Marina Kornati, Biograd, Kornati Islands
The maximum number of people permitted on this yacht is 8. Bear in mind that this may include space in the saloon (lounge) and in any crew cabins this boat may have. Therefore, it’s best to calculate the maximum capacity based on two people per double cabin. If on a skippered charter, you need to assign a cabin to the skipper.
The Kornati Islands are breath-taking in their natural splendour, with the Kornati archipelago awarded national park status purely by virtue of their outstanding natural beauty. They offer a quieter and more intrepid yacht charter experience that is ‘off the beaten track’, with hundreds of small uninhabited islands interspersed with gorgeous bays hosting single tavernas offering only the freshest of cuisine. Depart the mainland, which hosts a selection of larger picturesque villages that you’ll also enjoy, and sail gentle breezes in easy sailing conditions throughout the summer.
Vela Smokvica is an uninhabited Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea located southeast of Kornat. The highest peak (Veli) is 95m high. The island has a lighthouse at the North and offers a bay (Lojen) in South which protects from all winds accept southerlies. There are only two restaurants on Smokvica which is indicative of the peace and tranquility to be had in the Kornati National park, and a great way to ease you into the relaxed pace of life here.
Located on the east coast of Dugi Otok opposite the off-lying island of Otok Lavadara, Sali is the largest town on the island with a population of 1698. This is a great place to rent bikes or scooters to explore the edge of the Telascica National park and the Saljsko polje Olive grove where you’ll find olive trees as old as 700years! Fishing has been a main tradition for a thousand years as is attested by written documents from the 10th Century. The fishing is still going strong so be sure to try the fantastically fresh fish dishes, which are a local delight!
Located northeast of Zadar, between the Islands of Skarda and Molat, Ist Island only has a permanent population of around 180. The port town of Ist lies in between the two hilly hemispheres of the island, the highest of which is straza reaching 175m above sea level. The island is lined with lovely sandy beaches which is a rare treat in coastal Croatia. We recommend taking the hike up to the St Mary’s Church for a better view over the Zadar archipelago (around 3km round trip).
Iz Island, snugly nestled between the long islands of Dugi Otok and Ugljan, has been settled since prehistoric times and currently has a population of around 615. As awash with culture and tradition as it is with sunshine, the town of Veli Iz is well known for its traditional pottery pieces, named Iski Lopizi. The town also boasts claim to the only pottery workshop on the Dalmatian coast! If you’re lucky enough to visit over the end of July you may catch the two day long, Iska Festa festival where you’ll get the chance to witness the centuries old tradition of the election of the ‘King of Iz!
Otok Zut is the second largest island in the Kornati island group. It’s uninhabited and separated from the protected island of Kornat by a two-mile wide channel. While it may appear barren from a distance, Zut is still home to some traditional Mediterranean agriculture such as figs, olives and some vineyards. Hiljaca bay presents a slightly tougher approach than ACI Marina Zut, but it’s well worth it for the seclusion and tranquility gifted by this beautiful mooring. Each new cove around the bay seems to have its own private restaurant so there no risk of going hungry!
The verdant island of Zlarin is just on the doorstep of the mainland. The only settlement here takes its name from the island and is most famous for its unique culture based upon harvesting the iconic red coral and turning it into jewelry and ornaments. The current island settlers came there in the 13th century to work on the island’s olive, fig and wine groves. Zlarin town also boasts the longest pier in Croatia. Why not take in the lovely stone-built houses and the impressive clocktower built in 1829 before a visit to the Zlarinka coral workshop to see how the coral is cut and polished.
Sibenik is a great place to ease yourself back into civilization from a trip around the Kornati Islands. In the words of The Lonely Planet “Sibenik has a magnificent medieval heart, gleaming white against the placid waters of the bay. The stone labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys is a joy to explore.” If you have time we highly recommend to taking a day tour upstream into the Idyllic Krka national park where you can swim under waterfalls, roam the cobblestone passages of a picturesque Dalmatian town and enjoy some local delicacies.
If you are sailing yourself, Seamaster recommends that you have the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). You automatically qualify for this qualification if you have a RYA Day Skipper or higher qualification. In Italy, Turkey and Croatia you can charter with a RYA Day Skipper (practical) but this is not accepted in Greece or Spain, so you should have the ICC or at least a RYA Coastal Skipper certificate. In Croatia, you are required to have a Radio (Short Range VHF) Certificate.
The skipper’s role is primarily to sail the boat but they also route-plan, guide and advise on your holiday itinerary. They can recommend and book restaurants, take you to hidden locals-only’ destinations and generally provide you with an incredible sailing holiday experience. They can also provide some sailing tuition though this is not official instruction. Finally, the skipper is tasked with keeping the exterior of the boat clean and tidy.
A host’s responsibilities are to prepare breakfast and light lunch and generally host and care for the guests on board. They are also responsible for cleaning up after the meals and keeping the communal areas inside the boat clean and tidy. Finally, their responsibilities also extend to helping the skipper sail the boat.
The contracted time for a yacht charter is typically 17:00 on the first day (Saturday) to 09:00 on the following Saturday. You are required to be back in the home port the evening before you disembark, typically around 17:30. On Friday night you are officially ‘checked out’ and you may then leave anytime up until 09:00 the next morning. We recommend using Friday night to explore the area local to the marina.
In terms of inventory, each yacht has a minimum expected level of safety and navigation equipment on board. This includes life jackets, navigational charts, and pilot book. In addition to the basic inventory, individual yachts come with very different specifications and items on board, so it is vitally important that you view the specific inventory items listed above.
In addition to the cost of the boat (and crew if you have them) there is typically a base charge that is paid for the preparation of the boat on location. This is listed in the extras above. On a yacht charter you are responsible for whatever fuel you use, where you get a full tank at the start and return it with a full tank at the end. Sailing yachts don’t consume a lot of fuel so expect this to be €100 to €400pw depending on the size of the yacht. Another other cost you should look out for is mooring fees, which are basically overnight parking fees. These vary greatly from free (for anchoring) to several hundred euros (for locations such as Capri on the Amalfi Coast). Please read the FAQs on each destination page for further details on mooring fees. Also, if you are sailing with a skipper and crew, please note that you are responsible for their provisioning.
In the very rare case of there being a problem with your boat there is a robust response and assistance program in place. Firstly, you have the direct phone number of the base manager on location that you can call anytime. In the first instance, they will guide you over the phone to resolve any simple problems. Then there are service networks available across the mainland and islands of the Mediterranean that can be called on to come a intervene with any problems that need more attention. Finally, the charter company come out directly on a speedboat to fix an issue. Each and every client of Seamaster has the contact details of Seamaster in London as well and we are always ready and willing to help guide the process.
Our charter yachts have boat insurance including third party insurance; however, all yachts have a security deposit that represents the insurance excess that you are responsible for. For example, if there is a €3000 security deposit you must leave this at the base as a credit card pre-authorisation and if there is loss or damage to the boat the cost will come out of this deposit. Seamaster has a security deposit indemnity that protects you against losing your security deposit. If there is damage, you must pay for it and we will refund it to you, less a small excess.
Food and drink on board are approached one of two ways. If you do not have a host or cook on board, then this is a self-catered yacht charter. You are responsible for purchasing and preparing your own food. We will provide you with a provisioning service to purchase food before you arrive, or you can visit a local supermarket on arrival to do a ‘big’ shop. You then top up at local bakeries, delis, and markets as you go along on holiday. There is a kitchen (galley) on all our yachts that has cupboard space and usually two fridges.
If you have a host on board, they are responsible for purchasing your food and drink prior to the holiday and as you go along. We will provide you with a meal guide and a provisioning list and you can pick and choose from this and provide your own preferences.
This is a bespoke sailing holiday that is tailored to your personal preferences and requirements, which includes the itinerary. Seamaster provides you with suggested itineraries and a guide book for the sailing area that you are travelling. If you have a skipper on board, you’ll sit down with them on your first night to go over your itinerary based on your preferences and the wind and weather at the time.
Honestly, don’t over think it. You don’t need anything more than you would take on a standard villa holiday in the sun. We will guide you before you go and offer suggestions but there’s certainly nothing special required.
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