and yacht crew insured?

Yes, all yachts and crew on board are comprehensively insured, and are not liable for damages to their own and other yachts or property. Your are advised to take out your own personal accident insurance.

If we charter with a skipper, what kind of skipper are we likely to get?

The competent, friendly and English speaking kind! Not only will he make sure you get safely from port to port, but he'll be your guide to best best places to visit, and if you'd like, your personal sailing instructor! We will familiarize you with your skipper before you go, and will also brief the skipper of the nature of your group.

Do you provide boat briefings?

The charterer and his or her party will be given general briefing covering the local cruising grounds. Questions about navigation, anchorages, prevailing conditions, or any part of the desired itinerary can be answered. A more specific boat briefing aboard the yacht will then be given, covering all the operating systems, including rigging, electrical system, water system, windlass, stove, dinghy, outboard and emergency systems.

Should I have a travel insurance?

In your own interest, you are strongly advised to buy suitable travel insurance before leaving home, including cancellation insurance to protect your booking deposit. When you book your holiday through Sail Croatia, your holiday is financially protected through our Tour Operators Failure Cover, and you are comprehensively insured on the yacht you are chartering, and are not liable for any damage beyond the value of the security deposit.

What does the charter fee include?

Yacht prices are per yacht, per week, depending on the time of the year, regardless of the number of people aboard (subject to the maximum number of berths). Charter fees include the rental cost of the yacht, final cleaning, transfers, outboard engine and all taxes.

Which days of the week can I begin and end my charter?

Weekly charters usually begin and end on Saturdays for multiples of seven days. We do not currently offer day sailing charter, although it will be possible to book day trips while booked on a shore based holiday with our joint venture partners Hidden Croatia Ltd.

What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat sailing yacht?

To charter a sailing yacht in Croatia it is necessary to have sailing certificates proving their competence. The Port Authorities in Croatia require an RYA Dayskipper with VHF qualifications as a sufficient license. International equivalents are also accepted from the majority of countries in Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.