Thinking about crewed yacht charter holidays in Croatia ? Booking your first skippered yacht charter ever?

In this article we will try to give you all information what you need to know when booking your crewed yacht charter holidays, and give answer at frequently asked questions.

Q. WHAT ARE SKIPPER’S RESPONSIBILITIES ON BOARD?

A. Skipper is responsible for safe navigation, and for respecting all nautical rules both when sailing and during anchorage/ mooring in ports. 

At the very beginning of your sailing adventure, usually during or after boat handover,  skipper will give you short briefing about using toilets, and about using the holding tanks when in ports. 

Skipper will advise you about sailing routes, respecting your suggestions, but also keeping in mind weather conditions, wind direction and  weather forecasts.

For example sometimes clients have their own itinerary preferences, but safe  and sleek navigation is not possible due to wind direction or possible summer thunderstorms. Skipper will advise you about possible rough weather conditions, and best direction for safe and comfortable navigation. Keep in mind there is plenty to see in Croatia, and every destination has very good (or even better) alternative.

Skipper is responsible for underwater part of the vessel, gelocoat, sails, tents, dinghy and fenders. Client is responsible for boat equipment, galley equipment, windows (take care to close all windows during sailing, and do not step on windows), and toilets.

Usually skipper will also take out the garbage, and wash out the cockpit area when in port.

Q. WHAT ARE HOSTESS RESPONSIBILITIES?

A. Hostess will make sure boat is tidy, beds are made, and keep the toilets in tidy condition.

Hostess will prepare breakfast,  refreshments and light meals like salads or canapés and similar. Hostess can go to shop groceries, but cooking the lunch or dinner is not responsibility of hostess, and for this either needs to be agreed in advance or professional cook should be hired.

Q. DOES SKIPPER NEED TO HAVE OWN CABIN?

A. Yes, we recommend hiring yacht with enough cabins so skipper can have his own cabin. It is not only about skipper’s comfort, it is also about your own comfort. Having someone sleeping in saloon is not convenient for you as client as well, due to limited space onboard, and toilets with entry from boat saloon. There is possibility to book a yacht with separate crew cabin in front- having own toilet- and this is in our opinion most comfortable yacht layout for skippered/ crewed yacht charter holidays. 

Q. DOES HOSTESS NEED TO HAVE OWN CABIN?

A. Yes, especially if hostess and skipper are not a couple and not willing to share a cabin. In case when they are couple and/ or they are willing to share cabin (bunk bed cabin is a good option in case they are not a couple)- they can share a cabin. This needs to be checked and confirmed in advance with us.

Q. DO I NEED TO FEED MY CREW?

A.Yes, you are responsible for your crew’s meals. Make sure there is enough food on board, and keep in mind that skipper/ hostess should get dinner out as well. In most cases clients are taking crew outside for dinner/lunch. Of course there are some clients who would like to have more privacy - or going on honeymoon and not wanting to have 3rd person having dinner with them- and your crew will agree with you on that! In this cases just make sure that you give additional money for dinner to your skipper/hostess and they can have dinner separately. Most people ask what is amount that they should be giving to skipper/hostess for a meal. Usual amount in 2018 was between 20-30 EUR. 

Q. WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY MY SKIPPER/ HOSTESS ?

A.Usually payment is in advance, but check your contract for more details.

Q. WHAT ABOUT TIPPING MY CREW ?

A. Depending on your own satisfaction with your crew, tips are always welcome and common. They are not mandatory, but they are expected. 

If you have more questions about crewed yacht charter, please feel free to contact us!