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 C46 Style
Strong all-round monohull choice for crews who want modern comfort, a cleaner deck layout, and an easier skippered week from Split.
View Bavaria C46
Bavaria C50 Style
Better for larger crews who want more living space while staying on a monohull platform.
View Bavaria C50
Bavaria Cruiser 51
5-cabin monohull with one bunk-bed cabin often used for the skipper, leaving better cabin space for the rest of the crew.
View Bavaria 51
Lagoon 42
Strong option for families and groups who want more beam, cockpit space, and separation between cabins.
View Lagoon 42Route flexibility from Split
A skippered week from Split starts with the same proven island routes, but your skipper can fine-tune the pace, daily distance, and stop choice around weather and crew comfort. Start with the weekly route hub for the clearest overview, then compare the three strongest Split round-trip patterns below.
Start with the route hub if you want the clearest side-by-side overview of the standard weekly round-trips from Split before shaping the week with your skipper.
The easiest classic skippered week from Split, with Brac, Hvar, Vis and Solta balanced into scenic sailing days that still stay comfortable for mixed-experience crews.
The longer southern option for crews who want Hvar, Korcula and Mljet in one week, with the skipper helping the route stay comfortable while still reaching the best South Dalmatia stops.
The more sheltered northern option for crews who want Skradin, Krka National Park, and a calmer coastal tempo without losing the comfort of a Split-based charter.
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.
Why book a skippered yacht with ABA VELA in Split
For guests who want a private yacht with skipper rather than a bareboat week, the practical difference is easier embarkation, direct local coordination before arrival, and support from the Split team that runs the base.
- ABA VELA is a family-owned charter company in Split and has operated there since 1996.
- Departures start from ACI Marina Split beside Pier D, which makes check-in, luggage transfer, and first-day embarkation simpler.
- The website shows live availability and supports direct booking, so crews can compare private yachts for a skippered week without extra back-and-forth first.
- The local Split team helps coordinate arrival timing, base questions, and practical embarkation details before the charter starts.
- 24/7 local support during the charter week comes from the same team that knows the base, the yachts, and the local sailing area.
- Verified guest reviews and repeat clients support ABA VELA's record as a local operator for private sailing holidays from Split.
See more on the About ABA VELA page, compare the live fleet or use the contact page for base and arrival details.
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.