What a skippered charter is
A skippered charter means you book a private yacht and add a professional skipper to run the sailing, navigation, and mooring side of the week. It is still your own private charter for your crew, not a shared trip or a group tour.
ABA VELA offers skippered yacht charter from ACI Marina Split for guests who want the flexibility of a private yacht holiday without handling navigation, docking, and route decisions alone. This page explains who a skippered charter is for, how the skipper service works, what to expect during the week, and which boats suit families, groups, and first-time sailing holidays in Croatia.
Who it is for
- guests without a valid bareboat license
- first-time sailing holiday makers
- families who want less pressure
- groups who want local route knowledge
- experienced sailors who just want to relax
No license needed to sail the yacht yourself
If you hire a professional skipper, you do not need to sail the yacht yourself. That makes skippered charter the practical choice for guests who want a private sailing week from Split but do not want to handle the boat under bareboat rules.
Compare bareboat vs skipperedWhat the skipper actually does
- handles navigation and boat management during the week
- takes care of docking, mooring, and practical manoeuvring
- adjusts the route to weather, sea state, and crew pace
- shares local advice on anchorages, overnight stops, and provisioning
- can explain the sailing decisions informally if guests want to learn more on board
How the week works
- Check in at ACI Marina Split and meet the skipper.
- Discuss the crew's preferred route, pace, and overnight style.
- Sail the week with route adjustments based on weather and crew preference.
- Return to the base on Friday and complete checkout on Saturday.
Skipper fee and what to expect
| Service | Current pricing / handling |
|---|---|
| Skipper | Skipper service is quoted as an extra during booking; confirm the current rate on the selected yacht page or during enquiry. |
| Hostess | Hostess service is an optional extra and should be confirmed for the selected yacht and week. |
| Chef | Chef service is an optional extra and should be confirmed for the selected yacht and week. |
Skipper service is arranged as an extra. Please confirm berth use, meal expectations, and any additional crew services during booking, because those details depend on the yacht and the final charter setup.
To compare yacht cost, skipper service, and seasonal budget planning in one place, use the yacht charter Croatia prices page before you request the final quote.
Best yachts for a skippered week
Skippered charter opens the door to larger sailing yachts and catamarans because your crew does not need to manage the boat alone. That is why the best skippered choices often include family-friendly 4-cabin monohulls, bigger comfort-led Bavaria models, and the selected Lagoon catamarans from Split.
Bavaria Cruiser 46
Good family and group choice for guests who want a roomy monohull without losing the classic sailing feel.
View Bavaria 46
Bavaria C50 Style
Better for larger crews who want more living space while staying on a monohull platform.
View Bavaria C50
Lagoon 42
Strong option for families and groups who want more beam, cockpit space, and separation between cabins.
View Lagoon 42Route flexibility from Split
Split stays the natural base for a skippered week, but the route can remain more flexible because a professional skipper can adapt the daily legs to weather, crew pace, and how active or relaxed you want the sailing to feel. If you want a clearer route-planning overview, compare the standard weekly routes first and then use the one-way guide for longer point-to-point ideas.
First family sailing week
A skipper removes the pressure of boat handling and helps keep the route realistic for children, mixed ages, and easier overnight stops.
Mixed-experience friend group
A skipper keeps the logistics smooth when part of the crew wants to learn while others simply want a relaxed private yacht week.
Privacy plus local expertise
You still keep the privacy of your own charter while gaining local judgement on weather, anchorages, and practical route choices.
FAQ
Do I need a license for a skippered charter?
No. The skipper handles the yacht, so you do not need a bareboat license to book this option.
What does the skipper do during the week?
The skipper navigates, moors, adjusts the route to conditions, and helps keep the week practical for your crew.
Is the skipper fee included in the yacht price?
Skipper service is usually handled as a separate extra and should be confirmed at quote stage.
Where does the skipper sleep?
Berth arrangements depend on the yacht layout, so confirm the exact onboard setup before booking.
Can the route change during the week?
Yes. A skippered week can adapt more easily to weather, crew pace, and overnight preference.
Can we request a skipper for families or first-time guests?
Yes. Skippered charter is one of the most practical options for families, first-time guests, and mixed-experience groups.