Off The Grid Yachting

How to charter a yacht

The first thing to do to begin planning your perfect sailing holiday is to choose the right yacht. Off The Grid gives you the opportunity to choose between two main yacht types: sailing boats (monohulls) and catamarans. The choice you make depends not only on your sailing party, its characteristics and preferences, but also on the characteristics of the vessel itself. Some yachts are better suited for families and a relaxing holiday, others seem ideal for more adventurous types of people, yet others are the perfect choice for those who prefer skippered or crewed charters…

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  Some yachts are better suited for families and a relaxing holiday with a small group of friends, other seem ideal for more adventurous type of people interested in a hands-on yachting experience, yet others are the perfect choice for those who prefer skippered or crewed charters.

  The best way to make your final decision is to check out our yachts guide where you will find all the details concerning different yacht types and particular brands, such as yacht size, guest capacity, suitability for bareboat or skippered charter, and design characteristics. And don’t worry if after reading about the yachts you are still unsure which yacht to choose: just ask the Off The Grid team! Based on your needs and preferences, our experienced staff will help you select the one that is perfect for you.

Yacht charter guide

When choosing the yacht that best suits your needs, there are several factors that should influence your final decision. These include the age of the yacht, charter price, is yacht equipped with air condition and whether or not you wish to have a crew with you during the entire charter period.

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  When choosing a yacht keep in mind that newer yachts are considered safer and more reliable. With older yachts there is a bigger chance of a breakdown and an even bigger chance that some important equipment, available in more up-to-date yachts, may be lacking, so the initial savings may prove not to be savings at all. However, if they are maintained professionally and at a high standard, older yachts could prove to be a real bargain.

  It is also worth noting that lower-priced yachts may hide some bigger issues, so take caution when dealing with them. Don’t let the price of the charter yacht be the only criterion by which you choose your week-long home away from home. Instead, carefully consider the yacht’s condition, equipment and safety features to ensure maximal satisfaction.

  Finally, decide on the type of charter best suited to your needs, as there are three main types: bareboat, skippered or crewed. Bareboat charter is intended for more experienced sailors who own a valid skipper’s licence (certificates, permits and other necessary documentation) and does not include any crew except the one made of your guest party. If there is no one from your party who possesses the necessary documents, a skippered charter is the way to go. Skippers are professionals with significant sailing experience and local knowledge who will be responsible for your entire party as they steer the boat, anchor it, (help you) decide on the routes and keep you safe in general. If you prefer complete comfort and a carefree experience, crewed charter is the perfect choice. This charter type includes a larger crew (a skipper, hostess and, possibly, a chef) who will navigate, sail, cater and prepare meals for you based on your preferences.

Monohull yachts vs. catamarans

If you are unsure which type of yacht to opt for, here is a short guide to each type’s characteristics.

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  Monohull yachts…

  • …are more economical taking into consideration charter price, fuel costs and mooring fees
  • …offer better sailing performance, sail upwind more efficiently then catamarans, and feel more powerful as they heel over
  • …are more common, so there is a greater number of vessels to choose from
  • …offer responsive sailing and are better for beginners

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  Catamarans…

  • …have a shallow draft, so they can venture into shallower waters
  • …offer a stable platform, which makes them more convenient for people new to boating
  • …feature significantly more space
  • …feature more space for the crew (often two separate crew cabins in the bow of the vessel)
  • …have larger and more functional bathrooms than monohulls of equal size
  • …are more comfortable at anchor
  • …are similar to apartment-style living with seamless indoor/ outdoor integration
  • …usually have two engines, which allow easy manoeuvrability

A guide to Croatian weather system and winds

There are several types of winds you may encounter while sailing along the Croatian coastline. Their main characteristics are given below.

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  • Tramontana/Tramuntana – a (very) cold wind from the north that often picks up quite suddenly. It is a forerunner of Bura.
  • Bura/Bora – very cold, dry wind from the northeast that often changes direction. Bura is characterised by heavy gusts, rough waves and excessive spraying, which can be particularly dangerous if you find yourself in the water.
  • Mistral/Maestral – mild wind, common for the period from April to October and excellent for smooth sailing.
  • Levant – cold, easterly wind common in February and March. When it is not especially strong, it is quite beneficial for sailing. However, sailing during Levant is only recommended to experienced sailors.
  • Sirocco/Jugo – warm, southeast wind, usually accompanied by rainy weather and a drop in air pressure. Sirocco may cause huge waves, so inexperienced sailors should avoid it.
  • Burin – a mild wind, usually occurring in the evening and at night very close to the coast.
  • Ponente – a rather dangerous, westerly wind that picks up quite suddenly. It is characterised by very strong gusts.
  • Oštro – mild wind from the south. Usually follows Sirocco, and does not last a very long time.
  • To learn more about weather in Croatia please click here!

One ways charter

A one-way charter is a special type of charter in which pick-up and drop-off points are not the same. This setup is particularly convenient for those who wish to visit a larger number of places in a shorter period of time, or simply wish to continue their holiday in a particular port without having to return to the port they have already been in. Such a charter is a bit more expensive as the yacht has to be returned to the port where the pick-up was made (fuel and skipper costs). There are certain restrictions on drop-off times, so be sure to check the details with your Off The Grid travel agent.