Tips

With Skipper or Without?

Many ask: is it worth going with a skipper? The captain doesn't just steer the boat — they bring local knowledge and hidden gems.

Many people ask whether it's worth setting out on an Adriatic sail with a skipper. If you have no experience handling a yacht, skippered sailing is a must. What's more, the skipper not only handles the yacht but also helps with local know-how and route planning. But even experienced sailors often choose a skipper in unfamiliar waters: someone who knows the local winds, the seabed at the anchorages and the customs of the marinas turns the week into a pleasure rather than a source of stress.

With a skipper, it's easier to reach hidden coves and lesser-known harbours. An experienced skipper also adapts optimally to the weather conditions, and can recommend local restaurants, beaches and secret spots. They know which cove shelters you from the southerly wind, where the fish is best, and which konoba serves something other than a tourist menu. It's this kind of local knowledge that brings our guests back — and that a chartered yacht alone simply can't give you.

And what if you'd like to learn? A skippered trip is the most stress-free way of getting a taste for sailing: the skipper hands over as much of the helm and the sail handling as you wish, from the manoeuvres to the navigation. Many people fall in love with the sport with us, while others use their time on deck precisely to prepare for their own skipper's exam. We write about the details in our FAQ, and about sailing tuition on request on our experiences page.

Which format suits whom? For solo travellers or couples, the open, skippered trips are the best — you can read about these on our page for solo travellers and couples. For teams and companies, our group packages offer end-to-end organisation, including flotilla sailing with several yachts. If you're still getting to know the subject, our "Your first sail: what to expect" article is a good starting point. Once you've decided, request an offer, and we'll find the perfect set-up for you.

Come sailing with us on the Adriatic!

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