Bareboat is a big part of charter in Croatia because the islands and the coast offer a fairly friendly environment meteorologically and geographically. Bareboat yacht charter Croatia is a great way to tour the eastern Adriatic Sea. You have the privacy of your own space and the freedom of the open seas. With dense island groups, a friendly environment and plenty of places to find shelter, the area is ideal for foreign sailors seeking to rest and relax. Nevertheless, you should consider the following advice to ensure that your bareboat yacht charter experience goes smoothly.
Before you leave home
Remember to check with authorities at home for visa and health insurance requirements before departing on your bareboat yacht charter Croatia. To prevent surprises upon arrival, ask your agent about details regarding embarkation rules, charter fees and equipment included in your agreement. Common items that may or may not be included are an outboard engine, bathroom towels/linens, and cleaning supplies. Croatia has a fleet of more than three thousand yachts that are chartered bareboat, owned by close to a hundred charter agencies. Naturally, not all of them have the same mode of operation. They equip their boats differently, they include different items and services into their charter fees, they have different rules regarding embarkation and disembarkation time and so on.
Check-In & Check-Out
Bareboat yacht charter check-ins and check-outs happen all day Saturday, and the ports are likely to be packed. It may be a good idea to check in on Saturday, sleep over in the marina, and set sail early Sunday morning. Check-in time is usually at 5:00 pm on Saturday. After touring the boat, looking through a checklist and ensuring everything is in order, you will have to sign a form saying that you will return the boat in the same condition. You may wish to check how much you will be charged for certain items if you are concerned about damaging or losing them. Check-out time is typically at 9:00 am on Saturday. Some agencies ask that you bring boats back by Friday evening, while others allow you to bring boats back early on Saturday morning. The boat should be completely ready for the cleaning crew at check-out time, so make sure to pack and be ready to disembark.
Route
When planning your bareboat yacht charter route, adapt to future weather conditions so your trip can be as relaxing as possible. Do not try to visit too many islands in one week, especially if weather conditions are forecast to be difficult. If you are expecting inclement weather, modify your route and give yourself several hours beforehand to berth so you don’t get caught in it. Remember that the point is to relax during your holiday.
Ports become very crowded during the high season; by early afternoon, anchorages further from towns tend to fill up as well. Try not to get into arguments with the harbormaster if you are unable to dock at a particular location; simply ask about and try to find an alternative.
Docking and Anchoring
Some of the most difficult parts of a bareboat yacht charter Croatia experience are docking and anchoring. When docking and anchoring, do not rush, always listen to the harbor master and think everything through. Let out enough anchor chain, dig in the anchor properly, and leave enough space for others to maneuver.
Sailing
Sailing is an excellent way to travel and relax on the Adriatic Sea. However, the wind can become quite powerful, especially if you are not used to the boat or the area. On your first day, be sure to take your bareboat yacht charter slow and check that everything is in working order.
Remember that a sailing charter boat is not a racing yacht. Charter boats are meant for gentle cruises, not for high-speed racing. For instance, when a strong wind comes you should reef the sales to prevent potential damage. Always make sure that you are in full control of the boat.
Remember this advice when setting sail on the Adriatic Sea, but most importantly, enjoy your bareboat yacht charter Croatia holiday!
