Croatian Cruising by Private Yacht

Croatia is rapidly being hailed as a wonderful place to charter a yacht. The water is a rich turquoise blue, it is warm and crystal clear, the weather is normally warm and sunny throughout the summer and the distances between the islands are enough for a sail but still comfortable for those who like to spend some time ashore. The architecture of the charming old ports is part Venetian, whilst feeling fortified and many have a maze of alleyways with restaurants and bars tucked away. Not only do the ports offer superb shelter overnight with managed marinas and town berths, but there are many inlets affording comfortable anchorages for leisurely swimming and lunch. Many stay over night, taking a line to a tree to give added security should the wind perk up.We picked up our Beneteau Clipper 393 in Trogir, a medieval walled town on an island connected by a small bridge. Being only 10 minutes from the Airport (Split - flown to by several airlines including Easyjet and British Airways) was extraordinary. We had barely got in the minibus sent to meet us before we had arrived at the pontoon. Having gone through the boarding formalities, we set for Maslinica on the island of Solta, a couple of hours gentle sail away. The village was small and charming with a handful of restaurants and bars. The food was very good, lots of meat and fish. The local wines (most from Hvar island) were surprisingly good. Perfect for night one and we slept stern to, as we did each night, using the laid bow mooring line, no anchor, no hassle. The following morning we felt in need of a bit of night life in the new 'St Tropez' and headed for Hvar. The town quay is often full and other than anchoring the best option is a marina on Pakleni otoci, a twenty one islet archipelago immediately adjacent to Hvar town and only 10 minutes by watertaxi. We found a bay between two of the islet for lunch that was gorgeous and swam and relaxed. Later in the afternoon we headed to the marina, with all the expected services, though unremarkable otherwise. Having spruced ourselves up, we took the watertaxi and had a superb dinner in one of the many fashionable and very good restaurants followed by a bit of late night after dinner drinks in a busy bar with a DJ. Day three we sailed to Vis, a three hour trip motor sailing and had lunch in a little inlet half an hour from the main town. Vis town is charming and pleasantly low key after Hvar. There were some locals who made it special by singing in wonderful harmonies a lamenting song about lost love while we finished our supper sitting on the quay. The next morning we headed out again for Stari Grad, tucked up a long inlet on the south side of Hvar Island. Another charming town with a very sheltered quay and excellent restaurants on the water or in the back streets. The weather was a little inclement on day four and we elected to return to Hvar town (20-30 minutes by road) to try another restaurant we had been unable to get into the last visit. It was well worth it and we went dancing again! The next morning we were off bright and early, heading for Bol on the island of Brac, some distance away, probably 1.5 hours. It is famous for Zlatni Rat, a sizable sand spit adjacent. We fuelled and bought lunch in Bol, stayed briefly at the spit and then motored up the south coast of Brac to a little inlet for lunch near our destination that evening of Milna. Milna,our final port before Trogir, is again a small, lovely old town with restaurants near the water. The final day involved sailing to islands near Trogir where we went swimming, fishing and lunching as usual before a brisk sail to back to Trogir. We were swiftly checked over and settled any monies before another great meal out. Our plane left the following morning, but the timings were again easy due to the proximity of the airport. Top tips for Croatia: It can be windy so be aware, the marinas are often full by 4pm so don't be late unless you wish to anchor, you are more likely to hit land above water than below it as there are very few shallow areas except very close to the land.View Yacht Charter website email Yacht Charter broker or call +447799321378 for further information.