ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FOR THE CHARTER CURIOUS

10/21/2023

Setting Sail: Adriatic Adventures on a Flotilla Charter

Sailing, at last—in Croatia. A longtime entry on the proverbial bucket list was about to be scratched off as my sailing pal and trip organizer, Josie Tucci, steered us eastward and out of the narrow bay toward open water dotted with islands. Near the helm, her brother, Jason, and I trimmed in the sheets and tidied up as we began making way. To port, I could see cars on the coastal highway, headed north from the international airport in Split. To starboard, the rocky, brush-covered shoreline rose to meet a sky that was fairy-tale blue. Already, my colleague, photographer and drone junkie Jon Whittle was snapping away. How could he not? The sights were otherworldly in this centuries-old corner of the Adriatic Sea.

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Heading for the Islands? Consider the Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47

Named for a South Pacific island in the Vanuatu chain, the 46-foot cat earned top honors as the Best Cruising Multihull in one of the stronger classes of last year’s Boat of the Year contest. For at least one of our BOTY judges, the Tanna 47 was their favorite boat in the entire FP line. It’s structurally sound, fairly techy and good-looking, and it sails very well. It also offers an accommodations plan in the “Quintet” layout, with five ­double staterooms and five heads, that's optimized for charter.

Flotillas Offer a Laid-back Charter Option

For some reason, flotilla charters seem to have a stigma attached to them, especially among experienced bareboat charter skippers. “I don’t want to be led through the islands like a string of rubber duckies,” one sailor says. Another says: “I want the freedom to run my own boat, sleep late when I want, and stop for a snorkel.” Yet another: “Flotilla charters are just for beginners, and I don’t want to be slowed down.” In spite of these common misunderstandings, flotillas remain a great vacation choice. Here’s why.

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Managing the Dinghy While on Charter

We were towing a hard-bottom dinghy from Tortola to Norman Island. It had been at the end of a long painter made of yellow braided polypropylene, which the charter company used because it supposedly floats, making it harder for bareboaters to wrap it around their props. The fact is that this material is also one of nature’s slipperiest substances. Everything was fine until someone asked, “Hey, where’s the dinghy?” Unbeknownst to us, as we slapped and splashed along, it had been slipping off the cleat until it was gone.

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Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems of the BVI

The BVI is renowned for its tourist attractions and well-­trodden paths, which is why, on a recent charter, our group of experienced charterers intentionally strayed from the familiar hotspots. In doing so, we found a side of the BVI that produced memories and stories anew. These newfound (to us) destinations offered a fresh glimpse into the singular charm of the BVI, which are just waiting to be discovered by intrepid souls who dare to look a little farther.

Sailboat Chartering 101

Interested in taking a sailing vacation? Start here! We’ve put together a guide on charter types, locations, qualifications and more. [Read More »]

Planning a Charter Itinerary

Use these practical planning tips to make your next yacht charter the best sailing vacation of your life. [Read More »]

Choosing the Best Charter Option

Not quite ready to skipper but still want to charter? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other options to get you out there. [Read More »]

Quick Guide to Chartering

Thinking of planning a charter vacation? Here's the rundown on why, when, and where to go. [Read More »]

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