- Sailing Croatia tips
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by Ultra Sailing Team
When planning a sailing vacation in Croatia, the choice between a sailboat and a catamaran is a crucial decision. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comparison of the advantages and considerations to help you make an informed choice tailored to your preferences and needs. Our focus revolves around the essentials of a regular sailing vacation, considering what you might need for a 7 or 14-day yacht charter in Croatia.
We understand that everyone got their own preferences, so we’re not here to say what’s best for you. Our discussion centers on Croatia as a premier sailing destination, spotlighting the features of the typical charter boats you’d encounter. Of course, the choice also hinges on your crew’s composition and their preferences, taking into account factors such as the presence of kids or older individuals. Now let’s move on to the question of renting a sailboat or catamaran?
The price matters
When it comes to planning a sailing vacation, for some of the guests pricing becomes a key factor. It’s worth noting upfront that opting for a catamaran entails a slightly higher budget – both in terms of the rental price and berths during the charter week. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve crafted a simple table at the end of this blog featuring three different catamaran models, each with four cabins, for the low, high, and late seasons. Additionally, we’ve curated a comparison with sailing boats ranging from up to 41 feet and up to 46 feet.
Year after year, we’ve heard from our guests about the escalating costs of berths in ports and marinas, and the general opinion is that they’re either on the rise or already too high for some islands and bays. Keep in mind that berth costs, among other things are influenced by the boat’s length, and it’s common for catamaran prices to see an increase of 50%-100% in most of the marinas and harbours.
During your research for a boat, don’t forget to check what’s included in the charter price – it can make a big difference. Larger catamarans often come with cool extras like stand-up paddleboards or even seascooters thrown in. Take our catamarans, for instance – every one of them includes an outboard engine for the tender in the overall price.
Moreover, bigger catamarans typically boast additional equipment like generators and watermakers. Why does this matter? Well, it gives you the flexibility to steer clear of pricey marinas and opt for mooring buoys instead. So, before you confirm, make sure to delve into the details of the equipment and what’s already covered in the price – you might find some pleasant surprises!
Space and Comfort
Catamarans bring a whole new level of comfort, making you feel like at home with the extra space – it’s like having your own living room on the sea. The saloon is a bright and airy haven, fully glazed to let in plenty of natural light. Plus, the seamless connection between the saloon and cockpit makes communication a breeze, a feature that’s a bit trickier on a sailboat.
Speaking of sailboats, entering their saloon can feel a bit like stepping into a cave, causing challenges for a communication with a cockpit or deck. Imagine trying to chat with friends in the cockpit while preparing a meal – not exactly smooth sailing experience. And let’s not forget the delicate art of keeping your food on the table, not the floor, when the sailboat starts to heel.
Salon 
Cockpit 
Working-space 
Now, here’s where the catamaran also shines – it has a shallower draft, meaning you can drop anchor much closer to the coast, opening up a world of scenic possibilities. And there’s more: the tender with the outboard engine. On sailboats, you might find the tender attached on the bow, under the mast or you trail it behind. Not so convenient. Every time you need to attach the outboard motor from the stern to the dinghy, it can become a bit cumbersome for some individuals after a few days, causing them to lose interest in using the dinghy. However, on catamarans, the dinghy is conveniently attached to the stern between the two hulls, with the outboard motor permanently affixed to the dinghy, ready to start at any time.
Flybridge 
Front deck 
salon 
So in terms of space and comfort the catamaran is always a winner.
Sailing and safety characteristics
Sailing on a sailing boat brings a unique joy and excitement that a catamaran can’t quite match. If you’re a dedicated sailor who loves the thrill of the sea, a sailboat will always provide a more enjoyable experience than a catamaran. When you factor in the cost savings on rental and berth expenses, the decision becomes clear – a sailboat is the way to go.
Over time, the type of guests seeking sailing adventures has evolved, with more hobby sailors desiring a peaceful trip with friends and family. Some folks may hesitate to switch to a catamaran due to concerns about its size and width. However, navigating a catamaran is surprisingly easy, thanks to its two engines. Moreover, catamarans boast an added safety bonus – even if one engine malfunctions, you’ve always got the other one ready to roll. As highlighted earlier, catamarans offer enhanced safety in rough seas, a comforting thought, especially for families with kids or older members.
In the end, the choice between a sailboat and a catamaran boils down to personal preference and your crew’s inclinations. Passionate sailors will always lean toward booking a sailboat, relishing the genuine sailing experience, catching the wind, and adding a few more knots to their journey. On the flip side, if you’re after a laid-back vacation with the allure of “an apartment on the sea,” a catamaran is your go-to. Its appeal lies in comfort, stability, and minimal heeling, offering a relaxing and enjoyable cruising experience.
Sailing boats up to 41ft – (for up to 6-8 guests)
| Oceanis 40.1 – Built:2024 | Dufour 41 – Built:2024 | Sun Odyssey 410 – Built:2023 |
| 18.05.-25.05.= 3300€ | 18.05.-25.05.= 3438€ | 18.05.-25.05.= 3300€ |
| 10.08.-17.08.= 5650€ | 10.08.-17.08.= 5204€ | 10.08.-17.08.= 4150€ |
| 21.09.-28.09.= 3100€ | 21.09.-28.09.= 2970€ | 21.09.-28.09.= 3300€ |
Sailboat up to 46ft – (for up to 8-10 guests)
| Oceanis 46.1 – Built:2024 | Sun Odyssey 440 – Built:2023 | Hanse 460 – Built:2023 |
| 18.05.-25.05.= 4030€ | 18.05.-25.05.= 3575€ | 18.05.-25.05.= 4850€ |
| 10.08.-17.08.= 6900€ | 10.08.-17.08.= 5275€ | 10.08.-17.08.= 7150€ |
| 21.09.-28.09.= 3800€ | 21.09.-28.09.= 4000€ | 21.09.-28.09.= 4150€ |
Catamaran up to 42ft – 4 cabins (for up to 8-10 guests)
| Lagoon 42 – Built:2024 | Astrea 42 – Built:2023 | Bali 4.2 – Built:2024 |
| 18.05.-25.05.= 4030€ | 18.05.-25.05.= 3575€ | 18.05.-25.05.= 4850€ |
| 10.08.-17.08.= 6900€ | 10.08.-17.08.= 5275€ | 10.08.-17.08.= 7150€ |
| 21.09.-28.09.= 3800€ | 21.09.-28.09.= 4000€ | 21.09.-28.09.= 4150€ |
The prices listed above represent the standard rates of various charter companies without any applied discounts. As mentioned previously, always compare the offers, explore the boat equipment, and inquire about additional inclusions or potential extra costs. Typically, all charter companies provide discounts for early bookings, last-minute reservations, and other varieties of discounts.
We wish you an enjoyable planning experience for your sailing adventure, with the delightful decision of choosing between a catamaran or a sailboat!
