What the Skipper Does

On a skippered trip, the skipper is the person responsible for the vessel and for everyone on board. That responsibility runs all day and all night. If the wind shifts at 03:00 and the anchor starts to drag, it is the skipper who gets up.

It also means the skipper has the final word on anything that affects safety: when to leave, where to stop, when lifejackets go on and when it is safe to swim. Good skippers explain their reasons, but they do not put decisions to a vote.

Before the yacht leaves on the first day, the skipper walks everyone through the boat. A typical briefing covers:

• where the lifejackets are and how to fit them
• the liferaft, fire extinguishers, fire blanket and first aid kit
• what to do if someone falls overboard
• how to call for help on the radio if the skipper is unable to
• using the gas cooker and turning it off
• how the marine toilet works
• moving safely on deck, and the lines, winches and boom to keep clear of

Listen properly, even if you have sailed before. Every yacht is laid out differently.

Each morning the skipper checks the forecasts, including those from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service, and plans the day around the wind. That might mean a longer sail on a good breeze, a sheltered anchorage on a gusty day, or staying put when a bura or jugo is forecast.

The skipper also plans where to stay each night and, in busy months, may call ahead to marinas. If conditions change, so does the plan. Read more about Croatia's winds and how weather changes routes.

The skipper helms, sets and trims the sails, navigates and keeps a lookout. In harbour they handle the trickiest part of the day: reversing into a tight berth, picking up mooring lines, dropping anchor or catching a buoy. They also look after the engine, fuel, water and batteries, drive the dinghy and fix the small problems every yacht has.

Marinas and town quays each have their own way of doing things, and the skipper deals with marina staff and harbour officials. The guides to marinas and town quays and anchoring and mooring buoys explain how mooring works.

A skipper who knows the coast is a useful guide: which bay has the clearest water, where to walk to a viewpoint, which konoba needs booking. Ask.

If you want to learn, most skippers enjoy teaching. You can take the helm, trim a sail, learn a bowline or work out how the wind drives the boat. If you would rather swim and read, that is fine too. No experience is needed, as our guide to a first sailing trip explains.

A skipper is responsible for the yacht and everyone's safety. Unless your booking includes a host or a cook, the skipper does not usually cook for the group, clean the cabins or act as a guide ashore. Most skippers are happy to recommend a konoba or a walk, but the evenings ashore are yours to plan.

A good week depends on guests too:

• Follow safety instructions promptly, without arguing in the moment.
• Tell the skipper about any medical conditions, medication or allergies, and if you cannot swim well.
• Be on board at the agreed departure time.
• Report anything broken or not working, especially the toilet, straight away.
• Ask questions, and raise concerns early.

For what to expect from life on board, read the house rules on board. To learn about the people who skipper our trips, see our skippers.