Croatia 2025 Trip & Highlights!
- Episode 078 Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast
- Released: November 27, 2025
- Duration: 33 min 18 sec
“A return to Croatia – this time with more space, more relaxation and a very different kind of sailing trip.” ~ Sailing According to Coach Penny
I returned to Croatia for another sailing adventure, but this trip looks quite different from my previous visit. This time around I had a Lagoon 42 catamaran and I had an experienced crew. Part destination story and part practical charter reflection, this episode offers useful ideas for anyone considering a Croatian sailing holiday or wondering how boat choice and crew dynamics can shape a charter.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Consider how crew experience changes the feel of a charter
- Understand some of the comfort benefits of a cruising catamaran
- Use provisioning strategies to simplify life aboard
- Look beyond busy marinas for quieter Croatian anchorages
This was my second sailing trip to Croatia, and it was very different for a whole bunch of reasons! First off, I did not catch COVID on day three. Phew. I did not need that pain in the ass again. Been there. Done that. This time, I travelled through Rome and spent a couple of days visiting friends before heading to Croatia. As a bonus, it gave me a chance to get my jet lag sorted out before stepping aboard, which was very nice!
For this trip, I decided to charter a 42-foot catamaran. Between you and me, this was actually my first time handling a catamaran — and what a breeze! Having dual engines makes maneuvering under power ridiculously easy, particularly around docks and in tight spaces. If you’re considering a charter and you’re leaning more toward comfort than sailing performance, I would definitely recommend looking at a catamaran.
The other big difference on this trip was my crew. Several were former students, so they already knew how to sail. On my first trip to Croatia, I was primarily sailing with friends who had plenty of boating experience but not much actual sailing experience. Being a sailing coach, I wasn’t particularly worried about that, but it did mean I spent more time teaching and directing. This time around, having people aboard who could hoist the sails, trim and help run the boat without being coached through every step made the trip considerably more relaxing for me!
We lovingly nicknamed our catamaran, Vesper, the “Lazy-Boy of the Adriatic” — and for good reason. She was ridiculously comfortable for the seven of us. We had loads of room to spread out, plenty of communal space and enough privacy that nobody felt like they were living on top of one another. If you’re chartering with several couples, travelling with a larger group or simply appreciate having a little personal space aboard, a catamaran is definitely worth considering.
Of course, the Adriatic wasn’t going to let us get away without at least a little excitement. On the final day of our charter, we encountered winds of 30+ knots. We got soaked, managed to break pretty much every glass aboard, and definitely put Vesper through her paces. Despite all of that, the boat handled the conditions remarkably well. So there you have it — comfortable enough to earn the nickname Lazy-Boy of the Adriatic, but still capable when things got a little spicy!
We chartered through MK Yacht Explorers with the help of Nick from 45 Degree Sailing, and I would highly recommend both. I would also absolutely recommend the provisioning boxes. We hardly had to shop at all, had plenty of food aboard and got to enjoy a great selection of Croatian delicacies along the way.
All in all, Croatia round two was a very different experience from my first trip — a comfortable boat, a capable crew, fantastic food and just enough weather at the end to keep things interesting. And best of all? No COVID!
Cheers!
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love these too!
- Episode 068: Chartering in Croatia: Interview with Graham Toews
- Episode 077: Creating an Itinerary! The Basic Steps
- Episode 080: Three Generations, One Boat
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About Penny Caldwell
Penny Caldwell is a Canadian sailing educator, Sail Canada Instructor Evaluator, marine consultant, and host of the Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast. With nearly three decades of teaching experience, she is passionate about helping sailors of all skill levels build confidence, develop practical seamanship skills, and enjoy a lifetime on the water. Through her articles, podcast, instructor development programs, consulting, and sailing adventures, Penny shares real-world knowledge that makes sailing safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.
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Sailing is a lifelong learning journey, and some of the best ideas come from fellow sailors. Have a question about this topic, or a tip you’d like to share? Leave a comment below—I read every one and enjoy hearing about your experiences on the water!
