Four Ladies Take A Private Cruise In The Adriatic
Croatia and the Dalmatian Islands – sailing on a one week getaway
There is always that great person who organizes and prods. So, when I got the call from my friend Jan asking if I’d consider sharing a charter on a catamaran in Croatia, I immediately said yes!
As a charter broker, and former yacht crew member, I had spent more time than most cruising the Dalmatian Islands and coastline. I already knew just how stunning and beautiful the islands and people are, so I was ready to get those bags packed!
The boat we picked was perfect. There were four of us, and we each had our own spacious, comfy, ensuite queen cabin on aptly named Cool Change, a 56′ Lagoon catamaran. I say aptly because my thinned out Caribbean-Florida blood had to adjust to the brisk breezes along the Adriatic coast in May. Local people were swimming, but I must confess that only my toes made it in that stunningly clear blue water. For those who want a lot of water activity, July, August, or September will be warmer, and September will carry the low season rates for most boats in Croatia or anywhere in the Med. Honestly, though, I found the weather refreshing. We were always comfortable as the boat was well appointed with wind breaking roll down clear plastic panels and a basket filled with cozy cotton blankets especially for guests.
There are so many beautiful place to see that you can always be busy (or just relax of course!). When not gliding under sail, we stopped at some great islands. Croatia has so much history, much of the whole country is like a UNESCO village, and of the ancient well preserved old stone towns actually are! Our captain, Josip, considered the ways the winds blow in the mornings and afternoon and so was able to plan an enjoyable itinerary that was under sail most of the time. We circumnavigated the island of Hvar, getting to see three lovely ports: Jelsa, Stari Grad, and Hvar Town. I have a special love of Stari Grad, one of the other ladies said Hvar Town was her favorite. We also went to stunning Korchula town, a must-see fortified 1300 year old bastion on the island of Korcula that claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Shopping, eating and vistas abound there! Also visited were Milna on Brac and the vineyard island of Vis, along with some stops and overnights at small untouched islets.
Regarding the crew;
Captain Josip was calm and skilled, and was always smiling and accommodating.. One could just tell that he came from a long line of seafarers; sailing and docking that boat with a skill that made it look easy. The boat was outfitted so that it could be run single handed from the upper helm station, all was very well thought out.
Chef Larry was a strong patient man, capable of handling lines the few times he was needed, but where he really shone was in the galley! Beautifully cut fresh fruits in the morning, breakfasts to order, and always around for individual requests of specialty coffees, teas, and beverages. The food was amazing.
We ate out a number of times; after all there was people watching, touring, and a bit of shopping to do! Sure, the restaurants were great, but there is nothing better than having your own personal chef who makes it obvious he has talent and passion for creating one great meal after another.
A few of my favorites? That pasta in a cream sauce made from the local truffles; a delicious salad of Burrata cheese and locally grown tomatoes; and the Ship’s Grill on our last night aboard. You just can’t beat fresh and local when chartering!
And p.s.- the crew could even sing and dance; they were super fun. We had a lot of laughs and, essentially, some pretty good free entertainment from them!
So, the next time Jan gives me a call, I wonder where we’ll be headed?! All I need to say is “I’m ready, let’s go!”. And I wouldn’t mind another return to Croatia if that opportunity arises again!
