Introducing our fleet: "Sugar Daddy" - Beneteau Cyclades 43.4

Cyclades 43.4 is from Beneteau line, famous French manufacturer who struck with this line a strong imprint to charter boats concept. The boat is characterized by a well-organized space. Stepping aboard the Sugar Daddy (whether from the broad swim platform or from the opening in the lifelines amidships) one is immediately impressed by the boat’s volume. The cockpit is expansive and easy to move around thanks to the twin wheels and walk-around folding table. The cockpit is also uncluttered with no traveler to deal with and a main sheet mounted on the cabin top. This charter yacht based in our Trogir base, only 30km from Split city center, is a plump mid-size cruiser with a 2.9m length to beam ratio which allows for voluminous accommodations. The real charm of this comfortable sailing yacht for family holiday or holiday with friends is the very spacious cockpit which has a huge bimini. This awning hangs on the wires of the mast and doesn’t prevent communication with the deck during sailing or mooring. Mast wires reach up to side of the ship allowing unhindered, spacious and safe passage from the cockpit to the bow.

Cyclades 43.4 rig has 61? clearance which is a pretty tall rig for excellent sail power. The mainsail is large and combines with a small fractionally rigged headsail on this true sloop. Upwind with large main and small jib, Cyclades races 7 knots and exceeding 8 knots downwind. The cabin trunk quickly slopes up with room for the dinghy. Four stainless steel handrails decorate the cabin trunk along with two Lewmar hatches. The cockpit has long benches and a large companionway sill forward. Helms are comfortable and the benches ergonomic. The ergonomics are perfect, and this cockpit is really what the design is all about. You’ll definitely spend most of your time here and you’ll enjoy its spaciousness.
The interior is roomy and takes full advantage of the beam. Not only that, it has a wide stern which allows for two large cabins aft. Six identical portholes line each trunk cabin side, giving a lot of daylight in the saloon. The floor is a composite wood mixture while the upholstery is white faux leather fabric found also on Jeanneau boats. Its nice modern interior with warm teak veneers takes full advantage of the design. The saloon is dominated by a big U-shaped lounge in white leatherette with a further central bench seat which is on a pantograph mechanism for stowage. In kitchen there's a gimbaled two-burner gas hob with oven next to a big top-opening fridge. The laminated work surfaces feature a substantial fiddle rail that can be used as a grab rail. Storage space abounds and the cupboards are deep. Navigation table is the right place for the skipper and crew's devices to charge up.

Headroom measuring just over 2 meters is great all the way through. Beds are spacious at latoflex slats what is rare for charter yachts. The fourth cabin is smaller than the others. There are 2 single beds in this cabin. It may be small for adults, but enough for children (or it can be used as the skipper’s cabin).
Out of standard equipment included in price we’d like to highlight Wi-Fi Internet, Converter 220V/12V, solar panels, dinghy and a bow thruster. More information regarding standard and additional equipment, technical details, price and availability you may find here (link na web – Sugar Daddy). Sugar Daddy's ranking on renowned rating system for charter yachts - Euminia.com is shown on this link. (Euminia link na Sugar Daddy).
With refurbished interior, spaciousness typical for charter boat and modern French design, we are sure we have you interested for this popular charter yacht. If the answer is positive, feel free to contact us on info@dalmatia-charter.hr and ask for a quote or any other detail you are interested in, and we'll help you organize the best sailing trip for you and your family or friends in Croatia.

Introducing our fleet: Bavaria 45 Cruiser "Fado"

Situated in the vicinity of Split town, right next to ancient center of Trogir is our base. Dalmatia Charter’s Trogir base operates with 18 sailing boats and houses the main booking office. If you are one who enjoys a spacious and luxurious yacht, we can offer you one, from our vast Trogir fleet, which will be appealing. We are talking about our Fado, Bavaria 45 Cruiser model from 2011.

Main advantage and feature of this luxury bareboat is its size and comfort ratio. You'll notice this characteristic immediately upon stepping on the cockpit. Twin wheels are pushed right aft, which allows lot of space around cockpit table, seating for 8 people comfortably. Children will definitely like its huge bathing platform dressed in teak, perfect for playing and enjoying the crystal clear sea.
You'll appreciate a perfect set-up of the bimini, which, if leaned onto the wheel you’re in the shade, but if leaned back a little you can see the mainsail. Fado's bow is flat and spacious enough for two couples comfortably to enjoy sunbathing and chilling.

If you enjoy sailing, Bavaria 45 cruiser has furling genoa and in-mast mainsail, practical for handling cockpit equipment. At stronger wind speed, it glides quite impressively - it can reach 7.8 knots at a 35 degree apparent wind angle. Helm response is excellent - you will find the boat a joy to steer.

Entering the saloon, you'll notice lots of ambient lighting, thanks to five large deck windows on the top and six side windows. Modern kitchen with lot of workspace and lockers will definitely excite every cook. The big saloon table comfortably seats 9 people.
The berths aft are generously sized and also have excellent vertical clearance, despite being situated under the cockpit. Each aft cabin has a well-appointed ensuite bathroom. Due to a lot of space in bow, there are two forward cabins. There’s no need to worry about space, beds are 150x200 cm in size and cabins are equipped with two lockers each. The ensuite bathroom is split into two components, with a shower compartment to left and a toilet and small compartment to the right.
We'd like to highlight some of standard equipment included in price: self-tailing winch, Navigation (Nautical) charts and nautical guide,  Cockpit/stern, Outside shower, Wi-Fi Internet, Converter 220V/12V, Solar panels, Dinghy, Bow thruster etc. More information regarding equipment, technical details, price and availability you may found at this link (link na web - Fado). Fado's ranking on a renowned rating system for charter yachts - Euminia.com is shown on this link. (http://www.euminia.com/en/charter-company/dalmatia-charter/aci-marina-trogir/bavaria-45-fado/)
We are sure this spacious luxury yacht will meet all your expectations and needs on your sailing vacations in Croatia, whether you are sailing with your family or friends. Please contact us on info@dalmatia-charter.hr and ask for a quote or any other request you are interested in, and we'll help you organize the best sailing trip around Croatian islands.

How to stay safe on sailing trip

If you want to navigate a sailing yacht from our fleet, you should own an ISSA sailing certificate and RYA certificate for VHF. Those certificates ensure a wide range of knowledge of maritime navigation, protective measures, meteorology, first aid and maritime radio service.
Besides your knowledge it will be smart to familiarize the crew with the rules on the sea, such as safety rules on board. Here are some suggestions how to prepare your crew for emergencies:

Make sure everyone has a life jacket and let them know where they are located. Life jackets are essential safety equipment on board, and we will assure them for you and your crew. While sailing, children should always wear life jackets.
Sailing with children always requires extra attention and caution. Safety net can prevent child’s falling off the boat, as well as pets, toys or equipment.

Show everyone how to stop the boat. Assume, in the worst case scenario, that you are in the water or having a medical or other emergency. Under sail, show them at least how to release the mainsheet and jib sheet immediately to spill the wind and stop the boat. Under power, show them how to shut down the engine and some basic steering maneuvers.
Show everyone where fire extinguishers are located and show them boat’s radio and how to use it. Explain how to switch the radio on and call for help in case of emergency.



Explain the plan if someone falls overboard. Falling overboard is the most common boating accident, a situation that requires immediate action from others in addition to the captain. Tell them what to do if you yourself end up in the water (best they are able to stop the boat so that you can swim to it). You should also explain that you need their help if one crew member falls overboard. Throw the life ring and other floating objects immediately. Assign one person to watch the person in the water all the time, pointing with an outstretched arm. Others should stand by for your orders, such as controlling the sails or preparing a life jacket. It takes a coordinated team effort to return the boat to someone in the water and assist the person back on board.

Follow the weather forecast and warnings at all time. Our base manager will inform you about the weather forecast for three days in advance and about possible local storms. If the storm is announced in your area you will be instructed to make necessary actions with boat equipment and referred to the nearby safe harbor.

Accidents and unexpected situations can happen on the sea, and in these cases you should stay calm and instruct your crew what to do in current situation. Let good old phrase "better safe than sorry" stay on your mind during a trip and your sailing holiday in Croatia on a chartered yacht will be a safe and pleasant experience.

Explore Dalmatian islands in seven days

Route 1 begins in our charter base in Trogir. First day of your arrival you’ll spend on unpacking things and getting to know the yacht you chartered, so we recommend you spend the afternoon and evening exploring Trogir. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets of this, over a thousand year old, town rich with cultural monuments, you’ll feel the long and rich past of Trogir. Under the auspices of UNESCO, Trogir has very well preserved heritage. Try the fresh Dalmatian fish and meat specialties in restaurants such as: Kaleta, Tragos, Alka, Capo...
On your second day, sail out toward the northern side of island Brač to Milna bay. It is a short distance of sailing – 12NM. If there’s a western wind – Maestral - blowing, this can be your first opportunity to spread sails and enjoy easy sailing. Milna is popular first stop of many sailors if they are coming from Trogir or Split direction, mostly because of the fuel station located at the entrance. In Milna is also an ACI marina with well-equipped berths and other facilities. Milna abounds with souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. You will find several supermarkets here as well as smaller food stores, bakery, butcher shop and a small fruit and vegetable market. Other quiet coves ideal for swimming are located not far from Milna, such as Osibova, Lučice and Maslinova bay.



Palmižana bay - photo source www.visit-hvar.com

On your third morning sail toward Pakleni islands, to St. Klement’s island. With distance of 12NM, and delightful Maestral blowing, you’ll be just in time for lunch in Palmižana bay. With crystal clear sea, rocky beaches and rich flora, Palmižana attracts many charter yachts offering also a well-equipped ACI marina, bars and restaurants with fish and meat specialties.
Next morning, spread your sails and sail toward island Vis, to Stončica bay, a discreet cove with beautiful beach surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation and the crystal clear sea. The underwater area has extremely slight decrease, so that even with 30m distance from the shore, the sea level is low and you are in water maybe up to your waist. These conditions are ideal for children and for non-swimmers who have are uncomfortable at great depths. On the beach is a restaurant which offers excellent gastronomic specialties and a wide selection of quality wine. For the ones who like a more active vacation, there’s also a playground for beach volleyball.

Komiža - photo source Tourist Board of Komiža

On the following day we recommend a visit to beautiful Komiža. Komiža is lovely fishermen village situated on the western coast of island Vis. It is a quiet place and less crowded than Vis, surrounded by narrow streets, attractive stone houses squeezed together along the harbor and splendid beaches. Along the entire eastern coast of Komiža bay you'll find many pebble beaches with fresh water springs, such as Gusarica, Nova Pošta, and Velo Žalo. Island Biševo is visible from Komiža (only 5 miles away). It is well known for its geomorphologic phenomenon - Blue Cave. We recommend you spend the night in Komiža, and sail out next morning to Maslinica on island Šolta.
Maslinica, just like Komiža, has a fishing tradition and atmosphere as well as a touristic one. Just at the entrance to the bay, there's a new marina placed on the right side and within, a Martinis-Marchi hotel. At Maslinica you can savor specialties of hotel's restaurant or enjoy them in a traditional konoba where you'll be served local wine and products. Visit a beach bar on the north side of bay or spend a romantic evening listening to “klapa” concerto - a form of traditional a cappella singing on the hotel's terrace. Next morning and lunch you can spend in Maslinica and go swimming in Šešula bay, a quite bay only half mile away from Maslinica. Later in the aternoon of the sixth day of your week at sea on Dalmatia Charter's sailing yacht, we recommend you sail back to Trogir, where our team will wait for you to help you fill the tank before the Friday’s rush in the marina.
We hope we you find Route 1 interested, and if you'll have any question or interests regarding these or other routes and sailing destinations we recommend, feel free to contact us at info@dalmatia-charter.hr, we'll gladly organize your sailing holiday.

Children on board - safety comes first

Sailing in Croatia on a chartered yacht can be a great opportunity for children to learn something about the life on the sea, nature and Croatia itself. However, having children on board can be as tricky as it is wonderful.
It is well known to every parent that kids can be easily bored so you need to pack plenty of things which will entertain them and make them busy. They can also be playful and clumsy on deck so ensure some safety features for your child to make sailing safe and fun.

It is important to set safety rules which you have to discuss with the children before the trip. Make sure safety rules are strictly followed, especially when younger children are involved. All children must wear a life jacket when on deck, no child goes on the fore deck when sailing, and if the weather gets really too rough, children must go down below. Beside these rules, parent supervision is inevitable.

If youngest ones are on board, we suggest a safety net. Safety net is the net that is advisable to have hung onto the boat's railing especially when sailing with small children and animals. It prevents children, toys, pieces of equipment or pets from falling overboard. Let Dalmatia Charter team know if you'll need a safety net installed and we'll put it on the boats fence.

Kids are more sensitive of environment change than adults, so make sure that you bring along enough seasickness medicines as well as for flu and stomachaches; sunscreen with a high SPF is a must. Those who bring babies onboard should bare in mind that baby food is not available in every island you sail to, especially if it needs special nurishment.

Children would enjoy their stay on the yacht as long as they find it fun, interesting and exciting, and their parents would enjoy their sailing trip as well! Enjoy sailing in Croatia carefree and safe by letting us know if you will need any equipment or accessories for children and we will include it on your sailing holiday provision.