Your first time sailing the Adriatic can be exciting and liberating all at once. Many people worry that a sailing holiday will be complicated or uncomfortable, yet modern charter yachts are remarkably comfortable. On a skippered trip you don't need any experience, because the skipper takes care of everything on board. You have just one job: arrive at the marina, settle into your cabin, and let the rhythm of the sea take over. After the first evening, the most common reaction is almost always the same: "why didn't we do this years ago?"
What does an average day on deck look like? The days tend to begin with calm mornings and unhurried sailing. During the day you can stop to swim several times in the loveliest coves of the Croatian islands. Time passes to a completely different rhythm on board than on a crowded apartment holiday. In the evening you can dine in atmospheric harbours or quiet coves. Most guests are fully unwound out at sea after the very first day. The yachts are wonderfully comfortable. Each one has a fully equipped galley, oven, hob, a spacious saloon, and several toilets and showers. The nights are always restful — you certainly won't have any trouble sleeping.
What exactly does a "skippered" trip mean? The skipper is the captain who handles the yacht, plans the route, watches the weather and is responsible for safety — but just as importantly, their local knowledge takes you to coves and restaurants no map will ever reveal. If you're curious about exactly what the skipper does and how many guests the yacht can hold, you'll find every detail in our FAQ. And to help you get ready, our "What to pack for sailing" checklist makes sure nothing important gets left behind.
Do you need any prior training? None at all. Skippered sailing is ideal for beginners precisely because every decision is made by a professional on your behalf — you learn as much about sailing as you care to. And if you do catch the bug, the skipper is happy to let you get hands-on, from working the lines to taking the helm; for many people, this is exactly how they fall in love with sailing. It all works the same way whether you join an open trip solo or as a couple, or set sail with your own group.
Plenty of people fret about seasickness, yet there's rarely cause for it: the Adriatic typically leads you through sheltered waters in the lee of the islands, and the skipper shapes the route to the weather. Should a particular crossing turn out choppier, the tried-and-tested preventatives (such as Stugeron) and a few simple tricks — keeping your eye on the horizon, fresh air on deck, a light meal — go a long way. We've gathered the detailed answers in our FAQ. On board, everything is in place for your comfort anyway: a fully equipped galley, fridge, bed linen and towels are all provided, so really all you need to pack is your own things.
Chartering a yacht in Croatia isn't just for seasoned sailors — it's for beginners too. Adria Sail's aim is for your first time sailing to be safe, comfortable and unforgettable all at once. Once you've tried sailing the Adriatic, the chances are you'll want to come back every single year. Just as we do. To help you choose the right yacht, take a look at our fleet overview, and to pick the right time of year, read our "When is the best time to go?" article. When you're ready, request an offer, and we'll help you put together your first trip together.