Kosher Sailing in Croatia

The island of Murter is separated from the mainland by a narrow sea canal at Tisno spanned by a 12 meter draw-bridge. Four settlements make up this lovely island – Murter, Betina, Jezera and Tisno – and it has been inhabited for nearly two millennia. We’ll wake up to a leisurely breakfast at Murter and then can go exploring the island either by foot, bike or ATV (Quad Bike).

In the early afternoon we’ll continue to Sibenik anchoring in the bay off the town and exploring the town in the late afternoon with an option of visiting the St. Nicholas Fortress, hiking along St. Anthony’s Canal Hiking Trail or having a guided tour of the town.

Today’s adventure begins when we leave Sibenik and start our journey up the river to Skradin. On the way, we’ll be able to stop to swim in the fresh water and be awed by the canyon walls as we proceed up-river. Eventually we’ll arrive at the town of Skradin where we’ll be staying for Shabbat and after lunch you will be able to walk, cycle or use a river boat to go to the incredible Krka National Park to see the waterfalls and do the circular hike.

You’ll be back in time for Shabbat and can choose to spend it on the boat or stay in a hotel or B&B nearby and come to the boat for meals.

You’ll be spending Shabbat day relaxing in the town of Skradin which is know for its charm and proximity to natural beauty. You’ll be able to go for a walk around the town and can climb up to the medieval Fortress of Turina that provides panoramic views of Skradin and the surrounding landscape. If you’re an old car buff.. we can arrange for a visit to the Budicki Car Museum (also known as The Museum of Historical Vehicles and Industrial Heritage) which is known for its collection of 30 cars covering the history 120 years of automobile history in Croatia.

On Motsai Shabbat, you’ll no doubt want to go into town for a drink where we’ll often find live music and a lively atmosphere.

We’ll be leaving Skradin early on Sunday morning to go back down the river into the Adriatic Sea and over to the Kornati National Park, a stunning archipelago comprising 89 islands, islets, and reefs. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the park offers crystal-clear waters where we’ll be sailing and swimming and we can arrange diving for those who are interested. You’ll be able to explore rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and see diverse marine life. Highlights include the historic Tureta Fortress and with limited human habitation, Kornati provides a serene escape into nature.

On Sunday night we’ll be anchoring under the stars inside the Kornati national park or may continue to the Telašćica Nature Park depending on our progress.

Today we’ll be visiting the spectactular Telašćica Nature Park, located on Dugi Otok island. Here we’ll have a guided tour of the visitors centre and have the option to go kayaking, walking or swimming. The park is a stunning blend of land and sea ecosystems covering 70.5 km² and is renowned for the sheltered Telašćica Bay, dramatic cliffs rising up to 161 meters and the salt lake Mir. With over 400 plant species and a rich marine ecosystem, Telašćica offers diverse habitats for flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. The park also features historical sites, including ancient Roman ruins and the 19th-century Tajer Lighthouse on Sestrica Vela island.

We’ll start our journey back to Sukosan by sailing back through the islands and stopping off at a number of locations which depending on your preferences can be places to relax and swim or go ashore and walk/cycle. There is no shortage of secluded bays or small towns that we can visit and we will decide also according to the weather conditions and the wind. We’ll arrive back at the Sukosan marina early evening for a final dinner together.

We’re looking forward to raising the sails and dropping the anchor with you! Unless otherwise stated, each trip is 7 days from 15:00 on the first day to 09:00 a week later. Trips longer than 7 days can be arranged (and are more relaxed with more time to see all the islands). Please speak to us!

The terms and conditions listed below may be updated from time to time. A final version will be sent to you for your signature as part of the booking process.

Payment Terms

• For bookings more than 6 months in advance:
  • 20% refundable deposit to secure the booking.
  • 30% non-refundable payment by 30th November for the Mediterranean or by 31st May for the Caribbean
• For bookings less than 6 months in advance:
  • 50% non-refundable payment to secure the booking.
• 50% balance payable 60 days before departure (non-refundable)
• If payment deadlines are missed, we reserve the right to cancel the booking with no refunds (see below).

Refunds and cancellation

• The 20% deposit is fully refundable until the second payment of 30% is due.
• No refunds can be given, however in the event you need to cancel, we will make every reasonable effort to find someone to take your place. If a discount needs to be offered to fill the place, you will be reimbursed proportionally.
• Your booking is transferable in case you need to cancel and arrange a replacement yourself and either you or a 3rd party take care of any outstanding payments.
• If we have to cancel due to a force majeur (including but not limited to war and weather) we will offer you a credit for the full amount towards a future trip.
• In the unlikely event that we need to cancel for any other reason, we will offer you the option to rebook for a different trip subject to our future plans or you will be entitled to a full refund.

Shabbat

• Shabbat accommodation off the boat is not included.
• We will always do our best to find a suitable mooring for shabbat but due to weather conditions or crowded marinas/ports this cannot be guaranteed.
• We expect you to respect Shabbat in the common areas of the boat but are free to do as you wish in your own cabin. Similarly, you are free to go ashore and do as you wish on Shabbat.
• If you do not wish to spend shabbat on the boat, we are happy to help you find a suitable AirBnB or hotel and you can join us on the boat for meals.
• Toilets on the boat are electric. For our shomer shabbat guests, we have a number of solutions including use of the crew toilet, use of public (marina) bathrooms and other creative solutions that we will explain.

Travel to/from the base

• We are not responsible for any travel arrangements to or from the marina that will be our base. This is at your own expense.
• We sail on time! It is your responsibility to arrive at the appointed sailing day and time. If you are late, you will need to find ferry or boat transportation to catch up with us!
• Your participation in our sailing trip will only be finalized and confirmed after the deposit has been paid and you receive written confirmation of your acceptance as a crew member. We urge you not to book flights or make travel plans until you receive this from us.
• Unfortunately, we are not responsible for the weather and sometimes there may be delays or changes in schedule according to the conditions.

Children

• There are no formal age limitations of who can be on board, however for the comfort of everyone, we do not encourage you to bring babies or toddlers who may decide to climb over the rail and jump in the water when unattended!
• Please talk to us if you wish to bring children under 8 years old and we will decide together if this is appropriate and safe for everyone.

Off-Boat Activities

• Activities off the boat operated by third parties will be arranged by us but the fee is not included and payment will be made by you directly to the provider. This includes but is not limited to tour guides, bike, ATV or kayak rental or water sports (such as jet ski or paragliding).
• We take no responsibility for any off-boat activities you choose to participate in and you do so at your own risk. You waive any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may be sustained by you or any in your party while participating in these activities.

Health and fitness

• In order to come sailing with us, you need to be able to swim and to be reasonably fit.
• The level of fitness expected would be for you to be able to climb into a dinghy and row a short distance to shore.
• We reserve the right to request a doctor’s approval for you to join us if you are pregnant, have a chronic illness or have been hospitalized in the last 6 months.

Safety

• You will receive an extensive safety briefing when you come on board and before we set sail.
• We only use boats which meet all international safety standards and are equipped with a life raft, flares, life belts and all other safety equipment required by the regulations.
• You are required to obey the skipper’s instructions at all time. Not doing so may put you or other guests at risk and failure to follow the skipper’s commands may result in you being requested to leave the boat at the nearest location that you can be transferred to land. In this case, you will waive all rights to compensation or a refund of any unused days of the sailing vacation and it will be your own responsibility to organize onward accommodation and transport.

Insurance

• The boat is insured by the charter company and the skipper has additional insurance.
• You are required to purchase travel insurance that includes rescue at sea and emergency evacuation from sea (in the event of a medical emergency). Standard travel insurance policies may not cover this.
• You will be responsible for any damage you cause to the boat either directly or indirectly to the sum of €5000 or according to the insurance policy conditions of the boat, whichever is higher. You will also be charged by us for any time and costs we incur to resolve the incident.
• The fee for clearing a blocked toilet is €350 excluding parts (charged in addition).

Kashrut and other Dietary Requirements

• Kosher Sailing is under the supervision of the Global Orthodox Kosher organization.
• There is no mashgiach on board. If you require one, there will be an additional payment required and he/she will require a cabin.
• All kashrut policies will be explained and all questions answered prior to payment.
• Every effort will be made to meet specific requests for kashrut but no guarantees can be made.
• We will do our best to meet any specific dietary requirements but please speak to us early on about any requests you may have.