Croatia charter, looking for advice

[Flax]

Hi all,

I am looking at chartering in Croatia next September. Will have myself and missus, 2 teenagers and 2 other couples all with a mix of experience. Due to the numbers, and I am familiar with handling twin engined boats we have settled on a cat. Now I need to find a reputable charter company or broker. I have been in touch with Helm.yt who seem to be based in London or at least the guy that I spoke with was London based, has anyone any experience with them, or any other recommendations would be much appreciated. Also, what are the standard payment terms for chartering - it’s been a while… Helm want 50% up front and 50% 6 weeks prior to the holiday.

Many thanks,
Flax.

 

[ash720]

I've used Ultra Sailing (www.ultra-sailing.hr), in Split 3 times, can't fault them. During the covid lockdown uncertainty they held off on taking payment until days before we turned up, although they might not need to be so flexible now.

 

[Skellum]

Try Ocean Sailing House or Adriatic Sailing. Both based near Split and have cats. Not cheap but good quality kit and service.
Helm’s payment terms are not unusual.

 

[Skellum]

I've used Ultra Sailing (www.ultra-sailing.hr), in Split 3 times, can't fault them. During the covid lockdown uncertainty they held off on taking payment until days before we turned up, although they might not need to be so flexible now.

Ultra are also good.

 

[MoodySabre]

I booked with Pitter Yachting then Covid came and it was put back.. Then we still weren’t convinced about Covid so we put it back again and the next year I was ill so as it was two years since I booked we gave up and asked for my deposit back. No problem, sent without delay. On that basis I’d use them. Somebody here who is in Pula says that they have the best boats.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

Whichever company you go for, try to go as early in Sept as possible and plan to go south from Split. The winds can be atrocious.

 

[Sailing steve]

50% up front and balance a few weeks before departure is what we've paid.

We've chartered in the Split region 4 times with the same UK broker and experienced a big variation in condition of boats from almost brand new to the last one which was in a very poor condition with a whole host of problems including breaks in the shroud wires , a leaky loo, knackered engine and half the instruments intermittently malfunctioning.

Complaining both at the charter base and when I returned home got me nowhere so Google review whoever you use very thoroughly and speak to as many people as you can.

Read the contract very carefully too - we lost a significant deposit on another planned charter when Covid arrived on the scene and make sure you have a robust standalone CDW insurance policy in place because the boat will be gone over with a fine tooth comb including divers checking the keel and rudder when you take it back.

Croatia has recently changed currency from the Kuna to the Euro. I don't know what effect that will have had on prices but it was becoming increasingly expensive during the years we were chartering there and last time we were paying region £40- £50 for one night in a marina with a 12 m mono hull.

Bays which were previously free to anchor in gradually had more and more mooring buoys laid sometimes to the point you couldn't sensibly anchor instead and there was a charge made of anything between £10- £20 if you picked one up. Diesel had become progressively more expensive as well and as we'd experienced several days of glassy flat calm on most of our charters and motored a lot filling up bought a big bill.

One last thing. Avoid the inevitable crowds of obnoxious spoiled brats on a flotilla Yacht Week if you want any peace and quiet. Speak to the skippers and find out where they're heading next and go somewhere else instead.