First time charter - Croatia or Ionian?

[NickGD]

Hi All,

I plan to charter a yacht for the first time this summer with my family and would like some advice from those who have done it before, on where to go, reputable charter companies, pitfalls to watch out for, relative costs etc

We are on a budget and tied to school holidays and so will be looking at a 2 cabin yacht. Having been to Croatia for the last 2 summers my ideal holiday will be to sail and anchor in a cove each night, not on a town quay with many other boats.

Things that concern me - the Bora and other weather we may encounter, and being able to find somewhere safe to anchor each night.

I'd really appreciate advice on the following.

Location: Croatia (main Dalmatian Islands or Kornati) or the Greek Ionian Islands? For ease of sailing, places to visit, how busy it will be in August.

Reputable charter companies. Reading various threads it seems that not all charter companies are the same, with varying quality of service and levels of maintenance (I note not many companies post photos of the actual yachts - just the manufacturer's promotional ones).

Cruising guides. Can you recommend one to help me plan?

Relative costs. It seems you pay a small fortune to moor in ports in Croatia (if I needed to), but less in Greece? Do you still pay if you moor by out of the way tavernas? Croatia seemed pretty pricey to eat out, what's it like in Greece these days? Any other hidden costs when sailing?

And anything else a first timer should know . ..

Many thanks for your help
Nick

[sigmasailor]

Go to Turkey instead of Croatia. Friendlier people, better food, better winds for sailing and most important, you are on a budget, cheaper. We did croatio two years ago from Kremik, went to Turkey last year and will go back to Turkey this year. We chartered with Sunsail on all occasions, they are a good and professional company.

[Multihull]

Both Croatia and Ionian Islands are fantastic.
As travel and charter are equally expensive the difference is in your local cost.

And than Ionian Islands win. No marinas so no marina fees.
And we like the Greek food better. More choices at better prices.
Good charter experience with Sunny Sailing if Levkas.
Professional owner managed business. Even the older vessels look like new.

Cheers Rob

[Palarran]

If having sand beaches is a factor, count Croatia out (for the most part). The Ionians are much easier. The anchorages are shallower, the weather is calmer, and the tavernias ashore are more plentiful. And ultimately I believe it would be cheaper. We really liked Croatia but it was very expensive do to town quays and the cost to tie up to them.

Lefkas is a really good central point to charter from.

[Cro]

Choosing a charter in croatia is an awesome choice just becouse of nature and low prices. I know a good charter agency in croatia which operates on whole adriatic and dalmatian region andi defenetly recommend it: charter croatia. Just make sure you get to know all laws before you decide to sail in some country for the first time. Enjoy