Total Croatia Sailing

08/10/2024

LIVE NOW

We often get asked about the apps we use while sailing in Croatia, so we’ve convinced Nick to host a live session to share his favourites... come join us.

Join me for a live look into the mobile apps i am using here in Croatia over the season

09/07/2024

Heads up for anyone who is planning on being out on the water in Central Dalmatia next week. Due to ULTRA being held in Split this weekend, the after parties are going to be held on the islands next week. Here is the link for the schedule:

https://help.ultraeurope.com/portal/en/kb/articles/when-and-where-do-the-destination-ultra-events-take-place-20-5-2022

Just be aware that the ports, lučka uprava, mooring fields and anchorages in and around these after party locations will be PACKED full of festival-goers. They will probably be noisy and there will be lots of drinking. So, plan your itineraries accordingly. Either follow the party or avoid the noise! Whatever your vibe is, being aware of what is going on can help you to make your sailing holiday awesome 🤩⛵️☀️

07/07/2024

Visiting Croatia - A Practical Travel Series
PART THREE: CROATIA AND CARIBBEAN
Unique Chartering Experiences
TOP 9 ways chartering in Croatia is different to chartering in the Caribbean:
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Many of our bareboat charter clients aren’t new to the world of chartering. And one of the most popular chartering grounds that they have experienced is in the Virgin Islands, either the British or the U.S. With numerous islands, islets, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and mild winter temperatures, it is no wonder that many yachties have explored this part of the world.

And then, when they are looking to diversify their cruising ground, often they will end up looking at chartering options in Croatia. Which makes sense. The Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea boasts over 1,200 islands. Which equals PLENTY of cruising ground to cover. And yet there are a few stark differences between the islands in the Caribbean and a coast that used to be a part of the former Yugoslavia. Here are ten ways that chartering in Croatia is different to chartering in the Caribbean:

BEACHES
Sandy beaches are few and far between here in Croatia. This part of the world just does not have those picturesque sandy beaches that are so common in the Caribbean and other parts of the world where the masses love to holiday. Obviously those white sandy beaches have a special charm. And you won't find that in Croatia. Here in Croatia, we have awesome rock beaches, cliff jumping galore and crystal clear water without all the stir-up of sand on the bottom of the seabed. The visibility is epic. And the colours are just breath-taking.

CHECK IN
Many chartering in Croatia for the first time expect that their first night (Saturday) is spent in the Marina. They are pleasantly surprised to learn that while that is an option most check in and head straight out on the water on Saturday to begin their charter. While most charter boats are not ready for check-in until late-afternoon or early evening on Saturday, the sun does not set until around 9:00pm in summer so there is plenty of time for most to actually leave the marina and anchor, pick up a mooring ball or, if they are smart and have planned ahead, dock on a nearby town quay or konoba for their first night on the Adriatic.

VISIT THE ISLANDS
Dock, moor or anchor and visit the towns. Don’t just anchor and shun the crowds completely. If crowds are not your thing, fair enough. And even in the thick of summer, there are still nooks to be found where you can dock stern-to (or pick up a mooring ball) with a local konoba and only be amongst the company of a handful of other boats. Half the fun of cruising in Croatia is the cuisine and the culture. So don’t miss out! HOT TIP: If you want to avoid the main yacht charter crowds, head north.

STERN TO DOCKING WITH LAZY LINES
Or in the odd case, stern-to docking with anchor. These are techniques we hadn’t encountered until we sailed here in Croatia. We sailed for years in New Zealand and Australia, in China and four months in the Caribbean (the Lesser Antilles). In all of these locations we either anchored, picked up a mooring ball or docked alongside. If you are planning on chartering here in Croatia, it is important to research how to dock stern-to so that you are prepared. Because at absolute minimum you will be leaving from your home marina one a stern-to docking and returning the same way. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Check out one of our many videos on Docking Stern To With Lazy Lines to help you with this.

INHOSPITABLE LOCALS & ILLEGAL MOORING FIELDS
There have been stories circulating about some very inhospitable local persons demanding money from charterers anchored in an area that, from all information that can be found, should be free. It happens. We haven’t personally encountered it and we are very aware that it is something that some have come across. And when this happens, there isn’t a lot a foreigner can do about it. Calling the Croatian authorities usually doesn’t amount to much.
Our advice: If someone is being aggressive or abusive, don’t stoop to their level.

Just move on to another bay. This brings to mind the phrase, “Not your circus. Not your monkeys.”

It’s so much easier to find somewhere else peaceful to lay your hook.

ANCHORING
Anchoring in Croatia and anchoring in the Caribbean is not the same thing. The Adriatic Sea is extensive and rocky. It just does not have the Caribbeans’ shallow sandy bays and easy gradients to lay anchor in. Croatian bays are often deep and shoal quickly to the shore, requiring a lot of chain to be laid out and/or lines to shore. Factors which are important to remember if you are planning on anchoring at all during your time here. And if you want to spend the night at anchor, make sure you have thoroughly checked the local weather forecast so that you are well prepared should the wind change or come up overnight.

TRADE WINDS
We do not have trade winds in the Adriatic. We do have sea breezes that are relatively predictable, blowing from the NW in the afternoons. And if a local low pressure system is moving around, there will be changes in the wind directions. When looking at wind forecasts, make sure to factor in the changes around local topography. Those high points on the islands or funnelling between islands can make a big difference in what the wind actually is in your specific area.

UNDERWATER LIFE
The underwater life is a lot less colourful here in the Adriatic. Because we don’t have the tropical waters, sandy beaches and ecology of the Caribbean, it also means we don't have the technicolour medley of tropical fish and reefs. We also don’t have the huge variety of sea life. Which does mean you won’t see an abundance of sea turtles, manta rays, and the like. And the sea life that we do have, like dolphins, octopus and even sea horses, tend to be quite shy and hard to find. We often get asked if we have sharks in the Adriatic, and the answer is yes AND you rarely see them. In the seven years that we have lived and sailed here in Croatia, we have never once seen a shark in person. Much to Nick’s disappointment!

RUM OR RAKIJA
And lastly, where Caribbean has rum, Croatia has rakija! Make sure to sample the locally made alcohol when you’re sailing around the Croatian islands. Local families have dearly-held traditions of making and drinking their own fermented and distilled fruit brandies called rakija. Lozovača, made from grapes, is often used as the base for other fruit rakija, due to it being a clear, odourless strong alcohol with a very neutral flavour. And each family and region around Croatia will have their own local recipe for rakija, some more palatable than others! Other popular rakija are šlivovica (made from plums), travarica (made with a unique blend of local herbs), orahovac (made from green walnuts) and višnjevac (made from sour cherry). And yet those are only a few!

Having cruised in both the Caribbean and our now adopted-home of Croatia, we well know the pro’s and con’s of each area. And we want people to appreciate the Adriatic for what it is so as not to arrive and be disappointed because of what it’s not. There is so much here to explore and experience.

And in our opinion, having realistic expectations is the first step to having an amazing sailing holiday here in Croatia. That’s where we come in! Booking your charter through us means that we can help you ensure that your expectations are realistic and that no sneaky little details get missed in the fine print. You can also use our Itinerary Planning and Bareboat Assist services to tap into our years of experience chartering in Croatia, ensuring that the places you visit during your week on the boat are just your vibe.
So before you charter in Croatia, have a chat with the 45D team and let’s talk about how we can make your next bareboat charter the BEST SAILING HOLIDAY YOU’VE EVER HAD!

Next in our series:

Transport Tips for Summer Holiday Travel in Croatia

Transfers, Taxis, UBER, Buses - which is best for a stress-free journey

11/06/2024

Anyone looking for an amazing last minute charter on a brand new Hanse 508 just delivered from Slovenia to Trogir OR looking to buy?

Write GOTTA TALK in the comments and have a chat with Nick.

We have a brand New Hanse 508 to pick up from Portorož in Slovenia and bring to Trogir. This delivery of the Hanse 508 is Slovenia to Trogir is part one in t...

02/06/2024

We get asked about the weather in Croatia so many times here's our two cents worth :)

Visiting Croatia - A Practical Travel Series
PART THREE: CROATIA COASTAL WEATHER INSIGHTS

We get asked about weather a lot. I see questions about whether the sea is warm enough to swim in in May, in September, in November. These questions always amuse me because the concepts of “warm enough”, “too cold” “too hot” are so subjective.

Our Australian guests always comment on how chilly the Adriatic sea is. And yet our British guests always bask in the warmth of the sea. The same sea at the same time of year. Likewise, guests from Hong Kong were wrapping up in jackets. Where as guests from the South Island of New Zealand struggled with the heat and humidity.

I grew up on the shores of a lake fed by the snow melting on the adjacent mountains. I used to swim in that lake and in the nearby rivers as a child, LOVING the icy temperatures, even during summer. Now we live in Croatia, Nick loves to swim most of the year. We have been known to take a boat out on New Years Day, anchor up and jump in for a swim! One winter, he formed what we jokingly called the Kaštela Swim Club with my parents and a couple of our friends where they swam once a week right through winter. So asking us if it’s too cold to swim in May probably isn’t going to be helpful!

I always prefer to talk about the weather and the temperatures in numbers. Compare it with what you’re used to where you are coming from. I have had a nosy on the inter webs and found the average air temperatures and sea temperatures during the shoulder and summer months here in Croatia. So, what are my opinions on these months?

April is pretty cool. Spring is well and truly in force and we get plenty of sun during this time of year. It is a great time for hiking and exploring fortresses and other derelict monuments of days long gone. Take a picnic. Enjoy the sun. And be warned, we also get some epic spring storms. March is well-known for bura winds, a dry NNE wind that barrels down from the mountain ranges and is often bone-chillingly cold at this time of year. This means that the sea temperature is still low from the effects of these winds and the general cooler temps throughout the winter months.

May and June is when summer begins. The sun gets strong and it starts to heat up the Adriatic. There can still be rain, but sun is much more likely.

The thick of summer really hits in July and August. The days are often still and bright, without a cloud in the sky. Summer squalls do sometimes occur, and they are short and sharp when they hit, moving on very quickly and leaving the sun to dry everything out as if they were never even there. Days and nights are HOT. And the Adriatic Sea really begins to warm up. It feels like bathwater to me, unless you’re lucky enough to be swimming near a fresh-water spring (hahah that’s the lake girl in me talking!).

On summer days, most of us are hunting for shade and breeze and hiding from the heat of the sun. Being out at anchor tends to be far more comfortable than being docked if you don’t have air-con on the boat. And if you do have air-con on-board? Make the most of it and take an afternoon nap!

September is still hot but not as brutally as July and August. You mainly feel it at night. The heat of the day actually subsides and it tends to be much more comfortable after the sun sets. As we move into October. sometimes you might even need and extra layer when the sun dips below the horizon. But the Adriatic isn’t that quick to cool down. Swimming is still very comfortable, as the summer heat can still be felt in the water.

Often, we still tend to swim well into November and sometimes even December.

And this is my version of how the weather goes over spring, summer and into autumn here on the Dalmatian Coast. Personally, I love the cooler months of March and April for getting outside to explore. And October is probably my favourite month here, with it’s sunny clear days and cooler nights. It’s the best of both worlds to me!

It might be different for you. I would love to hear about it. What months are your favourite to visit and spend time here in the Dalmatian Coast?

And because of all the weather questions we get here are a couple of resource we have created just for you.

1. Weather updates - whenever he can over the summer season Nick is going live with the weather. Subscribe to our youtube channel and keep informed over the season.

2. We have created a reference sheet that shows the temperatures for each month. If you would like us to send you this, simply write WEATHER in the comments and we will get it out to you.

Next in our series: Croatia versus the Caribbean

How chartering in Croatia is different from the BVI's

07/05/2024

Day 5 - Live Weather Update whether you're on the water or not in Croatia everyone is asking about the weather in May. Come check it out for yourself.

Wednesday 8th May weather update live from Martinis Marchis, Maslinica, Šolta

05/05/2024

Weather in Croatia ... Live Update

Monday 6th May weather update live from Stari Grad, Hvar

05/05/2024

If you're out on the Adriatic this week tune in to Nicks daily Sharpen Up Flotilla Weather Updates - 8:00am SHARP

(Sorry about the sound at the beginning, it gets better and we will get this sorted for tomorrow)

Remember to like, subscribe and share with anyone who might be interested in sailing in Croatia.

20/04/2024

Stari Grad Pier Under Construction - Update April 2024

This is for you if Stari Grad - Hvar is on your sailing itinerary over the next couple of months.

Quick update about the Stari Grad, Hvar Pier Under Construction! Still works are ongoing. When will it be finished?===========================Looking to sail...

02/04/2024

Stunning evening post storm.

31/03/2024

For any of you who are heading to Croatia in 2024, you'll want to check out our new series:

Visiting Croatia: A Practical Travel Series
PART ONE: TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP?

As many of you know we spent Xmas/New Year in Zurich dog sitting for friends. During the holiday period we visited a popular tourist restaurant. The restaurant was packed and the food and service was good until it came to paying the bill.

Now, it wasn't that we were not going to tip him, we were! And we were with a friend who was paying for the meal by credit card and we said would leave a cash tip. However our waiters demeanour changed totally when our friend declined to tip by card. Without waiting for us to explain, he became very pushy and rude because he wanted a tip, which made us in the end decide to not leave a tip.

It was an experience that left a bitter aftertaste as we walked through the city that night discussing it. And an experience that made us think of our experiences tipping here in Croatia.

We are often asked by guests and visitors to Croatia, what is the deal with tipping here?

And the answer is very simple: Tipping is not compulsory here in Croatia.

As is the case in most countries outside of America, tipping here in Croatia is used as a gesture of appreciation for excellent service. Tipping is neither obligatory nor part of the Croatian culture.

Back when we used the Croatian kuna as our currency, it was customary to round your bill up and leave the cash on the table. And yet even then, it was never expected. You should never feel pressured to tip, and we generally steer our clients clear of any establishment where the staff members demand or expect tips like we experienced in Zurich. That kind of service in our opinion, is not ok.

AND WE ARE NOT ANTI-TIPPING

Neither is the culture here. If you feel inclined to tip, please do!
Many front-of-house and service staff work very long hours in the summer heat, as their jobs are usually only limited to the summer months. That also goes for tour guides, any good taxi drivers that you may find, wait staff… the list goes on.

If you happen across someone who is run off their feet and still goes out of their way to provide you with outstanding service, a token of your appreciation in the form of a tip will no doubt make their day!

One thing to mention is that while in many locations in Europe you are given the option to add a tip electronically to your bill (as was the case in Zurich). Until recently the Croatian system did not allow for this and it seems 2024 is going to be the year it is introduced according to Croatia Week in their article of January 4, 2024.

And this does not stop you from leaving a tip in cash if you prefer.

IN SUMMARY

Remember: When visiting Croatia, tipping is not obligatory.
It is ALWAYS a personal choice, and any suggested amounts are merely guidelines. AND remember most people working summer here, work HARD, so any tip you feel inclined to leave is always hugely appreciated!

NEXT IN OUR SERIES: Your Tourist Phrasebook

Say hello, goodbye and thank you in Croatian

If you have any other topics you would like us to cover, leave them in the comments ...

22/12/2023

🌅 Top 10 Reasons to Sail Croatia in 2024
#6: TAKING THE HELM

If you know you know!

The sense of pride and achievement that comes with learning to sail, is priceless. There is really nothing like the feeling of becoming the master of your own boat. Everyone, from toddlers to grandparents and even great-grandparents can learn to sail!

Imagine mastering the basics of sailing and guiding a million-dollar vessel with confidence. Then spending the night in complete comfort below deck before arising to face a new day of adventure... or absolute tranquility.

How would you describe at the helm?

18/12/2023

🌅 Top 10 Reasons to Sail Croatia in 2024
#5: FREEDOM TO EXPLORE

Sailing gives you and your family a complete experience that can never be achieved on land.

Want to stay an extra day or get away from the crowd? No problem. No need to worry about extra hotel charges, parking fees or rental cars. Not being bound by time there's no pressure because sailing is truly one of the most flexible holiday adventures out there.

When you're sailing you can get in touch with your inner child and begin to explore the wonderful world around you and the possibilities on open water are endless.

16/12/2023

🌅 Top 10 Reasons to Sail Croatia in 2024
#4: NATURE IN HD

Amazingly your sailing holiday will give you an opportunity to experience nature at its fullest - the breeze flowing through your hair, the beautiful, comforting sights of the water, and the natural landscape on every island your private yacht anchors. That’s more than you can ever bargain for.

Indulge and take it all in as you go sailing through the islands or bask in the beautiful beaches of Croatia. It’s something you can never get from staying on a boring hotel room.

15/12/2023

🌅 Top 10 Reasons to Sail Croatia in 2024
#3: FREEDOM TO DO IT YOUR WAY

They say that, sometimes, it is better to travel than to arrive, and a sailing adventure on the sea is all about travelling. When you take a sailing holiday, you are never hemmed in. Islands and sea are yours to enjoy, with a range of activities for you to try.

You are not bound by tour guides, deadlines or stuck in some boring resort or hotel. You are free to enjoy all the stuff you like: visit hidden bays and beaches, paddle board, swim and setting sail.

You can explore historical towns, their history and enjoy the best cuisine each destination has to offer with each day being a new adventure.

Sailing holidays contain everything you could want in a vacation in one super cool package whether you choose to do it bareboat charter, premium tour or flotilla.

06/12/2023

🌅 Top 10 Reasons to Sail Croatia in 2024

2: PERFECT ESCAPE

Embarking on a sailing holiday offers a perfect escape – a chance to unwind, set aside the cares of the everyday world, and immerse yourself in a bespoke adventure. You have the freedom to shape your experience: from activities, villages you choose to visit or hidden bays you choose to stop for a swim, to dining preferences, it's all in your hands.

Sailing is a break from the hustle and bustle of work and the stresses of daily life. Imagine being on a private yacht charter in the stunning waters of Croatia, where you craft your day exactly as you want it. And it doesn't end when your week ends, returning from your extraordinary sailing holiday refreshed, you have a treasure trove of stories and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

What are you looking for in a perfect escape?

05/12/2023

🌅 Top 10 Reasons to Sail Croatia in 2024

#1: A UNIQUE VIEW EACH DAY

Picture this: 1,244 islands, each with its own story waiting to unfold. We believe that Croatia's real gem is its islands, and there's no better way to soak it all in than by being at sea. From your yacht, every destination becomes a masterpiece, revealing its true beauty and allure.

Imagine spending your afternoons in a hidden, often secluded bay where the water sparkles. And your nights in different, captivating island locations. Sailing isn't just a mode of transport; it's a portal to ever-changing vistas.

Nothing beats traveling by sea and gazing across the ocean just to catch a glimpse of your next destination. Relax, set sail and admire the stunning scenery of your next port of call!

Ready to turn your dreams into reality?