Croatia

Split decision

With more than 3,000 miles of stunning coastline to explore and easy access from the UK, Croatia is now considered a favourable charter holiday destination. Sue Pelling takes a look the options to consider for 2022.

Croatia with its 1,200+ islands and islets to discover off the Dalmation coast is the perfect charter holiday playground.

With uncrowded anchorages, a reliable climate for all levels of sailing ability, plus fascinating history and culture to discover, Croatia is now considered one of the top charter holiday destinations.

Its location in the Adriatic Sea opposite the eastern coastline of

Italy and its border countries of the Balkan Peninsula (Slovenia,

Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Montenegro and Albania), also means it’s convenient in terms of travel from the UK. This short haul flight of approximately two and a half hours from Gatwick to Split makes it an ideal choice particularly for those travelling with young children and/or older family members.

Roger Garnett from Tenrag Yacht Charter says his company understands the need for accessibility: “Our charter from Trogir is just 20 minutes from Split Airport.”

The charter holiday season in Croatia typically runs from May to early October and, because it is further north than other parts of the Mediterranean, the temperature is generally not quite so intense, with average temperatures from April to May between 22°C to 28°C. June to August are the hottest months with temperatures up to 30°C, so expect sunny, blue skies nearly every day.

As far as wind conditions go, there is something for everyone. Kate Staniforth, Head of Marketing for Sunsail says: “Croatia falls into Sunsail’s Level 1 experience bracket, meaning it has the easiest and safest waters perfect for beginners. However, there are plenty of adventurous options for those with more experience.”

Jonathan Shears from Nautilus Yachting added: “During the season the wind commonly runs up and down the Adriatic so expect north westerlies or south/ south easterlies (in local terms the Bora and the Jugo). Winds are variable so there is always some sailing to be had each day.”

ABOVE

The stunning fortress of Sveti Nikola, judst outside Sibenik

Croatia is known for its ‘line of sight’ navigation with plenty of short hops between islands and anchorages. This makes it a good choice for beginners or those with less experience. For more advanced sailors there are also plenty of options to sail further afield to experience more open sea sailing where wind can easily build to 20-25kts.

In his experience, Tommy Tognarelli, CEO PlainSailing.com yacht charter broker company, believes Croatia has possibly the best sailing conditions in the Med: “It’s in a beautifully sheltered part of the Med, which means that you’re unlikely to get rough seas or foul winds, particularly in the main sailing season. That’s all coupled with fine sunshine – and this is potentially where Croatia beats Greece, because it’s a little bit further north, and conditions never get stiflingly hot. In Athens and Rhodes for example, temperatures can get into the high 30s in August.”

What’s in store for 2022

With signs of ‘freedom’ beginning to appear following recent Covid 19 travel restrictions, Croatia is expected to be a hot favourite charter destination again this year. In fact many of the charter companies we spoke to highlighted the already higher than average demand for bookings.

Tognarelli (PlainSailing.com) says despite disruption/uncertainty with travel last year, demand on charter yachts was huge, which has had a knock in effect with costs: “We’re not anticipating any issues with Covid disrupting international travel this summer – which is kind of new… Interestingly there was crazy demand for boats in Croatia last summer, and we were turning away customers because there were literally no boats available. My advice if you are looking to book, is to start making plans now, because, like last year, I think lastminute charters won’t be possible.

“You will find however, after the crazy demand we saw in 2021, charter fees have increased somewhat, and customers can also expect to pay more for marina fees and fuel.”

To meet demand, many charter companies such as Nautilus, Tenrag, Dream Yacht Charter, Moorings, have added new yachts and catamarans to their fleets in Croatia this year.

ABOVE

The iconic beach at Bol off the island of Brac

BELOW

A stunning anchorage in the Kornati

Charter options

Most charter companies including Tenrag, Plainsailing.com, Nautilus Yachting, Medsail Holidays, Dream Yacht Charter, Sunsail, Moorings and Escape Yachting offer a selection of charter options.

Bareboat – Skippers who hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical, or International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for example, and who have a VHF licence, are free to skipper their own yacht, which is known as bareboat charter.

Bareboat charter is the ultimate way to enjoy time alone with family and friends while exploring new destinations. The aim with charter holiday passage planning is not to re-trace ‘steps’. To take out the stress of passage planning therefore, Sunsail has come up with a new pre-prepared two-week itinerary specifically for bareboat charter guests in 2022. Staniforth (Sunsail) said: “Our new two-week bareboat itinerary will take you island hopping from Agana to Dubrovnik and back without ever repeating a destination.”

Skippered and fully crewed charter – Without the appropriate qualifications the options are limited to skippered charter (with company’s qualified skipper aboard), or fully crewed. Fully crewed is when the yacht is crewed by a professional team, leaving family, friends and travel companions free to participate in the sailing as much or as little as they wish.

PlainSailing.com, known for specialising in bareboat charter, has now recognised the growing popularity of crewed charter and

has this year invested in that sector. Tognarelli said: “We’ve added a whole team to look after our crewed charters division, which brings another dimension to the company.”

Kate Staniforth, Head of Marketing for Moorings added: “I would say that If you really want to put your feet up and relax during your holiday, then a crewed yacht might be the choice for you. The gourmet chef and professional captain at Moorings will provide a premium, personalised yacht charter experience.”

Flotilla – As the name suggests, a flotilla is basically a cruise in company with other yachts, guided by an experienced, qualified leader who, among his/her responsibilities is to run the itinerary. Also, regardless of experience, if you have never chartered a yacht before, a flotilla is a great option. Not only does it provide an insight into processes and procedures of chartering but also, with no pressure on organisation, a flotilla is a great way to experience places of interest off the beaten track under the guidance of a professional who is familiar with the local area and its rules and regulations.

Interestingly there are only a handful of companies we spoke to running flotilla holidays in Croatia including Nautilus Yachting and Sunsail. Staniforth (Sunsail) chatting about the options available said: “We offer bareboat, flotilla and skippered charters from either Dubrovnik or Marina Agana. Being part of a flotilla however, offers a little more guidance and you might make a few friends along the way.

“For 2022 we have also upgraded our beloved Vis flotilla route to provide more freedom while sailing, and flexibility of booking dates.”

By the cabin charter – This is a great option for solo travellers because not only does it offer the luxury of a personal cabin, but also everything on board is taken care of. Check out Dream Yacht Charter, which has a new eight-day By the Cabin charter from Dubrovnik aboard a Lagoon 620 catamaran.

Places to sail to

wine cellar and a fantastic dinner – after picking your fish or seafood from the seawater pools.”

Based on his experiences, and things to do in Hvar, Savas Ozel from Medsail Holidays says: “Don’t leave the island without sampling Croatia’s infamous Gregada fish stew.”

If you choose to charter the northern part of the Dalmation coast, the Kornati National Park archipelago (which you need to purchase a permit for) offers a host of secluded anchorages hidden among 89 islands/islets.

Another interesting place to visit is Pag (the fifth largest island on the Croatian coastline). This island is known for its barren, moonlike landscape and is home to one of the oldest known olive trees – a mind-boggling 1,600 years old.

Finally, with many companies reporting a busy season ahead, booking early seem to be the key words. To ensure you get the best from your charter holiday in Croatia, Shears (Nautilus Yachting) offered his top tip: “If you’re going in the busy season, plan well ahead, check the forecast, and make sure to book your moorings at restaurants and marinas if there are particular places you want to visit.”

attraction is the fact there are oodles of beautiful places to visit by yacht, including unspoilt islands and National Parks, and a wealthy mix of secluded anchorages and modern marinas to choose from.

For a taste of old world charm a visit to Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a must because it is home to one of the world’s 10 best-preserved medieval walled cities. It also features some beautiful beaches and offers stunning mountain-top views.

Cruising between the islands of Hvar, Korcula, Ston, Brac and Mljet is popular, with places like Hvar known as the place to visit for a jet-setting way of life. A vibrant mix of boutiques, cafés and culture means there is something for everyone on Hvar.

Starigrad, on the northern side of the island of Hvar, is one of the oldest town quays in Europe and a Unesco world heritage site. On the south side of the island you’ll find Sveta Ndjela.

Shears (Nautilus Yachting) says it’s special treat to moor up in the unique setting of Sveta Ndjela - Zlatan Vineyard: “With their own tiny marina literally within the wine cellar and restaurant, you can step off your boat and enjoy wine tasting, visiting the underwater

ABOVE

Looking down on the Pakleni islands just off the coast of Hvar

BELOW

An anchorage off the island of Palmizana in the Pakleni islands

Contacts

dreamyachtcharter.co.uk nautilusyachting.com plainsailing.com sunsail.co.uk moorings.co.uk tenrag.com medsailholidays.com escapeyachting.com