Sailboat rental with skipper in Croatia: Pros and options
Are you planning to sail in Croatia and wondering whether to hire a skipper? In this article, you'll find all the benefits of renting a sailboat with a skipper in Croatia and answers to some common questions. Skipper is a professional person with a great sailing knowledge who will make sure your journey is safe, worry-free, organized and he/she will make sure to take you to the most beautiful places you never knew about.
Should I hire a skipper?
If you're traveling with family or friends and want to fully relax without worrying about the weather forecast, planning routes, docking the boat, anchoring, or ensuring safety, then renting a sailboat with a skipper is the perfect choice for you. If it's your first time in Croatia and you're unsure where to go or what to see, skippers have excellent local knowledge and can handle that for you. Additionally, since the skipper handles the boat, you don’t need a license. If you’re interested in learning, skippers are usually happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. However, if you want to learn more and practice sailing, consider hiring a skipper-instructor. This option costs a bit more but includes hands-on training and the opportunity to practice maneuvers like docking. Also hiring a skipper-instructor guarantees you that you will get a skipper who is professional at teaching.
Cost of hiring a skipper in Croatia
Skippers are typically paid per day, with rates in Croatia ranging from €170 to €250 per day, depending on the size and class of the boat. For a skipper-instructor, the price ranges from €280 to €300 per day. As a guest, you're required to provide food for the skipper, usually three meals a day. When dining onboard, the skipper will eat with you. During dinners, especially if you’re dining out at a restaurant, the skipper will often give you privacy and let you enjoy your time alone. In such cases, you're expected to provide a meal or an allowance for the skipper’s dinner, typically €40, which aligns with restaurant prices on the islands. Providing the skipper with quality meals is essential, as their work involves significant physical and mental effort daily. Since they work hard to make your vacation enjoyable and fulfill your wishes, tipping the skipper at the end of the week is recommended. In the yachting industry, tips typically range from 5% to 15% of the charter price, but tipping is entirely at your discretion.
Advantages of chartering a sailboat with a skipper
Besides safety and organization, a skipper can take you to hidden coves, beautiful beaches, and less-known spots. They can also act as your guide, providing brief insights about each location and even showing you around towns or cities. Skippers can recommend the best restaurants where you can enjoy fantastic food in a wonderful atmosphere with your loved ones.
How to prepare for sailing with a skipper?
You don't need any special preparations or communication with skipper well ahead of the trip. On the first day when you get on board, skipper will give you a briefing in which he will explain everything everything you need to know and what to expect. He will be happy to hear your wishes and preferences regarding the route, restaurants, and sailing pace. If you have any wishes regarding the places you want to visit, it is important to discuss them with the skipper, so that he can fit them into the itinerary and organize the route according to the weather forecast. It is important to trust the skipper and his decisions because he is a professional who cares about fulfilling your wishes but always puts safety first. Don't forget that if your sailboat does not have a cabin for the skipper, to leave him one where he can sleep. Also, if the ship has a cabin for the skipper but there is no toilet in that cabin, he will need to use one of your toilets.
FAQ about sailboat rental with skipper in Croatia
Will I have privacy if I hire a skipper
Of course, skippers try to figure out how much time you want to spend with them and how much privacy you’d like. They understand that you came on vacation with your family and friends and want moments when you’re alone with them and can completely relax. During dinner, they will always give you privacy and let you dine alone, especially if you're eating at a restaurant. When you're on the boat, they’ll spend some time with you but will also make sure to step away occasionally and give you some space. Feel free to let the skipper know if you'd like some privacy, or if you’d like to spend time with them, invite them to join you.
Can we make requests about the skipper or choose one?
Of course! Feel free to let us know if you have specific preferences, such as age, gender, non-smoker, and so on. Additionally, some charters are happy to send a few skipper CVs so you can choose the one you prefer. Let us know your wishes, and we’ll pass them on to the charter.
What if the skipper damages the boat?
For any damage to the boat caused by the skipper's irresponsible handling during navigation, the skipper is responsible, and you will not be charged for it. Additionally, any damage to the exterior of the hull or the underwater part of the boat is also the skipper's responsibility unless it was caused by you. For any damage inside the boat that is not the skipper's fault, the skipper is not held responsible.
What languages skippers in Croatia speak?
All the skippers in Croatia are fluent English speakers. If you want to have a skipper who speaks some other languages, please inform us about that so we can ensure you gat the skipper who speaks your language.
Do I need a boat license if I’ve rented a sailboat with a skipper?
Since the skipper is in charge of operating the boat, you don’t need a boating license. The skipper holds all the necessary licenses to navigate the sailboat. Keep in mind that in some situations, the skipper may need assistance, so be prepared to help. They will provide clear instructions and show you exactly what to do. Assistance is most often required when docking the boat or anchoring.
If you're looking for a trusted partner for expert advice and the best prices on yacht charter with a skipper, feel free to reach out to us. We'll gladly answer all your questions, help you find the perfect sailboat, and ensure your sailing experience in Croatia is unforgettable. Contact us and start your sailing adventure with confidence!
