The Moorings Expands in Croatia: What It Means for Bareboat Clients

The Moorings Croatia bareboat charter 2026 now offers clients two distinct departure bases — Marina Agana near Trogir in the north, and a newer Dubrovnik base in the south — giving sailors and power-boaters more flexibility than ever before when planning an Adriatic holiday. The Dubrovnik base, which The Moorings launched in June 2024, marked the company's first presence in southern Dalmatia, and by 2026 it has matured into a fully operational option for anyone wanting to explore the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, Korčula, or even cross into Montenegrin waters. Whether you prefer the sailing playgrounds around Split and Šibenik or the dramatic limestone coastline south of Dubrovnik, the expanded fleet means you can now tailor your itinerary to your exact ambitions without compromising on departure point.

Why The Moorings Chose Dubrovnik

According to Sea-Help, the charter company cited Dubrovnik's strong international air connections as a key factor in its decision to open a southern base. The city's airport draws direct flights from across Europe and beyond, making it far easier for international clients to fly in, step aboard, and begin sailing the same day — without the long transfer north to Trogir. The Moorings had previously operated solely from Marina Agana, west of Trogir, for its Croatian operations. Adding Dubrovnik was a direct response to growing demand for motor yacht and power catamaran charters in the southern Adriatic.

The Flagship Vessel: Moorings 403PC Power Catamaran

The headline addition to the Dubrovnik fleet is the Moorings 403PC, the charter version of the Leopard 40 power catamaran built by the award-winning Robertson & Caine shipyard. Sea-Help reports that the vessel comes equipped with upgraded 320 hp Yanmar engines — more powerful than the standard 250 hp configuration — delivering a spirited performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Key features include:

• Three cabins with generous headroom and high-quality finishes throughout
• A fully equipped L-shaped galley for self-sufficient provisioning
• What The Moorings describes as the largest flybridge ever fitted on a 40-foot catamaran, providing panoramic views and a superb social space
• Aft cockpit, aft deck, and sun deck areas ideal for relaxing at anchor
• Onboard desalination and water-filtration systems that reduce marina dependency and support environmental goals

The 403PC is classified as a Level 1 power destination by The Moorings, meaning it is accessible to skippers with a recognised motor or powerboat licence, a VHF Radio Operator certificate, and at least 5 days or 100 miles of equivalent experience as skipper. This makes it a realistic option for moderately experienced boaters, not just seasoned offshore sailors.

Sailing Fleet at Marina Agana: The Northern Option

While Dubrovnik grabs headlines, Marina Agana remains an excellent base for sailing yacht charters. Situated west of Trogir, it places charterers within easy reach of the central Dalmatian islands — Šibenik, Krka National Park, Hvar, Brač, and Vis — that form the backbone of Croatia's most popular sailing circuits. The Moorings has progressively refreshed its sailing fleet across its global bases; the company has been introducing modern Dufour monohulls to its worldwide lineup, and clients booking from Marina Agana can expect well-maintained, contemporary sailing yachts suited to both novice and intermediate crews.

What Licensing Do You Need in 2026?

Croatia's charter licensing rules remain consistent and are clearly outlined by both The Moorings and Sunsail. Here is what every bareboat client must know before departure:

• Minimum age: The skipper must be at least 18 years old.
• Sailing licence: A minimum of an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), SLC, or RYA Day Skipper qualification is required. The Moorings specifies that original certificates — not photocopies — must be presented at base check-in.
• VHF radio licence: Mandatory for all skippers. It must be submitted alongside the sailing licence.
• Pre-departure paperwork: The Moorings requires that your sailing licence and full crew list be submitted to local authorities no later than 14 days before departure. Failure to do so can delay or prevent your charter from commencing.
• Power/motor charters: Skippers taking the 403PC or any motorboat must hold a recognised Motor or Powerboat licence from a certified authority, in addition to a VHF certificate.

Sunsail notes that Croatia is rated a Level 1 sailing destination — the easiest category — characterised by line-of-sight navigation, lazy-line mooring, and generally calm conditions. This makes it one of the most forgiving environments in the Mediterranean for first-time charterers and families with young children.

Itinerary Highlights from Each Base

From Dubrovnik

Sea-Help outlines several natural cruise circuits from the Dubrovnik base. Heading northwest, skippers can thread through the Elaphiti Islands — Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan — before continuing along the Stonski Canal to the medieval salt-town of Ston and Mali Ston, famous for its oysters. A westward route opens up Mljet National Park (entry permits required; anchoring restricted to designated zones), Lastovo, and Korčula. For something different, a southeast passage via Cavtat leads into Montenegrin waters, where Herceg-Novi, Tivat, the iconic island church of Gospa od Škrpjela, and the UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor all await within a short cruise.

From Marina Agana (Trogir area)

The northern base suits sailors who want to maximise island-hopping across central Dalmatia. Hvar's vibrant harbour, the remote beaches of Vis, the waterfalls of Krka, and the cathedral city of Šibenik are all within comfortable day-sail range. Sunsail describes this region as ideal for couples, families, and groups who want a mix of lively marinas and quiet, uninhabited anchorages.

Practical Costs to Budget For

Beyond the charter fee itself, clients should factor in mooring costs. According to Sunsail, average marina fees in Croatia range from approximately EUR 42 for a 36-foot yacht in low season to EUR 160 for a 55-foot yacht in high season, with busy harbours commanding a premium. Fuel, provisioning, and any national park entry permits (Mljet, Kornati) are additional. Booking early for peak July and August weeks is strongly advised, as both bases fill quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a complete beginner charter a bareboat from The Moorings in Croatia?

Croatia is a Level 1 destination, which means it is among the most accessible sailing environments in the world. However, you still need a recognised sailing licence (ICC or equivalent) and a VHF certificate. If you do not hold these qualifications, The Moorings can arrange a skippered charter or you can book a flotilla option through affiliated operators.

Is the Dubrovnik base only for power catamarans?

At launch, The Moorings introduced the 403PC motor catamaran as its flagship vessel at Dubrovnik. Clients seeking sailing yachts in southern Croatia should confirm current fleet availability directly with The Moorings, as the lineup may evolve. The northern Marina Agana base has an established sailing fleet.

How far in advance should I submit my crew list and licence documents?

The Moorings requires all documentation — sailing licence, crew list, and VHF certificate — to be submitted at least 14 days before departure. Croatian port authorities must receive this information prior to the yacht leaving the marina, so late submissions can jeopardise your start date.

Can I sail from Dubrovnik into Montenegro?

Yes. A popular extension of the Dubrovnik itinerary heads southeast via Cavtat into Montenegrin waters, visiting Kotor Bay and its historic towns. Note that crossing an international border requires additional paperwork; confirm entry requirements and any applicable cruising permits with The Moorings base team before departure.