GREECE vs CROATIA

A quick guide to choosing between Greece or Croatia for your next sailing vacation. Having sailed in both, and living in one I will take you through the noticeable differences between Greece and Croatia.

Overview

Greece or Croatia? Seems to be the most popular question in the charter industry to date. But which one? Which suits me better? What are the differences? Find it all here!

Charter fees

Due to Greece having more yacht stock, Greece comes out top when you want ‘more for your money’. On average, yachts tend to be between 500-1,500 euros more expensive in Croatia than in Greece.

Mooring fees

Having lived, and sailed extensively throughout Greece, I was shocked at the expense of mooring fees even in the off season in Croatia. In fact, in Greece we sometimes went weeks without paying for port fees, we just ate at the restaurants! I’m sure there are places in Croatia, but we didn’t find any.

Food prices

Croatia’s food was extremely well priced, and on this occasion, I would say that Croatia’s food was better priced than Greece. Having said this, Wine tends to be very expensive in Hvar!

Currency exchange

The dollar and the euro are almost equal with 1 euro being the same as 91 cents (28th if February). 1 dollar is the same as 6.82 Kuna (Croatian currency). Something to note is that Croatia will also accept euros. 1 GBP is currently worth 1.17 euros, and 1 GBP is 8.76 kuna.

Weather

During the most popular months of sailing (July and August), Greece on the east side (Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese) are to be avoided due to the Meltemi winds – while Croatia is absolutely fine to charter in, although can be crowded.

Air and Sea temperature

Due to geographic location, being closer to the equator Greece is typically a few degrees hotter than Croatia. During high season (July and August) it is not that noticeable. However, for the offseason such as September and October, Croatia can be fairly cold in the evenings as the wind funnels from eastern Europe.

Natural beauty

For the pure fact that Croatia has 7 National parks, all diverse with culture, Croatia wins this round. Although Greece is stunning, with turquoise bays, Croatia is just that bit more untouched. Especially around the Kornati which has nearly 100 unhabituated islands.

Distances

Sailing distances are roughly the same in terms of yacht hopping. If you are starting in Dubrovnic, sailing distances are slightly longer and therefore are better for a group who are really into their sailing. In Greece, especially around the Saronic and Ionian islands, sailing distances are short and around 2 – 3 hours between each island.

Culture

The main differences between the culture are that Croatia has stemmed from a soviet background and only fairly recently became its own country. Whereas Greece has continued to develop since the dawn of day. The architecture, foods and arts are vastly different are really just down to personal taste.

Flights

There are no direct flights to Split from JFK, it involved a stopover in London and can cost up to 900 GBP. For the same time, the price for a return flight from JFK direct is 590 GBP. Flights from the UK to both Split and Athens are extremely regular.

Getting to the ports

Hands down Croatia wins this one. During high season Athens is extremely busy, and the ports being even busier. The mains roads going through Athens can be blocked with traffic (mostly by sailors). Most of the Split ports in Croatia’s are within 15 – 20 minutes.

Still undecided? Speak with one of our yachts brokers today, we know because we go!

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Alice Newnham

FAQ’s: Adding a skipper to your charter.

Many of our bareboat + skipper clients ask us various, valid, questions about the skipper who will be on board their yacht. Below you will find information on adding a skipper to your charter.

When should I add a skipper to my booking?

There are more charter yachts then skippers! It is therefore imperative that you book a skipper onto the charter as soon as you make the booking.

How do I know if he/she is a licensed skipper?

It is illegal to cruise with paying guests on a charter and therefore a license will have to be provided before the skipper is hired by the yacht owners. The port police have a list of all the guests onboard, and your skipper will be noted down as the skipper of the vessel.

Where will the skipper sleep?

On catamarans, the skipper will normally take the single forepeak cabin leaving you to utilize the guest cabins (normally 4 double cabins). ON Monohulls, they will tend to take a bunk cabin (if there is one) or a cabin that you and your guests are not using. The skipper must have access to a toilet!

What will he/she be like?

Skippers, although hired, are appointed their yacht up to a week in advance, and therefore we cannot make a judgment on the character of the skipper. Boatbookings specifically works with yacht owners who can assure a level of professionalism from their skippers.

Can the skipper cook me lunch and dinner?

Short answer, no. The skipper is there to provide a safe, guided passage from A to B. The skipper will not have time to make lunch or dinner for you. If you are looking for someone to make you lunch and dinner, you can almost always add a hostess on to your booking.

Do I feed the skipper?

Yes. You are liable for making sure that the skipper is fed during the week. When provisioning for the week, please ensure that you also supply the skipper with breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you prefer the skipper to eat off the yacht for breakfast and dinner, you can give them 200/250 euros for the week where they can buy food for themselves. It is suggested on the first night of charter you invite the skipper out for dinner with you so you can speak about your itinerary and bounce some ideas off one another.

Will the skipper teach me how to sail?

Most skippers will share their knowledge of how to sail and are happy to do so. The skippers will not provide a full course on sailing during the week, if you are looking for sailing courses for the week I would recommend doing an RYA course at a centre closest to you.

What language will they speak?

The place where you are chartering, be it Greece or Italy is probably their mother tongue. Having said this, most skippers will have an excellent level of English so you will be able to understand each other. After all, to speak over the VHF it has to be in English so a good level is required for skippers.

Will he/she smoke and drink?

Skippers will not drink and smoke onboard. Skippers will not drink on duty. Most of the skippers tend not to drink at all on charter, bar the odd glass of wine with their meal in the evenings, as they do weekly charters throughout the summer.

Will I have to help the skipper?

The only times when the skipper may require an extra pair of hands is when he is mooring/letting go of a mooring. You will not be asked to maneuver the yacht into a berth! The most you will do is pull, or throw a line (rope). Don’t worry – the skipper will let you know exactly where/when and who to throw it at!

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Alice Newnham

Health benefits to a Yacht Charter Vacation

Whether in Greece, the Amalfi Coast or the Caribbean, there are proven health benefits of sailing and being out on the water that make a yacht charter holiday especially worthy of your time away from home. Here is just a handful of ways that your mind, body, and soul will benefit from being aboard your own private boat.

Fresh air and Salt water

Seawater is rich in minerals that naturally nourish the skin and exposure to salt-kissed ocean air has a calming effect on the human body, which helps reduce stress anxiety. Moreover, the sea air is also good for the respiratory system, increase your mood and there are numerous healing properties of the sea water which eventually led to the establishment of saltwater treatments we use to this day. The saltiness of the sea air is composed of charged ions that aid in the body’s oxygen absorption, which in turn balances serotonin levels. The more balanced your body’s serotonin levels are, the happier you’re going to be. This is why after a sailing adventure you feel more alert, relaxed and energised.

Vitamin D

In addition to increased production of vitamin D, sunlight exposure triggers better moods and boosts energy levels. Healthy amounts of sun absorption can even fight depression and lead to improved sleep. When lying on deck, the heat of the sun affects our endocrine system – the part of our body which secretes endorphins – the natural chemicals in our body designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed. It must be noted that too much sun is not recommended due to the harmful effects of ultra-violet radiation, but soaking up some sunshine whilst on holiday is incredibly beneficial.

Burn Calories

Exercising is a major part of an overall healthy lifestyle but few work out whilst on holiday, and you certainly shouldn’t feel guilty about that! Fortunately, a yacht charter gives you easy access to a number of fun physical activities, including the water toys, that don’t feel like exercise, such as snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, onboard yoga, and scenic hiking onshore.

Unplug and Recharge

In today’s digitally-focused, hectic world, it is essential to take a timeout from the demands of everyday life. Whilst many vacations allow you to do this, a yacht charter allows you a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Strengthen Relationships

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway for two or with friends or family, a yacht charter provides the perfect opportunity for building stronger relationships with those that matter most. This is your chance to talk, listen, share, bond, and most importantly—make new unforgettable memories together. You may even establish a new tradition that everyone can look forward to year after year.

Contact one of our expert brokers today to organise your yacht charter!

Posted on March 7, 2020 by Ben Sutton

Two countries – One charter

Aerial view of the Pietra Lighthouse at sunset, Ile-Rousse, Red Island Corsica, Corsica, France

Why not discover the glorious La Maddelena and the historic town of Bonifacio in one charter? Start your charter in Sardinia and explore lush green islands, and clear, the Caribbean like water.

Check out our Sardinian yachts!

le lever du soleil derri?®re les montagnes, dans la baie d’Ajaccio en Corse, France

There are not a lot of charter yachts based in Corsica, so our advice is to start your charter in Sardinia, cruise through La Maddelena to the southern coast of Corsica. The northern tip of Sardinia is roughly 7(ish) nautical miles from Bonifacio, that’s half the distance than sailing between Siros to Mykonos in Greece!

START > SARDINIA < START

There are far more yachts based in Sardinia. There’s more variation, more yacht stock, and newer fleets based in Sardinia. The prices are also more competitive than Corsican based yachts.

But I don’t want to do any open water sailing!

Don’t worry – even though it looks like it’s ‘open water sailing’ Corsica is only 7 NM’s away from Sardinia and on most days you can see the bottom of Corsica – just head north!

7 Day itinerary

La Maddelena

Cala Corsara, Maddalena archipelago on Sardinia island, Italy.

Realistically, who doesn’t want to be at anchor in a bay this blue? Take your tender to shore and walk around the rugged coastline – don’t forget to take your kill cord with you! La Maddelena is absolutely full to the brim with anchorages like the one above, the hardest decision is which one do you anchor in?!

What’s so good about Corsica anyway?

Corsica is one of the Meditteranean’s best-kept secret. The water is turquoise, the sand beaches are white and the scenery is just jaw-dropping. The tall cliffs which fall into the sea is the perfect backdrop for your alfresco dinner. The 9th-century Citadel which stands over the white cliffs of Bonifacio is a sight to remember. Not to mention some of the most incredible anchorages known to man are based on the southern coast of Corsica.

Thinking about chartering? Contact us today to get a bespoke proposal, cost break down, and yachts that suit you and your group!

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Alice Newnham

Why to Book your Yacht Charter Early

Whether you plan to explore Asia, cruise the Caribbean or enjoy the culinary delights of the Amalfi Coast, Greece or French Riviera it is always best to book early. While it might seem logical to assume that last minute bookings would offer the best value when it comes to yacht charter, this is not the case. Booking in advance can reduce costs and also have an effect on demand of berths as well as other factors.

Better Availability

With a large number of yachts to choose from, you’ll have the best choice of yachts for your preferred yachts, especially as the newest yachts just on the charter market often book up extremely early. The best yachts will often have bookings over a year in advance, particularly from repeat clients. When enquiring, your broker will send you a selection of yachts available for your dates, to suit your budget and your desired location. Finding the perfect yacht to suit you is key to your overall enjoyment, whether it’s the cuisine expertise of the chef, the water toys on offer, the al fresco dining options, or the spa facilities.

More Time to Plan

As well as having a larger selection of yachts to chose from, you will also get more time to plan your charter. Travel considerations, cruising areas, the food and wine you’d like on board, special activities and more, can all be tailored to perfection to ensure that you have the best possible charter. Whether you are looking to explore the islands of Croatia, travel along the Amalfi Coast or enjoy the tranquility of Sardinia, booking early allows the crew and your broker to plan all the details.

Avoid Price Rise

If a yacht has had a very successful season with back-to-back charters, it isn’t uncommon for owners to raise the prices leading into the next season. By booking in advance you lock in the current figures and ensure you pay the best price. Moreover, some owners will offer early booking discounts or are more likely to accept offers on charters that are booked early.

Book Your Superyacht Charter

Contact a member of the Boatbookings Team to begin planning your charter now.

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Ben Sutton