Planning a Sailing Trip

The biggest choice is who sails the yacht. On a skippered trip, a professional skipper handles navigation, mooring and safety, and you can join in as much as you like. On a bareboat charter, someone in your group must hold a recognised skipper's licence and take full responsibility for the yacht. Skippered versus bareboat charter sets out the differences in cost, freedom and responsibility.

The second choice is whether you book a whole yacht or a cabin. Booking by the cabin suits solo travellers, couples and small groups who are happy to share a yacht with others. If you want more space and set meal times, compare a sailing week with a small-ship cruise, where a larger crewed vessel carries more guests in en-suite cabins.

Then there is the yacht itself. Catamarans offer more deck space and less heel, while monohulls give a more traditional sailing feel. Catamaran versus monohull explains the trade-offs. If you have never sailed, your first sailing trip explains what to expect and what to ask before booking.

The season runs roughly from May to October. July and August bring the warmest sea, the busiest harbours and the highest prices. June and September are quieter, with warm water and more space in harbours. May and October are quieter again, with cooler water and more changeable weather.

Think about what matters most to you: swimming, nightlife, quiet anchorages, price or a particular festival. The best time to sail in Croatia compares the months in detail, and festivals and nightlife covers the summer events that affect demand in some towns.

Compare the total cost of a week rather than the headline price alone. Depending on the trip, extras can include a food kitty, fuel, marina and mooring fees, tourist tax, national park entry, transfers, meals ashore and a tip for the crew. Check whether a price is per person, per cabin or per yacht, and what it includes. The cost of a sailing holiday in Croatia explains how each type of trip is priced.

Croatia uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, though some small businesses and mooring buoys may expect cash. Money, cards and tipping in Croatia covers payment habits and tipping customs.

Most sailing weeks in central Dalmatia start from marinas around Split, which has an international airport, a ferry port and road links to the rest of the country. Allow for summer traffic, especially on Saturdays when many charter weeks start and end. Getting to the marina in Split covers airport transfers, buses, taxis and timing.

Croatia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. What you need to enter depends on your nationality, and rules for some travellers are changing as the EU introduces new border systems. Check entry requirements for Croatia and confirm the current rules with your government's travel advice.

Travel insurance should cover the activities you plan, including time on a yacht, swimming and any water sports, as well as cancellation and medical treatment. Travel insurance for sailing trips lists what to check in a policy.

Storage on a yacht is limited, so pack light in a soft bag that can be folded away. Bring layers, swimwear, strong sun protection, a hat and sunglasses with straps, and an adaptor for type F and C sockets. What to pack for a sailing trip has a full list.

If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Most people adapt within a day or two, and sheltered island routes help. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about remedies before you travel, and read seasickness on a sailing trip for practical tips.

1. Several months ahead: choose the trip type, compare routes and dates, and book. Peak summer weeks fill first.
2. After booking: buy travel insurance, check passport validity and entry rules, and book flights that fit the boarding time.
3. A month ahead: plan your transfer to the marina, check which extras you will pay on the trip, and tell the operator about dietary, medical or mobility needs.
4. The week before: look at the outlook (it will change), pack, and download any travel documents to your phone.
5. On the day: arrive in good time, bring your documents, and listen carefully to the skipper's safety briefing.

Read the booking terms and the cancellation policy, and ask what happens if weather changes the route. A good operator will answer questions about cabins, meals, extras and safety in writing. For trips with Croatia Sailing Week, see booking terms, cancellation and refunds and the safety information.