FAQ

Who are we?
TIME2SAIL is a group of excellent skippers. The sea is our love and sailing is our job and passion. Most of us stay at sea for 20 to 30 weeks a year. Each of us has at least 10 years of sailing experience. We organise sailing trips, team-building programmes and thematic trips for individuals and groups.

What type and size of boat to choose?
The choice of size and type of your boat depends on your needs and preferences. When making your choice you should take into consideration the following:

• Number of persons on board;
• Desired space and comfort;
• Demanding sailing or relaxed family vacation?
• Is the skipper required? (It must be taken into account that a cabin or at least a bed must be provided for the skipper)

Generally boats are divided into sailboats, catamarans, gullets and motor boats.
Sailboats are the right choice for an active vacation for those eager to sail and have fun. It is equally good for a family and a group of friends. The whole crew can participate in sailing and the thrill you feel while sailing in a leaning boat against the wind is unforgettable!
Catamarans are an ideal choice for those who love sailing but expect more comfort from the boat. Catamarans are very stable so that during sailing it is possible to prepare a meal, open a bottle of wine or take a nap on the deck.
Gullets are wood ships usually motor-driven. Manoeuvring gullets is more demanding and they are, therefore, rented exclusively with the crew (captain, sailor and cook). If weather permitting, the captain will hoist the sails and you will have an unforgettable sailing experience. The gullet size ranges between 19 and 35 m, and the number of cabins depends on the size (max. 8 cabins).

For which month to make the booking?
The best period for sailing in Croatia is from late March to mid June and then again from mid September to November. In July and August there are too many people at sea, in marinas and on roads. Regarding the weather, July and August are not the best choice either. Sailing is much better a month before or a month later. If you decide to go sailing in winter, you must be adequately equipped with worm clothing and footwear, because temperatures can be around zero, and cold wind can blow for two weeks in a row.
As far as bathing and swimming is concerned, the best period is from mid May to mid October.

Do you need a skipper?
If you have never sailed before or if you want to improve your skills or have o local guide on board, we warmly recommend you to hire a skipper. All our skippers have at least 6 years of sailing experience, and they have a very good knowledge of the Adriatic islands, bays and coves. They are excellent guides if you want to avoid standard sailing routes or discover the most interesting places for swimming and having fun. They will recommend you the best local restaurants, original dishes, good wines, tell you some legends and organise a marina berth when this seems impossible, and they will fully respect your privacy.

Who pays the skipper?
When speaking of gullets and motor yachts the price of the crew is included in the boat rental price. On sailboats and catamarans the guests shall pay the skipper (if required), and provide food for him. It is also possible to engage the hostess and/or cook. The skipper’s daily fee depends on the size of the boat and it ranges between EUR 120 and 160 € per day, and accurate prices may be seen in the attached Price List.

What are the obligations towards the skipper?
The skipper must take care of the boat and crew safety and his working time doesn’t end when the boat is safely anchored in a cove or docked in a marina. You must, therefore, provide for him time to rest and regular and good-quality food. When you choose the boat, take into account that a cabin should be left for the skipper because this will make both you and your skipper more comfortable. The skipper can also sleep in the central cabin (provided that the sailboat is registered for that many persons). Apart from his living space, you must provide food for the skipper (hostess and/or cook). In case you want to eat in restaurants, the skipper can join you or you can give him the money for his daily meals (approximately EUR 30 to 40 a day).

What qualifications do you need to rent a boat?
For renting a boat or yacht you must have a boating licence and a radio station licence. Without these documents, it’s impossible to certify the crew list in the ministry and hence it is also impossible to set off. Fines and penalties are higher each year, and port authorities are increasingly rigorous, so we recommend you not to set off without having all the required documents.

Can you cancel the charter?
In case of cancellation, the charter shall retain a part of the advance. The calculation depends on the cancellation date and on the period for which the boat was rented. Detailed information on terms of rental and cancellation will be enclosed to the boat offer. If the boat is cancelled as the result of reasons beyond your control (death in family, serious injuries, war, etc.) a part of the advance will be retained with the possibility of using it in another period when the boats are available.

Are the boats and their crew insured?
All boats and yachts are covered by a valid insurance policy. However, through franchise fees, charters provide insurance for minor damages caused by guests’ negligence (loss of a dinghy or buoy, damage of boat interior, etc.), because the insurance policy only covers the damage exceeding a certain value. All TIME2SAIL skippers have a professional insurance policy so that in case of the boat damage caused by their fault the cost is covered by their policy.

Why do you have to leave the deposit?
The refundable insurance deposit covers possible minor damages caused by guests’ negligence (equipment loss, blocked toilet, damages of boat interior, boat returned with empty tank). In other words, upon arrival you must pay the deposit (the amount depends on the vessel type and size) that will be fully returned to you, if the boat is returned undamaged. You also have the possibility of paying the deposit insurance policy ranging between EUR 100 - 150. In such case you don’t have to leave any deposit and you will have no additional costs in case of any damage or loss, but this money is NOT returned. The third option is to hire a professional skipper who then takes full responsibility for the boat. In this case too you have to pay the deposit for damages or losses caused by your fault (blocked toilet, damage of boat interior, etc.)

Can a sailboat be rented for less than a week?
Vessels are usually rented from Saturday to Saturday. During the high-season (from June until September) it is extremely difficult to rent a boat for less than a week. It is, however, not impossible. In such cases, please contact the TIME2SAIL team and they will inform you as soon as possible whether there are any vessels available in the period in question. You may be fortunate and find an adequate vessel in the last minute period (one or two weeks before departure) but you can never be sure about it.

What are the differences between high and low tides on the Adriatic?
There are only slight differences between high and low tides on the Adriatic. It may be said that maximum difference between high and low tides in the south Adriatic is up to 35 cm, while in the north Adriatic it increases up to 60 cm. The difference is most conspicuous under influence of new and full moon. The change of pressure can also be the cause of change. We could say that the level increases by 13 cm when the pressure is lowered by 13.3 hPa.

Is sailing on the Adriatic demanding?
Compared to other seas around the world, sailing on the Adriatic can be defined as medium demanding. The Adriatic is a closed sea with almost no currents, slight tide changes and with more than 1000 islands, islets and cliffs that can provide good shelter at any time. If you listen regularly to the weather forecast (you can get accurate information on the Croatian radio) you will be rarely surprised by an unexpected storm. Of course, it is always good to have a word with local skippers or inhabitants, because the sea can be unpredictable. The sailing season on the Adriatic starts in May and ends in October, but good conditions can also be expected through April and November.

The winds of the Adriatic
The most frequent winds on the Adriatic are north-western wind called Bura, south wind called Jugo and landward wind called Maestral. Bura is a cold, dry wind that usually brings clear sky and blows in guts from the cold mountainous interior towards the sea. Jugo is a warm and humid wind that usually brings rain, it blows constantly and blows from the sea towards the land. In summer both Bura and Jugo blow for about three days, while in winter they can blow for two weeks. Maestral is the most common wind. It is a daily, thermal wind that starts blowing about 10 or 11 a.m. and stops with sunset. Maestral blows uniformly, it is usually not too strong and it is, therefore, an ideal wind for sailing.

Can mobile phones be charged aboard the boat?
All boats are equipped with a 12 V car-socket, and while the boat is docked and connected to the coast power supply, standard 220 V sockets (European standard) are also available.

Who pays for the fuel?
The fuel is paid by guests just before returning into the parent marina. Please note that Saturday morning petrol stations are crowded with charter-boats and sometimes you have to wait for more than 1 hour for fuelling the boat! If you want to spend the night in the marina try to fuel the boat the day before and make up for the difference in the charter.

How is the boat equipped?
Please find the boat Equipment List enclosed to our offer.

Can you take your pet?
Unless earlier otherwise agreed, pets (dogs, cats, birds) are not allowed on board. Apart from being disoriented and having digestion problems, as they are usually not used to the sea, pets can leave behind potential allergens that may make harm to the guests to come. If you still want to take your pet along, you must announce it in time and in this case cleaning is charged at a higher rate.

Can you take your child?
Of course you can. We can always install a safety net on the boat’s fence. Life vests are provided for children above 4. Children are recommended to wear these life vests all the time and especially during the ride. Parents should forbid them to run and jump around the boat, especially while sailing. Parents should also protect their children from the sun by applying sun-protection creams, as young children skin may be very sensitive.

What services are usually offered in the Adriatic marinas?
Apart from the mooring, electricity and water supply for vessels, every marina in Croatia has bathroom facilities (toilets and showers), reception, restaurant, laundry service and food shops, and most of them have an exchange office, repair work-shop, movable crane, etc.

Can you register alone or as a pair for a TIME2SAIL trip?
Of course you can. We are fully aware that today it is very difficult to organise a group of friends who can adjust their time and make the booking several months in advance. We offer you the possibility to join us individually without thinking about any organisational issues. We are all here for the same reason – its time to sail!

If you know nothing about sailing!?
You don’t have to know anything if you hire a skipper.

What to bring along?
As sailing is a sport greatly depending on weather (especially in April and May), you should carefully choose your clothes and equipment.
Luggage must be flexible so as to take as little as possible space when folded and put aside.
Clothing and footwear – cloths must be taken for all weather conditions (it can be pretty cold even in the middle of the summer). Take some spare clothes and of course boat-shoes. You shouldn’t have black soled shoes as that will mark the boats.
It’s good to know something about the place of departure (sightseeing, restaurants, shops, petrol stations, etc.), as well as about places you are going to visit during your trip.
Ask your agent to provide for you the boat layout, list of equipment, photos (interior and exterior), installation scheme (it is good to know the place of the main switch-board, valves, etc.), technical characteristics of the boat, at least the basic ones (length and width, mast height, draft, anchor chain length, surface and type of sails, type and power of engine, axle or s-drive, etc.), boat check list (which is actually the takeover list that you need to sign before taking the boat).
Study well the route that will take you to the departure port.
In Croatia you need to have the boating permit. If you don’t have it, and have the required knowledge and skill, you can get it in the port office at the price of EUR 120 (exams are organised each Tuesday in the Port Administration of Šibenik).
Each charter boat is covered by full insurance, which includes the insurance of passengers. If you wish an additional insurance, provide it in time.
Food may be purchased before departure. Local shops are well supplied. The food should be as simple as possible (e.g. pasta – quickly and easily prepared).
It is wise to have some cash along with your credit cards.
Deposit – it is paid either by credit card or cash. When taking over the boat, authorisation of your credit card will be made.
Be sure to submit the Crew List to your agent in time. It can be adjusted before taking over the boat, but if you submit it earlier, the formalities about your registration will be performed much faster.
Don’t forget your identification documents.

Can a sailing boat be capsized?
NO!

What are the average costs of berths in ports and marinas?
The berth in ports is charged about HRK 30 per metre of vessel plus the residential fee amounting to around HRK 7 per person. The berth in marinas is usually by 15-20% more expensive, but marinas offer additional facilities.