Whether you are considering chartering a yacht for the first time or just want to remind yourself of some chartering details, welcome! Knowing there are lots of questions to be asked and information to collect, the Fine Sailing team has composed a guide so that our clients can better understand the yacht charter process. It consists of some of the most important information you need to know, as well as some delicate but very helpful details. Please review our guide and gain a clearer picture, as you prepare for the conversation with your yacht charter broker.
If you’re interested in booking one of our yachts, you can use the dedicated booking form on the yacht page or reach out to us through the contact us form.
Once your chosen yacht has been confirmed, we will send you a standard MYBA or Fine Sailing charter agreement that needs to be signed.
We advise booking a yacht six to ten months in advance. This refers to especially when aiming for the peak seasons. Off-season weeks are recommended to be booked three to six months in advance. Bear in mind that the most popular yacht can be booked as much as a year in advance.
The Croatian summer season stretches from May through October with its peak months – July and August
A rule of thumb is that the yachts are booked on a 7-day basis. However, if you’re looking to book your holiday for more than 7 days, get in touch with us to see if we can accommodate your request.
All of our yachts are fully crewed. They are operated by a professional, permanent crew who ensures that our yachts are maintained to the highest standards and that our clients receive the best service on board.
Our check-in and check-out time is 12pm, which means you get the full charter length, not having to wait for late afternoon hours to board the vessel, or wake up early to disembark on your last day.
At the moment, our fleet is located in Croatia and is available for charters in Split and Dubrovnik. In case you’re looking to book a sailing holiday in other parts of the world, please reach out to us or check out Fine Sailing Agency website for more info.
Although most of the charters in Croatia only offer Saturday as the start day for the charter, Fine Sailing offers flexible charter dates. This means you charter can start on any day of the week, allowing for extra flexibility with your travel plans. Start dates are subject to availability.
Once you made the final payment of the charter, you pay the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Under MYBA terms, this fee is usually 30%. Serving to cover the costs of requested supplies, port, mooring charges, diesel and fuel, communications, extras dependent on guest’s particular request for services, itinerary, food, beverages etc. The Crew will keep an accurate record of spending and at the end of the charter, guest will be refunded or asked to pay the difference if additional operating costs have been incurred.
Having the right crew can be invaluable, as they will assist you in every situation. If you are satisfied with their service, you may want to show your appreciation by giving them a gratuity. While the amount is entirely up to your discretion, it is customary to leave a tip ranging from 10% to 15% of the base charter fee.
Nothing to be worried about staying in touch with family, friends, or business. Most of the areas and islands will have signal coverage and you can connect through your own provider, or through WIFI on board.
Charter guests can be anyone. Small children and babies are welcome to enjoy the yachts as well. Consider focusing even more on safety when coming with the kids aboard. We advise putting the safety net around the yacht fence and choosing more of a relaxed route, skipping the rough sea navigation.
Of course, apart from charter rates, there are few differences between the seasons. It is important to know yourself and what kind of holiday you want and then decide what time of the season fits you the best. What makes the busiest months so popular is – stable weather, tourist offer, and the holiday season. On the other hand, the main off-season advantages are – cheaper rates and a more relaxed holiday due to fewer travelers.
Yachts are designed with efficient use of space in mind, featuring numerous hidden storage spots for your belongings. To maximize your storage, pack your clothes in soft luggage; this allows you to fold and store them easily once you unpack. Avoid large, bulky luggage to free up valuable space and minimize overpacking. Even if you’re headed to warm and sunny destinations, don’t forget to include a couple of warmer clothing items for the cooler moments at sea.
It’s very common to change itinerary during the week. Do the same route another way, skip some places or skip sailing for a day or two. Weather is the most important element when creating a charter route. After that comes the availability of places you want to go. When you have these two things on your mind then you can make your route wishes accordingly.
It is essential to understand that the weather significantly influences your sailing route, which means that your final itinerary can only be confirmed a few days before your charter begins. Whether you have specific locations in mind that you wish to visit or need assistance with planning your itinerary, we are here to help you.
Throughout the booking process, we will provide all the necessary information regarding sailing itineraries. We will also share your preferences with the crew, who will do their best to accommodate your requests while considering the weather conditions.
We strongly encourage you to let the crew enhance your planning with their expert advice and local knowledge. Alternatively, you can rely on their experience and let them care of all the planning details for your trip, maximizing the enjoyment of your charter trip without the stress of logistical concerns.
On our website, you can explore sample routes for inspiration to kickstart your planning.
Safety always comes first on board, and we’re happy to emphasize its importance. If the weather isn’t favorable, don’t hesitate to stay in port and explore onshore activities—sometimes the best choice is to wait it out. Bad weather doesn’t always mean storms; even a sunny but windy day can make sailing risky. Your captain will always suggest the safest and most comfortable options, ensuring you enjoy a stress-free experience, whether that means relaxing in a sheltered bay or discovering the charms of the coast from land.
To provide you with a unique and personalized charter experience, we will send you a detailed questionnaire eight weeks before your yacht departure. This is your opportunity to share your group’s preferences and special requirements, such as dietary or medical needs, as well as any specific requests related to exercise or entertainment. Additionally, let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion.
That’s no problem at all! In case you’re looking for something different than Bali 5.8. we offer access to a wider selection of yacht sizes, brands, and types to suit every client’s preferences through our Fine Sailing Agency branch.
This project was the foundation of our journey, offering yacht bookings and bespoke travel plan services before growing into the yacht charter company we are today. We operate in both Croatia and the Caribbean, and will be more than happy to help you pick the best yacht for your sailing holiday.
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