Click for answers to common questions about our E.T.A Yachting Experience:
- Is this a trip for me? I’ve never been on an extended sailing trip before. Is that okay?
- I’ve never been on a boat before. Is that okay?
- I don’t know how to swim. And I don’t like water. Is that okay?
- How much time do we spend on the boat each day?
- Who sails the boat?
- What are the accommodations like?
- Who is on my boat?
- What are the ages of the group?
- What will the weather be?
- What should I wear?
- Are there mosquitoes in Croatia?
- What type of electrical power and current is on the boat?
- How can we communicate while onboard?
- How do I get to Kastela?
- How do I get to Split?
- How do I get to Kremik?
- How do I get to Mandalana?
- Is it possible to book a spot on a boat if I am traveling by myself?
- How many boats will be on this trip?
- What’s included in the price?
- Why are the prices different for different boats?
- What is the schedule of payments?
- What other costs can I expect?
- Is there a security deposit?
- What currency is used in Croatia?
- What is the itinerary
- Is it safe?
- What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- What are the health requirements.
- What if I am prone to seasickness?
- Will you be taking photos?
Is this vacation for me? I’ve never been on an extended sailing trip before. Is that okay?
Very few of our passengers have been on a similar trip before joining us. Nearly all of them have called it one of the best vacations they have ever had. Sailing on a yacht in Turkey is an amazing experience, both active and relaxing with a great mix of lounging in the sun, stunning scenery, and fun at night. Living on a boat for a week is a thrill and you’ll get used to the accommodations right away.
I’ve never been on a boat before. Is that okay?
It sure helps if you’ve been a on boat, though not necessarily a sailboat. Boating is a different way to travel, a mix between luxury and camping. Our yachts are high quality for extended cruising, but the living space on a sailboat is very compact. Think of a high-end motor home on the water. We’ll make you as comfortable as can be and you’ll feel right at home in just a few hours.
I don’t know how to swim. And I don’t like water. Is that okay?
If you know how to lie out on the deck of a yacht, you would be perfect for this trip. But maybe you should take a pass on this one.
How much time do we spend on the boat each day?
Distances in between the islands are not very long, so sailing between destinations can be relatively quick. Some days will involve about 1 to 2 hours of sailing, while others could be as long as 4 hours. There is no sailing in open ocean where you can’t see land. Every evening, we stop either in a natural bay or in a small harbor and anchor for the night. This allows us to easily go ashore. The schedule provides a great balance of cruising through the water while still leaving plenty of time to spend on the beach, at snorkeling spots, at restaurants and bars, shopping, and other activities.
All of the boats in our group travel together, allowing for amazing social activities with a large group of really fun people. But, it is your trip so you are free to sail as you please. Some boats pick to spend the night alone in a harbour not on our route.
Wait – I thought you knew how to sail this thing!
If nobody in your group is a licensed sailing captain, we will provide a captain for you. The captain (or skipper) will be experienced and keep you safe and on course throughout the week.
This is a vacation meant for you to relax but some help will be required. One person onboard will be required to pull a rope every now and then (because certain things require more than the captain’s two hands), but the captain will make it easy. Your help might also be expected when leaving and entering marinas.
A normal skipper comes at a considerable cost, but through our sailing network, we are able to attract sailors with appropriate qualifications for a fraction of the price and provide them for you. We will expect you to keep him well nourished by sharing your meals while onboard (breakfasts, lunches and dinner). An external skipper does not pay for food, fuel, or other shared boat costs. A skipper provided by us is not regarded as an employee; he or she is an extra friend on the boat on vacation with you and your friends.
What are the accommodations like?
Our reservations page provides a diagram of the interior of each boat. Sailboats are compact and comfortable, though not especially spacious inside. You will share a cabin with one other person with a double bed. Cabins have small closets and cubbies for your clothes. Each boat will have multiple heads (bathrooms) and showers. They are small, but you will get accustomed to them right away. Boats each have a full galley (kitchen) and dining table below, although you would most likely choose to eat breakfast and lunch at the table on the deck (some days we will have lunch at a restaurant ashore). The boats have full refrigeration, electricity (12V DC), stereos, and other amenities that you would expect in conventional lodging, but it is not a luxury hotel. The boats are not air-conditioned; you will be outside nearly the entire time except while sleeping in your cabin.
It would be ideal if you could bring friends to fill a boat. The prices are considerably better when booking a full boat together and you can be sure to know everyone beforehand. However, we are happy to help match you with others to fill a boat. Our Facebook page includes a section to meet others who are seeking to join groups together to fill a boat. Each boat will be full with two per cabin unless you wish to pay for additional empty spots. Don’t forget to assign a bed for the skipper.
What are the ages of the group?
Nearly everyone who was traveled with The Yacht Week in the past has been between mid-20s to early 40s. We expect a similar age range for this vacation.
The weather during our trip will be absolutely perfect – sunny and warm every day. Actually, we can’t predict that far in advance. But the average temperatures should be about 26 degrees Celsius. It almost never rains in the summer months.
The Yacht Week will provide packing tips as we get closer to our departure date. Think beach and casual evenings.
Are there mosquitoes in Croatia?
No, it is unlikely you will find mosquitos especially if you are sailing.
What type of electrical power and current is on the boat?
Our boats have electrical power to charge camera batteries, cell phones, iPods, and other devices (even your laptop, although we don’t advise bringing a computer on your vacation). The boats, however, use DC power and 12 Volts rather than the typical AC power and 220 Volts in outlets in Europe. Therefore, you will need to use an inverter and adapter. Inverters are similar to what is used in a car cigarette lighter. These should be purchased before coming on the boat. The Yacht Week will provide advice on this before we travel.
How can we communicate while onboard?
Most cell phones work in Croatia. The VHF radio on our boats is used to communicate with other boats and for emergency. Internet access might be available at certain restaurants. Your Blackberry/iPhone is likely to work (3G).
Kastela is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. The closest airport is Split airport. These airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airllines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa, and SAS.
We have organized transfer vans from the airport to the marina they cost €8 each way.
Split is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. The closest airport is Split airport. These airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airllines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa, and SAS.
From here you can get a taxi. It take about 30 minutes and cost €30. There will be The Yacht Week staff at the airport if you need help.
The closest airport is Split airport. These airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airllines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa, and SAS.
From here we will provide a transfer. You wil need to sign up for this in your booking and will cost around €10 each way.
The closest airport is Split airport. These airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airllines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa, and SAS.
From here we will provide a transfer. You wil need to sign up for this in your booking and will cost around €10 each way.
How do I reserve a yacht?
You may book a yacht online on this website on our Yacht Booking page. 1 booking equals 1 boat. You can meet others on our Facebook page to form a group, get a discount by booking together and sharing a boat.
Is it possible to book a spot on a boat if I am traveling by myself?
It is possible to be placed on a boat with other people, but you must find at least one person to share a cabin with. With two people, you can book a spot on our reservations page.
We recommend that you post a comment on our Facebook page. We have a Discussion topic title “Looking for Crew for Croatia”
How many boats will be on this trip?
Since boat availability is scarce, we will only be able to accommodate as many boats as The Yacht Week can acquire before all high-quality boats are taken. We have many reserved now and will continue to fill boats as long as there is interest and availability. Once our boats are filled it may be unlikely that additional ones are available to charter for our group. We hope to have about 50 yachts a week.
Vacation prices are per person in Euros. The price includes all aspects associated with the yacht and sailing, including the yacht charter costs, the skipper, sheets and towels, snorkel equipment, safety equipment, GPS, stereo, dinghy and outboard engine and cleaning of the yacht.
The price does not include your flight, airport transfers, food and drinks, 3 meals a day and soft drinks for the skipper, or any hotel costs for early arrivals or late departures. Meals are not included. You and your boatmates will be able to purchase groceries on the day of arrival to stock the boat with food and drinks. We will also go ashore frequently for meals. The Yacht Week staff will be around to provide advice on stocking your boats before we travel.
Why are the prices different for different boats?
Each boat has its own cost based mostly on the size and age of the boat. All of the boats are in outstanding condition, but a five year old boat will have a lower price than a brand new boat due to general wear and tear as well as different amenities inside.
What is the schedule of payments?
An initial deposit (30%) is due at the time of the booking as indicated on our Yacht Booking page. The 2 other payments are due in April (30%) and in June (40%).
What other costs can I expect?
There may be some additional payments required during the trip. In some bays, we will attach the boat to a mooring ball (a buoy anchored to the sea floor) to have extra stability overnight or staying in the port. Since these moorings are privately maintained, they usually charge a boat approximately €30 per night to stay there (but the cost depends on the size of the boat). It is up to you how often you anchor and how often you pay to stay in the harbour During the trip you can expect to refill the fresh water tanks at least once – these provide water for showers and faucets onboard. You will have to pay for the fuel used when returning the boat back.
Remember that you will need to cover your meals, drinks, and nightlife activities during the trip. Prices are comparable to what you would expect in a medium European city.
Upon arrival in the marina, all crews need to put a deposit for their boat. The deposit is there to cover any damage that is caused during the week, as a security for the yachting charter company. The deposit is paid the same day of arrival, prior to departure from the marina, and will be handed back to you upon return (as long as you don’t destroy the boat). If you log in to your booking you can see how much the deposit is.
What currency is used in Croatia?
Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna.
Check out the route
Croatia is safe but as is the case when traveling in any country though, be careful with your personal possessions when out and about and never leave items unattended. It is not necessary to lock your belongings (think of Vermont in the 1950s), but the boat can be locked to protect your valuable belongings if you wish. In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly address any issues.
What travel documents are required?
While planning your trip to Croatia do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for at least 90 days. Depending on your nationality, most probably do not need a visa for Croatia. To check you can visit this website: http://www.mvpei.hr/MVP.asp?pcpid=1615&dmid=SELECT%20A%20COUNTRY#pocdrz
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
By making a deposit you are committing to join us on the Croatia sailing trip and to pay the balance of the price in April and in June. You are committing to book your flights as soon as possible and to cover the price to travel to Kastela. If, for any reason, you are unable to join the trip after you have committed, you will still be responsible for the balance of your reservation. We will only provide a refund if another person is able to take your place on the boat, at which time, that person will assume responsibility for the balance of your reservation. We are happy to work with you to find a substitute, but you remain responsible for the balance of your reservation unless a substitute has paid your cost. We can change the names on the reservation until 15 days prior to sailing. Please be sure that you are confident in your flight reservations before you make your deposit.
What are the health requirements
You must assure that you do not have any medical conditions that will inhibit your travels with The Yacht Week. The Croatian Yachting trip is not strenuous (unless you want it to be). Guests are not required to perform any physical activity. However, if you are interested in participating in the sailing, snorkeling, and other sporting activities, then those are available to you.
What if I am prone to seasickness?
Seasickness is unlike as the seas are very calm around Croatia. If you are prone to seasickness or nausea, please contact us before you travel. Our guests have found excellent remedies that have inhibited any unpleasant nausea during sailing. We have not, however, resolved nausea from too many cocktails.
We will take many photos during the trip and share with you as many as we practically can. Occasionally, we will use photographs taken of guests for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photograph not be used, please notify us.
If you have read all the way to the bottom of this page, then you are very diligent. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@theyachtweek.com