FAQ

You ask, we answer!

Choosing a vessel
  • Which vessel type and size should I choose?

    The choice of the vessel depends entirely on your wishes and preferences. Our offer includes the following vessel types:

    • Sailing boats – excellent for both family and active vacation
    • Catamarans – very stable and comfortable, ensure fast sailing

    Before choosing a vessel, please bear in mind the following details:

    • Do you require a skipper or not? If you need skipper’s services, please note that the skipper sleeps on board as well, so one of the berths should be reserved for him.
    • How many people will be on board?
    • Does your group consist of couples who can share the same cabin?
    • Do you need a yacht equipped with Air Condition?
    • Do you prefer comfort?
  • How to choose between a sailing boat and a catamaran?

    The choice depends entirely on your wishes and preferences.

    Sailing boats tend to be more economical taking into account charter price, the cost of the fuel and mooring expenses. When compared to catamarans, sailing boats sail downwind more efficiently (faster), and are more suited for beginners who would like to learn how to sail. Sailing boats are very common so there is a large number of available vessels to charter.

    Catamarans do not lean more than 5° and offer greater comfort, spacious saloon area and cabins, and somewhat faster sailing since they have two engines. A catamaran is an excellent choice for those with no sailing experience or for those who feel somewhat insecure about sailing. It has two hulls, hence providing greater stability. Modern catamarans have shallow draft in order to make the access to land and bays easier.

    Sailing boats

    • More economical – charter price, fuel costs and mooring fees are lower
    • Better sailing performance – monohulls sail upwind more efficiently then catamarans and feel more powerful as they heel over
    • Greater number of available yachts
    • Offer responsive sailing and are better for learning how to sail

    Catamarans

    • Shallow draft – can venture into shallower waters
    • Stable platform, great for people new to boating
    • Significantly more space
    • More space for the crew – often 2 separate crew cabins in the bow
    • Larger and more functional bathrooms than monohulls of equal size
    • More comfortable at anchor – similar to apartment-style living with seamless indoor/ outdoor integration
    • Two engines allow for easy manoeuvrability
    • More of them equipped with Air Condition
Booking
  • How do I book a vessel?

    You can use the questionnaire we have prepared for you or just send us an email concerning vessel choice. Based on your request, we will prepare the optimal offer for you. After having chosen a vessel, we will hold your reservation for 4 days.

    The vessel is considered booked by you as soon as you pay the first instalment (50% of the total price) or the whole charter fee (for bookings within 30 days before the departure). You can pay either by credit card or by bank transfer.

  • Can I charter a vessel for a period shorter than a week?

    During the high season (from mid-May until mid-September), it is not possible to deviate from the weekly charter system (Saturday to Saturday charter) since these are the busiest months for the charter companies and most weeks are sold out well in advance. Therefore, during this period, the price is unlikely to be flexible and you will usually be charged for a full week of charter.

    Yacht charters usually begin and end on Saturdays. However, should you desire to take a shorter sailing holiday in the off-season (October to April), it can be organized and the price is then calculated according to the number of days spent on board.

The Crew
  • What is a bareboat charter?

    A bareboat charter refers to a setup in which you rent a fully-equipped yacht without a skipper and crew. The boat is your responsibility and the itinerary is completely up to you. The yacht is yours for the duration of the charter and has everything you need on board. Upon check-in, you will undergo area and boat briefing and will continue to have full support from the local base staff should you have any questions or require assistance during your charter.

    It is important to stress that you will need a practical sailing licence to bareboat charter. If you are unsure whether your licence is suitable, please check with us. In Croatia, a VHF (marine radio) licence is also mandatory.

    Yachts available to bareboat charter range from 32ft up to 60ft and include a wide variety of monohull sailing boats and catamarans from all major manufacturers.

  • What is a skippered charter?

    A skippered charter refers to a setup in which a qualified skipper is added to a bareboat arrangement. A skipper can also be added for those who prefer having someone with local knowledge on board and/or who is able to assist with the sailing.

    A skipper is hired to make your week as enjoyable as possible. Skippers have local experience and are able to make recommendations concerning where to go and what to see.

    Skipper prices range from 150 to 200€ per day, plus their meals and you need to make sure you allocate them a cabin.

  • What is a crewed charter?

    A crewed charter is a luxurious escape akin to a 5 star hotel, but with a different view every day. A professional captain and crew pamper you and provide a seamless experience. An on-board chef prepares gourmet meals, and the crew assists with reservations at the best onshore restaurants.

  • Can I add a hostess?

    A hostess can be added to any bareboat or skippered charter. They will keep your yacht clean, prepare drinks and snacks, breakfast,lunch and dinner, as well as help with provisions.

    Hostess prices range from 130 to 150€ per day , plus their meals and you need to make sure you allocate them a cabin.

Bareboat Charter
  • Do I need a professional skipper?

    If you have no sailing experience at all or if you do not possess an officially recognized sailing licence, you are obliged to hire a skipper.

    Even if you have experience in sailing, but are not sure in your manoeuvring skills, it is strongly recommended to hire a professional skipper for at least several days. You can also benefit from the skippers’ local knowledge: they are well acquainted with the region and will be able to suggest the most interesting places for swimming and fun, as well as numerous restaurants.

    You can book a skipper’s services with us.

  • What qualifications do I need for a bareboat charter?

    In the event of a bareboat charter (without the Off The Grid skipper) the client skipper must be in possession of a valid certificate of competence in order to charter a boat. It is also a legal requirement for one member of the crew to be qualified for operating the VHF station (i.e., to possess the VHF licence).

  • Which licences are accepted?

    Licences and certificates corresponding to the Croatian programme and containing the verification of the state are accepted by the Croatian authorities. The VHF licence is obligatory as well.

    Most of the RYA licences are accepted (see rya.org.uk) for sailing in Croatian territorial waters.

Skippered Charter
  • Are skipper’s services included in price?

    Skipper’s services are included in price. The guests are obliged to provide food ( 3 meals per day) and soft drinks for the skipper or other crew members.

  • Where does the skipper sleep?

    Skipper sleeps in one of the cabins. It is strongly recommended to charter a bigger boat and provide the skipper with his own cabin. Since he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the yacht, and responsible for the security of people on board, he should be well rested. In addition, guests will have more comfort and a free saloon area to spend their time in.

    Keep in mind that every vessel is registered for a certain number of people and the law does not allow this number to be exceeded.

Preparing for the trip
  • What should I bring with me?

    There are several must-haves when on board:

    • Travel documents. As you will be traveling in a foreign country, please make sure you have the right documents for the country you are visiting, a valid passport and visa (if required). Those on a bareboat charter will also need to have on their person their original sailing licence and the VHF certificate. You should also take your boarding instructions, which contain the details of your charter (including local contacts).
    • Soft-sided luggage. Much more practical to stow on board than hard cases.
    • Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. Polarised sunglasses are by far the best choice when at sea. Please make sure you do not have oil-based sunscreen, as this can stain the teak and sun cushions. You should use a 30+ SPF, as people tend to get sunburns more easily when at sea.
    • Sweater or fleece. Nights can get cool, especially if you are going early or late in the season.
    • Swimwear. This is the most important item of clothing. As you will find out, you will end up living in it!
    • Beach towels. These will often be supplied, so please check with your Off The Grid travel agent.
    • Electronics. Ipod/Mp3 player can be played using the yacht’s stereo, but you will need to supply the AUX cable. You should take a 12V charger for your essential appliances, unless you are on a larger boat that has a generator. Be sure to remember your camera!
    • A word of advice. Most people going on yachting holidays pack a lot more than they really need. You will soon find out you spend most of the time wearing nothing but your swimwear and a t-shirt, so a few pairs, along with some items of clothing you will wear on shore, are all you need.
What’s included and what’s not?
  • What’s included in the price?

    List of things that are included in the price:

    • Rental of the yacht and crew (if specified) for the agreed period.
    • Any extras you have confirmed with your Off The Grid travel agent.
    • Dinghy, GPS and nautical charts, stereo and cockpit speakers, safety equipment to meet the requirements of the flag-state.
    • Bedding and towels will be provided, but sometimes local charge applies (this will be clear in your charter offer/contract).
    • Yacht equipment.
    • First and last night in the yacht’s home marina.
    • Tourist tax
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • VIP (early) check-in
  • What extra costs should I budget for?

    List of things not included in the price (extras):

    • Fuel. Generally, your yacht will come with a full tank which simply needs to be topped up at the end of your charter. This means that you pay for what you use.
    • Mooring fees. If you moor in a harbour, use a mooring buoy or an anchorage, you may need to pay a fee. The price can vary depending on the location and the size of your yacht.
    • Food and drink for your crew (if hired). On a bareboat charter, it is best to just provision for an extra person. When eating out, you can invite the skipper or the hostess (if you have them) to dine with you. If not, you need to give them between 15 and 20€ each so they can take care of their needs.
    • Food and drink for you. The Off The Grid team can arrange for the provisions to be on-board waiting for you.
    • Extra equipment. Any extras you wish to have on-board, such as paddleboards, kayaks or a larger dinghy for water sports.
    • Airport transfers. We are more than happy to organise airport transfers for you.
  • Is the yacht insured?

    All charter yachts are fully insured under marine insurance policies against loss, damage and third party indemnity. When you book your yacht, you are fully responsible for it. In the event of loss or damage to the yacht, your liability is limited to the amount of your security deposit, unless the damage is caused by your negligence.

    You will not be liable for damages caused by another boat as long as you are able to provide evidence. It is your responsibility to provide the information from those involved, including a witness statement from a third party. All yachts have third party damage insurance.

Vessel Pick-Up and Drop-Off
  • When should I return the vessel to the marina?

    Vessels are returned to the home marina on Friday afternoon/evening, with an overnight on board. The check-out procedure is done on Saturday morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. By that time, the guests should leave the boat so that it can be cleaned and prepared for new guests.

  • Can I pick up the vessel before 5 p.m.?

    Check-in is usually done at around 5 p.m., but it is possible to organize an early check-in. We can also organize a VIP package that includes a 1 p.m. check-in. Just ask your Off The Grid travel agent for details.

Payment
  • How do I confirm my booking?

    Once you have selected your preferred yacht, contact your Off The Grid travel agent who will assist you in arranging all the details. In order to confirm your booking, a deposit is required: it comes up to 50% of the charter fee.

  • Is there a credit card handling fee?

    Due to high costs charged by credit card companies, there is a credit card surcharge of 2% on all card payments. There are no extra fees to pay when using bank transfer.

  • Can I pay by bank transfer?

    Yes, we always accept payment by bank transfer. You will be provided with our bank details during booking.

  • How many instalments are there?

    You can pay the outstanding amount in up to 2 instalments: 50% of the charter fee to make the booking, and the other 50% no later than 6 weeks before your departure date.