Bareboat Sailing Tips & FAQ's

 

In Croatia you will find best marina infrastructure and well-maintained bareboat yachts for renting between the two largest Dalmatian cities Split and Zadar.

 

Chartering a bereboat means that you take the responsibility to independently sail, operate and navigate the yacht. Renting a bareboat is the most affordable and common option of chartering yachts in the Mediterranean allowing you full onboard privacy and autonomy of provisioning the yacht, and the safety of people on board

 

Best balanced bareboat charter itinerary is 7 days, which is also the minimal number of days that you can rent private yachts in Croatia.

 

We recommend booking your charter at least 6 months in advance, especially if your dates are not flexible or you have a specific yacht in mind.

 

  • International sailing certificate of competence (ICC) 
  • VHF radio operator license
  • Basic practical maritime knowledge to navigate and maneuver the yacht

 

Easiest way to successfully complete an SRC (Short Range Certificate) exam and obtain VHF license is through SkipperCheck.net online course.

 

  • Fully Equipped Yacht
  • Full fuel and water tanks
  • Handling fees at the check in and check out
  • Transit log & End cleaning
  • Wi-Fi up to 5 GB
  • Fresh Bed linen
  • Gas for cooking
  • Dinghy with outboard engine
  • Diver's Inspection at the check out
  • 24/7 assistance during the charter period

 

  • Croatia local tax (1.35€ per day, per person)
  • Taxi transfers and parking inside marina
  • Security Deposit (refundable)
  • Refueling the yacht before returning to base

 

Send us the general inquiry and specify:

  • Departure date
  • Preferable destination in Croatia
  • Yacht type (catamaran or a sailboat)
  • Yacht preferences (yacht's age, yacht brand, type of sails, A/C, generator, specific equipment)
  • Special wishes regarding your charter or extras (taxi transfer, yacht deposit insurance, extras aboard, pets, safety net for kids, etc.)

 

The booking is confirmed the same moment you sent the final confirmation on desired vessel and return signed charter contract. To secure the yacht charter advanced payment of 20 to 50% is required within 3 days after confirmation.

 

Due to charter conditions (unless is arranged differently in you boarding pass) your check in starts on Saturday from 16 pm, disembarkation at the same spot the next Saturday before 9 am. It is desired to return the yacht fully charged with fuel until Friday evening due to underwater hull inspection.

 

Deposit is the insurance (assurance) that you will return the yacht back undamaged. When you hire bareboat charter you are liable for all damages caused during your trip. The deposit is charged at the embarkation and 100% refundable, if the boat is returned undamaged. The deposit amount is set by the charter policy (depends on the boat length, age and insurance rate) payable by VISA, AMEX, EUROCARD, DINERS or cash).  We can offer a deposit insurance with non-refundable fee (app.10% of the full insurance sum).

 

Most of the yacht charters in Croatia approve that option. A non-refundable damage waiver is the sum that covers all the yacht's damages it is non-refundable. Some charters demand also a small refundable part (10%) to cover the external damages like fee for unblocking the toilet, lost/damaged dinghy or outboard engine, gross negligence damage and if the yacht is nor refueled at the return.

 

  • Stand up paddeling boards and various water toys (from 100€/week)
  • Early check in (from 100-150€)
  • Railing net for kids (50-130€)
  • Wi-Fi over 5 GB (app. 20€/week)
  • Provisioning - you can pre-order your food and drinks aboard
  • Taxis and airport-to-marina transfers (app. 30€ one way)
  • Car parking is charged by the valid marina price list. (usually from 6-11€/day)

The extras are charged according to the charter's price list. Some of these items, are offered as a welcome package and are already included.

 

Croatia weather conditions are pretty much the same as everywhere else in the Mediterranean (Italy, Greece). General weather forecast for the region you are about to visit plays the main role when you are considering of setting the date. If you prefer boiling under the warm sun, swimming in warm sea and light winds, taking a sailing trip in summer is your best decision.

Basically, the temperatures on Adriatic also vary from north to south. In northern parts (Istria, Kvarner) it can be extremely hot during summer months with almost no winds and average 2 or 3 strong thunderstorms a month. More to the south, a passing summer storm is less likely. Plus, there is always constant moderate wind blowing in Dalmatia in July and August.

As the temperatures during the spring rise, so does the sea temperature. In September is quite the opposite; the air can get cooler after a day or two of bora wind, while the sea temperature drop is quite insignificant. Anchoring in a secluded cove is a perfect opportunity to take a dive in a crystal water. It is advised to always check the Croatian maritime meteorological reports for small crafts to avoid unnecessary surprises while sailing.

HIGHER TEMPERATURES AND ALWAYS ENOUGH WIND IN SUMMER

If you are sensitive to heat, then you should consider taking your trip in April, May, September or October. Air temperature during the daytime in April and May can easily reach over 25 (77F). However, the sea temperature is still a bit cold 15-20 (68F).

Best season to set sails is from the middle of June until middle September. The mercury is at consistent 30 (87F) degrees, often peaking well into the 40's (104F). Pushing towards Autumn, temperatures drop to the mild 25-30 (77-86F). The sea until the end of October can still hold the temperatures high above 20 (70F) degrees.

In the summer months you will most likely have moderate thermic NW maestral winds during the day and light Burin (NE) during the night. Don't mistake Bura with Burin! Although it has the same direction, has a different character.

Convert degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit with this simple formula:

Degrees Fahrenheit = [°C] × 9 / 5 + 32

 

The prevailing winds on Adriatic are Jugo (SE), Bora (NE), Maestral(NW), Tramontana (N), Pulenat (W) and Levant (E). In the summer months you will most likely have moderate NW maestral winds during the day and light Burin (NE) during the night. Don't mistaken Bura with Burin! Although same direction, has a completely different character.

A perfect sailing day in summer:

You ususally wake up with a light thermic Burin (NE) blowing from the mainland. As the land cools down in the night, there is always light breeze blowing towards the sea. Expect dead calm air and glassy sea almaost always before noon, which is a great opportunity for a swim. Around noon a light breeze might occur mostly from southern direction, swiftly turning into a moderate NW breeze (12-18 Knots) called the Maestral. Which is the strongest in the late afternoon hours and will completely diminish before dusk.

Maestral wind will always blow as the sun moves during the day, especially when high pressure field is over the Europe. Which is a good prediction for sunny weather for at least 3-4 days ahead.

Always respect the mighty Bora wind!

Croatia weather can be quite tricky though. Mostly due to the closeness of mountain barriers, a light summer NW "Maestral" breeze from the seas, can easily turn into near gale force "Bura" winds from the NE mainland. If "Bura" warning is issued - don't push your luck, there are many sailors that tried, and got "burned". Even though it only happens rarely in summer and more often in September then in June. Please remebmer to monitor the weather warnings to avoid surprices!

 

The average port fee for 45-foot yacht is 80€ per night and it can go up to120€ in some higher ranked marinas (Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik). Price usually includes fresh water refill, garbage disposal, shore power, toilet and bathroom facilities.

 

One way options Split to Dubrovnik or vice versa are available with an extra fee that basicall ydepends on yacht type and size.