yacht charter tips

Memo: What You Need to Know Before Yacht Charter

An ultimate guide for bare boaters

Independent charter, or bareboat charter, is undoubtedly a step towards freedom of sailing and an exciting yachting experience. Let us check whether you have considered everything necessary before setting sail on the Adriatic.

Choose a boat based on experience

Choose the best-matching boat

Regardless of the purpose of your yacht rental, you should proceed based on your experience and yacht license. We recommend opting for boats from proven charter companies and boat sizes to ensure a smooth first sailing experience and keep the deposit. Also, a smaller boat means an overall simpler and 30-40% less expensive moorage with easy berthing space location.

If you focus on having a full-fledged family voyage rather than mile-building, your best bet will be opting for comfort. A generator, air conditioners, a swim platform, a water maker,

and many more amenities will become your best assistants during sailing.

Seasoned sailors typically choose a boat based on the sailing route since Croatia offers the most decadent yachts and catamarans to suit all tastes and comfort levels.

Please read our article on the differences between sailing yachts and catamarans to make a balanced choice.

Yachting license in Croatia

Check your license and whether it is valid for sailing on the Adriatic.

Bareboat charter in Croatia requires:

a valid sailing license,
a VHF license.

Charter companies accept international certificates, such as RYA, IYT, and national yacht licenses. Read the complete list of license-issuing countries. Attention: It is always better to check the validity of your license on the official website of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, www.mppi.hr.

You can also send us a copy of your documents so we can check the license validity.

Payment Terms

Mandatory and optional yacht rental payments.

When booking, most charter companies follow such payment schedule:

50% of the charter fee due 7 days to confirm reservation,
50% no later than 30 days before embarkation.

Mandatory payments:

charter fee,
transit log and comfort package,
refundable/non-refundable deposit,
tourist taxes.

Optional services:

one-way charter,
taxi from the airport and back,
early checking-in,
sports or fishing gear,
protective net (relevant for swimming with young children and pets),
renting an outboard engine for the dinghy,
additional towels and bedlinen,
extra cleaning.

Deposit and Skipper Insurance

Learn more about how it works.

Returnable Deposit
The deposit is a security measure typically ranging from €1,000 to €4,000. You can provide it in cash or bank card. If no damages are on board, the chartering company unholds the amount. If the Base Manager reports technical issues during check-out, the charter company will deduct the cost of repairs based on the price list. However, the maximum deduction will not exceed the deposit amount.

Damage waiver
It consists of a non-refundable fee, which is a fixed service charge similar to insurance, and a reduced refundable deposit instead of a high returnable deposit.

Skipper Insurance
For professional captains operating commercially, skipper insurance is mandatory. However, a standard deposit is usually sufficient for bareboat charters to cover potential liabilities.

Documents

Resolving legal, financial and technical issues prior to setting sail.

Most chartering companies have check-in on Saturdays from 4-5 p.m. It's best to keep 2-3 hours before for:

resolving legal and financial issues at the charter company's office,
procuring and delivering food supplies to the boat.

Technical check-in is only possible after all the documents are signed at the charter company's office. What that means:

getting documents for the boat,
confirming the crew list (passports originals),
providing a deposit, paying tourist taxes, transit log, sporting equipment rentals, etc.,
obtaining recommendations concerning technical support issues in case of onboard emergencies or breakdowns.

Yachting and Environment

Keep the sea clean.

Follow these basic rules:

collect recycled plastic packaging and lids separately in special containers,
do not use the generator unless necessary,
it is best to take a shower and use the bathroom on the shore,
use reusable bags and boxes to deliver food supplies on board,
tossing cigarette stubs and other items overboard, except organic waste, is unsuitable for nature.

You may notice that many yachts fly a green flag. This flag belongs to the Green Sail non-commercial/non-governmental organization/social initiative. Many charter companies and marinas across Croatia are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and purity and protecting the sea.