How do I get to Kastela?

Kastela is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. The closest airport is in Split. The following airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airlines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa and SAS. From the airport you will then need to take a taxi or a bus. The Yacht Week will be providing a bus service if you arrive on the Saturday, between 09:00-15:00.

How do I get to Split?

Split is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. The closest airport is in Split. The following airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airllines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa and SAS.

From here you can get a taxi. It takes about 30 minutes and cost around €30. There will be The Yacht Week staff at the airport if you need help.

How do I get to Kremik Marina in Primosten or to Mandalina Marina in Sibenik?

The closest airport is in Split. These airlines fly to Split: EasyJet (from London), Lufthasa, Croatia Airllines, German Wings, TUIfly, Lufthansa and SAS. The best option is to book in advance by email and organise a transfer through NCP (the yachting company). Please make sure you provide NPC with the transfer you want, the number of passengers, the day, the schedule arrival and the flight number to NPC (+385 22 312 999). It will cost around €70 (maximum 8 people) one way.

How many boats will be on this trip?

There will be up to 50 yachts on both the Black and Red Routes every week in Croatia.

Is it safe?

Croatia is safe, but as is the case when traveling in any country, be careful with your personal possessions when out and about and never leave items unattended. It is not necessary to lock your belongings (think of Vermont in the 1950s), but the boat can be locked to protect your valuable belongings if you wish. In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly address any issues.

What other costs can I expect?

There may be some additional modest payments required during the trip. Depending on where you choose to spend your night, in port, mooring or on anchor you will pay different fees. The estimated extra cost per person is between €10-40 per week. You will pay between €10-20 for fuel per person/week and in some of the stops you will have to pay for taxi boats to get from the boat to the party. The cost for the taxis will be between 20-25 per person/week.

Are there mosquitoes in Croatia?

It is unlikely you will find mosquitoes especially if you are sailing.

What’s included in the price?

Vacation prices are per person in Euros. The price includes all aspects associated with the yacht and sailing, including the yacht charter costs, the skipper, sheets and towels, snorkel equipment, safety equipment, GPS, stereo, dinghy and outboard engine and cleaning of the yacht. The price does not include your flight, airport transfers, food and drinks, 3 meals a day and soft drinks for the skipper, or any hotel costs for early arrivals or late departures. Meals are not included. You and your boat mates will be able to purchase groceries on the day of arrival to stock the boat with food and drinks. We will also go ashore frequently for meals. The Yacht Week staff will be around to provide advice on stocking your boats before we travel.

How do I get to Lavrio?

Lavrio is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. The closest airport is in Athens. There are many airlines that fly to Athens. From there you can get the public bus that costs €4 and takes about 40 minutes. When you arrive at Athens ask the info desk and they will point you in the right direction. Another option is a taxi. This costs €50 and takes about 30 minutes.

Are there mosquitoes in Greece?

It is unlikely you will find mosquitoes especially if you are sailing.

How many boats will be on this trip?

There will be up to 30 boats every week in Greece.

What’s included in the price?

Vacation prices are per person in Euros. The price includes all aspects associated with the yacht and sailing, including the yacht charter costs, the skipper, sheets and towels, snorkel equipment, safety equipment, GPS, stereo, dinghy and outboard engine and cleaning of the yacht. The price does not include your flight, airport transfers, food and drinks, 3 meals a day and soft drinks for the skipper, or any hotel costs for early arrivals or late departures. Meals are not included. You and your boat mates will be able to purchase groceries on the day of arrival to stock the boat with food and drinks. We will also go ashore frequently for meals. The Yacht Week staff will be around to provide advice on stocking your boats before we travel.

What travel documents are required?

While planning your trip to Greece do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for at least 90 days. Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a Visa to travel to Greece. To check you can visit this website: http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Greece/Visa.

Is it safe?

The islands we go to in Greece are completely safe but as is the case when traveling in any country, be careful with your personal possessions when out and about and never leave items unattended. It is not necessary to lock your belongings (think of Vermont in the 1950s), but the boat can be locked to protect your valuables if you wish. In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly address any issues.

What other costs can I expect?

There may be some additional modest payments required during the trip. Depending on where you choose to spend your night, in port, mooring or on anchor you will pay different fees. The estimated extra cost per person is between €5-10 per week. You will pay between €10-20 for fuel per person/week.

What currency is used in Greece?

Greece uses the Euro.

How do I get to Tortola?

Tortola is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in the United States. You must reach either of two destination points: first, Beef Island airport (code EIS) will bring you directly to the island, only a few miles from our marina in Road Town. All flights to EIS connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico (code SJU). San Juan can be reached from any airport and the flight from SJU to EIS is approximately 45 minutes on either American Eagle or Cape Air.

Alternatively, you may fly to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (airport code STT). From St. Thomas, there are many ferry boats from Charlotte Amalie (for example, Road Town Fast Ferry) and other ferry terminals for an approximately one hour ride (c. $55 round trip). If you fly to STT, please be sure to check the ferry schedule. The last ferry typically departs around 4:15pm.

If you need any advice on flights, please contact us at info@theyachtweek.com

Taxis are in abundance at the airport.

We are flying into St. Thomas. Can you recommend how we get to the boat from there?

From St. Thomas airport, you will need to take a taxi to the ferry dock at Charlotte Amalie. Then you take a ferry to Tortola. Here is the schedule. Ideally you will get the ferry to Road Town, Tortola which is just a few minutes from our starting marina. If that is not possible, you can ferry to West End, Tortola and take a taxi from there (about 25 minutes).

What travel documents are required?

U.S. citizens are required to have a passport to travel to the British Virgin Islands. Please be sure that yours is valid and that its expiration date extends more than six months beyond the completion of this trip (a common requirement for international travel). If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate about travel requirements for the BVI.

How many boats will be on this trip?

There will be up to 30 boats every week in the BVI.

What’s included in the price?

Vacation prices are per person in US dollars. The price includes all aspects associated with the yacht and sailing, including the yacht charter costs, fuel for the boat, harbor and marina fees, safety equipment, snorkel equipment, GPS, stereo, dinghy and outboard engine and cleaning of the yacht. The price does not include your flight, airport transfers, food and drinks, or any hotel costs for early arrivals or late departures. Meals are not included. You and your boat mates will be able to purchase groceries prior to the trip to stock the boat with food and drink. Such purchases can also be made upon arrival; however, there may be limited availability of goods that you do not order in advance. We will also go ashore frequently for meals. The Yacht Week will provide advice on stocking your boats before we travel.

Are linens (sheets, towels, pillows), snorkeling gear and cooking utensils included?

Yes, cooking utensils are onboard. Each boat has a full kitchen, although compact. You will have everything you need.
Yes, there will be linens, towels, pillows, and everything you need for full bedding. We recommend that you bring an extra towel for the beach. Leave the provided towel on the boat to have a towel for showers and bring a towel for the beach that will get sandy.
Snorkeling gear is available at the marina where we start. We always find it to be quite good. Some people don’t like using a snorkel that other people have used and bring their own, but the charter company does clean them, of course! If anyone has unusually large or small feet, it might be tough to find a precise size match for fins, but they do have a lot there.
You can bring any toiletries or suntan lotion you want. Personally, we don’t bring large suntan lotion bottles (because of the liquid ban on flights) and buy it in situ, but you are not restricted from bringing or using anything you want.

Is it safe?

The British Virgin Islands are exceptionally safe. In all of our previous trips we have never encountered nor heard of an incident. It is not necessary to lock your belongings (think of Vermont in the 1950s), but the boat can be locked to protect your valuables if you wish. In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly address any issues. The islands are very close together and we are never far from land or other boats if we need to seek assistance.

What other costs can I expect?

There may be some additional modest payments required during the trip. In some harbours, we will attach the boat to a mooring ball (a buoy anchored to the sea floor) to have extra stability overnight. Since these moorings are privately maintained, they usually charge a boat approximately $30 per night to stay there (so just a few dollars per person on each boat). During the trip you can expect to refill the fresh water tanks at least once – these provide water for showers and faucets onboard. There will be a small charge to fill these tanks depending on how much water you use onboard (usually only a few dollars per person).

Remember that you will need to cover your meals, drinks, and nightlife activities during the trip. Prices are comparable to what you would expect in a US city.

Are there mosquitoes in the BVI?

No, it is unlikely you will find mosquitoes especially if you are sailing.

What currency is used in the British Virgin Islands?

The British Virgin Islands use the US dollar.

How do we order or pre-order groceries before we arrive?

We will have a bit more info about groceries soon, but here is a preview for you: we use the following market and you can use their online order form. Download the PDF or Excel spreadsheet, fill it in, send it back, and they will deliver to your boat on December 29. Just let them know you will be at the Footloose marina: http://www.bobbysmarketplace.com

Is there a grill/barbecue on the boat?

Yes, our boats all have barbecue grills mounted on the back railing.

How do I get to Portorosa?

Portorosa is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. We would recommend you fly to Catania, which is about 150km from the marina and will take you 2 hours to transfer. The following airlines fly to Catania: EasyJet (from London), Lufthansa, Air France, Air One, British Airways, Austrian Airlines and Finn Air. From the airport you will then need to take a taxi or a bus. For full details see Getting There.

How many boats will be on this trip?

There will be 20 to 25 boats every week in Italy.

Is it safe?

Italy is safe, but as is the case when traveling in any country, be careful with your personal possessions when out and about and never leave items unattended. It is not necessary to lock your belongings (think of Vermont in the 1950s), but the boat can be locked to protect your valuable belongings if you wish. In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly address any issues.

What other costs can I expect?

There may be some additional modest payments required during the trip. Depending on where you choose to spend your night, in port, mooring or on anchor you will pay different fees. The estimated extra cost per person is between €10-40 per week. You will pay between €10-20 for fuel per person/week and in some of the stops you will have to pay for taxi boats to get from the boat to the party. The cost for the taxis will be €20-25 per person/week.

Are there mosquitoes in Italy?

It is unlikely you will find mosquitoes especially if you are sailing.

What’s included in the price?

Vacation prices are per person in Euros. The price includes all aspects associated with the yacht and sailing, including the yacht charter costs, the skipper, sheets and towels, snorkel equipment, safety equipment, GPS, stereo, dinghy and outboard engine and cleaning of the yacht. The price does not include your flight, airport transfers, food and drinks, 3 meals a day and soft drinks for the skipper, or any hotel costs for early arrivals or late departures. Meals are not included. You and your boat mates will be able to purchase groceries on the day of arrival to stock the boat with food and drinks. We will also go ashore frequently for meals. The Yacht Week staff will be around to provide advice on stocking your boats before we travel.

What travel documents are required?

While planning your trip to Italy do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for at least 90 days. Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a Visa to travel to Italy. To check you can visit this website: http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Italy/Visa.

What currency is used in Italy?

Italy uses the Euro.

Is this vacation for me? I’ve never been on an extended sailing trip before. Is that okay?

Very few of our passengers have been on a similar trip before joining us. Nearly all of them have said it is one of the best vacations they have ever had. Sailing on a yacht is an amazing experience, both active and relaxing with a great mix of lounging in the sun surrounded by stunning scenery and great fun at night. Living on a boat for a week is a thrill and you’ll get used to the accommodation right away.

I’ve never been on a boat before. Is that okay?

It sure helps if you’ve been a on boat, although it is in no way necessary. Boating is a different way to travel, a mix between luxury and camping. Our yachts are high-quality for extended cruising, but the living space on a sailboat is very compact. Think of a high-end RV on the water. We’ll make you as comfortable as can be and you’ll feel right at home in just a few hours.

I don’t know how to swim. And I don’t like water. Is that okay?

If you know how to lay out on the deck of a yacht, you would be perfect for this trip. But maybe you should take a pass on this one.

What should I wear?

The Yacht Week will provide packing tips as we get closer to our departure date. Think beach and casual evenings, every person who has ever traveled has over-packed for the week.

Is it possible to book a spot on a boat if I am traveling by myself?

No, we recommend that you post a comment on our Facebook page. We have a discussion topic in our Forum titled “Crewfinder Croatia/Greece/BVI etc.”

Why do the prices vary for different boats?

Each boat has its own cost based mostly on the size and age of the boat. All of the boats are in outstanding condition, but a five year old boat will have a lower price than a brand new boat due to general wear and tear as well as having different amenities inside.

What is the schedule of payments?

Find out by looking at the booking schedule for your destination here

Is there a security deposit?

Upon arrival in the marina, all crews need to put down a deposit for their boat. The deposit is there to cover any damage that is caused during the week, as a security measure for the yachting charter company. The deposit is paid on the day of arrival prior to departure from the marina and will be handed back to you upon return (as long as you don’t destroy the boat).

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Please read the cancellation information here

Who sails the boat?

Wait… I thought you knew how to sail this thing!?
If nobody in your group is a licensed sailing captain, we will provide a captain for you. The captain will be experienced and keep you safe and on course throughout the week. He will not take up a spot in one of the cabins, but he or she will sleep in the saloon – a portion of the galley (kitchen) with a fold-out bed to accommodate an extra passenger or two.

This is a vacation meant for you to relax. You do not need to do any sailing work if you don’t want to. One person onboard will be required to pull a rope every now and then (because certain things require more than the captain’s two hands), but the captain will make it easy.

A normal skipper comes at a considerable cost, but through our sailing network, we are able to attract sailors with appropriate qualifications for a fraction of the price and provide them for you. We will expect you to keep your captain well-nourished by sharing your meals while onboard (most breakfasts and lunches). An external captain does not pay for food, fuel, or other shared boat costs. A captain provided by us is not regarded as an employee; he or she is an extra friend on the boat on vacation with you and your friends.

What is the accommodation like?

Our reservations page provides a diagram of the interior of each boat. Sailboats are compact and comfortable, though not especially spacious inside. You will share a cabin with one other person in a double bed. Cabins have small closets and cubbies for your clothes. Each boat will have multiple heads (bathrooms) and showers. They are small, but you will get accustomed to them right away. Boats each have a full galley (kitchen) and dining table below, but you would be most likely choose to eat breakfast and lunch at the table on the deck – some days we will have lunch at a restaurant ashore. The boats have full refrigeration, electricity, stereos, and other amenities that you would expect in conventional lodging, but it is not a luxury hotel. The boats are not air conditioned and you will be outside nearly the entire time except whilst sleeping in your cabin.

Who is on my boat?

It would be ideal if you could bring friends to fill a boat. The prices are considerably better when booking a full boat together and you can be sure to know everyone beforehand. However, we are happy to help match you with others to fill a boat. Our Facebook page includes a section under the Forum, which helps you to meet others who are seeking to join together to fill a boat. Each boat will be full with two per cabin unless you wish to pay for additional empty spots.

What type of electrical power and current is on the boat?

Our boats have electrical power to charge camera batteries, cell phones, iPods, and other devices (even your laptop, although we don’t advise bringing a computer on your vacation). The boats, however, use DC power and 220 Volts rather than the typical AC power and 110 Volts like outlets in the US. Therefore, you will need to use an inverter and adapter. Inverters are similar to what is used in a car cigarette lighter. These can be purchased or rented – The Yacht Week will provide advice on this before we travel.

How can we communicate while onboard?

The VHF radio on our boats is used to communicate with other boats and for emergencies. Internet access might be available at certain restaurants. Your Blackberry/iPhone is likely to work in most places.

Is there a CD player or something we can plug our iPods into?

There is a CD player and radio. Many boats have an auxiliary plug to plug in an iPod.

I know there is electricity but will there be adapters to rent? Is it possible for you to send specific examples of exactly the products we would need to plug in our electronics?

There is electricity on the boats but you will need an inverter to switch from DC power to 110 V AC. The device you need is just like what would plug into a car cigarette lighter. You can pick one up like this. The marina has a rental store for all of this electronic equipment.

How much time do we spend on the boat each day?

The islands are relatively close together, so sailing between destinations can be relatively quick. Some days will involve about 2 to 4 hours of sailing, while others could be as long as 6 to 8 hours. Navigation is exceptionally easy since all of the islands are within sight of each other. There is no sailing in open ocean where you can’t see land. Every evening, we stop right in a harbour and anchor the boat for the night. This allows us to go ashore easily. The schedule provides a great balance of cruising through the water while still leaving plenty of time to spend on the beach, at snorkeling spots, at restaurants and bars, shopping and other activities.

All of the boats in our group will travel together, allowing for amazing social activities with a large group of really fun people.

How do I reserve a yacht?

You may book a yacht online on this website under ‘Yachts & Prices’. 1 booking equals 1 boat. You can meet others on our Facebook page to form group a get a discount by booking together and sharing a boat.

What are the ages of the group?

Nearly everyone who was traveled with The Yacht Week in the past has been between mid-20s to early 40s. We expect a similar age range for other vacations.

What are the health requirements?

You must ensure that you do not have any medical conditions that will inhibit traveling with The Yacht Week. The yachting trip is not strenuous (unless you want it to be). Guests are not required to perform any physical activity. However, if you are interested in participating in the sailing, snorkeling, and other sporting activities, then those are available to you.

What if I am prone to seasickness?

If you are prone to seasickness or nausea, please contact us before you travel. Our guests have found excellent remedies that have inhibited any unpleasant nausea during sailing. We have not, however, resolved nausea from too many cocktails.

Will you be taking photos?

We will take many photos during the trip and share with you as many as we practically can. Occasionally, we will use photographs taken of guests for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photograph not be used, please notify us.