New to Yacht Charter? 10 Things Our Base Manager Wants You to Know

With 35 years of experience as a leading yacht charter company in Croatia, Nautika Centar Nava, has worked with plenty of clients. We’ve engaged with professionals, amateurs, sailing aficionados, and travelers, alike. And we have noticed some patterns and misconceptions about charter in Croatia. In particular, in regard to the check-in procedures, boat embarking, and charter start.

As official dealers for Lagoon, X-Yachts, and Beneteau, among other brands, Nava Boats knows a thing or two about successful yacht charters. Our base managers and booking agents in Split and Rogoznica are ready to welcome you aboard. However, before you arrive, here are a few things we’d like you to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience:

#1 – It Takes Time to Prepare a Boat

Please be patient as we prepare your boat for your arrival. It takes a few hours to clean and inspect the vessel. The amount of time for completing these tasks can vary depending on the condition it was left in by previous guests. We’re committed to handing over the boat in the best possible condition, so you can have a fantastic sailing experience. 

If you’re in a hurry, you can request a VIP-Fast Track Check-In for an additional fee of 200 € and embark at 2:00 PM instead of the standard 5:00 PM. With this extra fee we hire additional staff and make sure the boat is in superb condition. Important remark, we cannot guarantee VIP-Fast Track Check-In in advance. We charge it once we confirm it to you directly on the day of charter start. 

#2 – Do Your Research (especially) if You’re Renting Bareboat

If you’re renting a bareboat and haven’t sailed on the same boat type before, we recommend doing some research and preparing your questions in advance. This will help you feel more confident and prepared for your sailing adventure. We recommend watching our Check-in procedure video on the Lagoon 42 since most of it can be applied to other models as well. 

We also recommend watching Green Sail’s introduction to charter in Croatia. Apart from tips for sailing more efficiently and sustainably there are some useful tips in general. 

#3 – Prepare Sailing Route in Advance

It’s a great idea to plan your sailing route ahead of time (find inspiration on our sailing route page) and ask for advice during check-in. If you have a skipper, create a list of destinations you’d like to visit. However, be sure to listen to their advice regarding weather, safety, and sailing distances. Remember that sailboats and catamarans typically travel at around 8 nautical miles per hour on engines, so visiting multiple distant destinations in one week might not be feasible.

#4 – Check-In Can Take Time

The check-in on board, the actual handover, can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your individual needs and requirements. By preparing for the charter and getting to know the boat beforehand, you might speed up this procedure significantly. 

#5 – Send in Your Crew List

Please send us your crew list with all the required details before you arrive. This will help simplify and rush the check-in process and ensure a smooth start to your charter.

#6 – Shop for Provisions

You can either shop for provisions near the marina in Split, or even in the marina in Rogoznica (very pricey and limited offer), or do it on your way to the marina. By far the most elegant way is to order provisions in advance. Contact us if you’re interested in this option. This will save you a lot of time and effort (carrying bulky items and the many bags or boxes of groceries). Our partners deliver everything on board and even put away food that needs to be in fridges. This way you’ll have everything you need to start your trip.

#7 – Define Additional Services and Water Toys

Let us know if you’d like to have any water toys on board or require additional services like transfers or child netting. We’ll do our best to accommodate your requests.

#8 – Be Prepared for Marina Frapa’s Trolley Situation

Please note that Marina Frapa doesn’t allow us to have our own trolleys. You’ll need to be quick and grab a red trolley as soon as you see one and return it to the roundabout after use so that others can use it as well. 

Additionally, we can’t use electric vehicles to transfer luggage to the docks due to the narrowness of the transit pier.

#9 – We’re All Human

Weekends can be especially busy and hectic, but we always strive to deliver the boats in the best possible condition and at the earliest time possible. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

#10 – Brief your Crew or Listen to your Skipper

If you are renting bareboat make sure to brief your crew before you sail out. Especially if some of the crew are first-time or inexperienced sailors. Show them how to use the toilets to avoid paying for the blocked toilet damage (learn all about that in our previous blog on how to save 300 € by avoiding to block toilet(s)), or any other appliances on board. Assign tasks to each crew member, or let them choose – lookout, buoy “grabber”, docking assistants, stewardess, etc. and explain each role. If you hire a professional skipper make sure to adhere to his/her advice and safety requirements. 

Smooth Sailing and Anchors Aweigh

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for a seamless and unforgettable yacht charter experience with Nava Boats. We’re excited to welcome you aboard and help you create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today if you still have some questions or to book your dream yacht charter and start planning your Adriatic adventure!