Below Deck Med Season 11: What Akira One Teaches Charter Guests

If you have been watching Below Deck Mediterranean Season 11 and wondering what it would actually be like to charter a superyacht in Croatia, the show's star vessel gives you a remarkably detailed masterclass. The below deck mediterranean charter yacht croatia experience on display is built around M/Y Akira One — a 170-foot Benetti superyacht sailing the Dalmatian coast — and every episode is packed with practical lessons about what to expect, how to behave, and why the right yacht makes all the difference.

Meet Akira One: The Superyacht at the Centre of Season 11

Robb Report describes Akira One as the first hull in Benetti's celebrated Golden Bay series, delivered in 1998 with an exterior by naval architect Stefano Natucci and an interior originally conceived by Luxury Projects Zuretti Design. Despite nearly three decades on the water, the yacht looks remarkably fresh thanks to comprehensive refits in both 2012 and 2022, the latter including a completely refreshed interior once again by Zuretti Design.

The key technical specifications, as reported by Robb Report, are impressive:

• Length: 170 feet (approximately 52 metres)
• Propulsion: Twin MTU engines producing 2,226 hp combined
• Top speed: 18 knots
• Cruising speed: 14 knots
• Range: 3,000 nautical miles
• Stabilisers: Zero-speed stabilisers for comfort at anchor and underway
• Guest capacity: Up to 12 guests across six en suite cabins

The accommodation layout, according to Robb Report, includes a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck with a private study and a large hot tub in the en suite, one double cabin on the upper deck, two VIP cabins and two twin cabins on the lower deck. Outdoor spaces include a sundeck with a hot tub, BBQ station and sunbeds, an upper-deck alfresco dining area for ten, and an aft deck lounge leading to a large swimming platform.

Megayacht News reports that the water-toy selection includes an inflatable slide that attaches to the top deck, a full inflatable water park complete with seesaws, towable tubes, and more. According to Fraser Yachts, where Akira One is listed for charter, the weekly base rate starts at €176,000 — roughly $203,000 — making her one of the more accessible entry points in the true superyacht category.

Croatia as a Charter Destination: Why the Show Gets It Right

Season 11 is filmed along the Croatian Dalmatian coast, and the backdrop is not just scenery — it is a genuine argument for chartering in this part of the Adriatic. Croatia consistently ranks among Europe's top sailing destinations thanks to its 1,200-plus islands, clear turquoise water, and a string of UNESCO-listed medieval towns accessible directly by sea.

The GetBoat Blog's Croatia Yacht Charter Guide 2026 notes that the sailing season runs from May through October, with the shoulder months of May–June and September–October offering the best balance of calm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Peak summer (July–August) brings the most reliable sunshine but also the busiest anchorages — exactly the conditions you see on screen when the crew scrambles for a good spot near Uvala Spilice.

For guests chartering at a more modest budget than Akira One's weekly rate, the GetBoat Blog reports that a one-week bareboat charter on a 40–45-foot monohull runs roughly €2,000–€5,500 depending on the season, while catamarans command a premium above that. Skippered charters are also widely available and require no sailing licence on the guest's part — a practical option for first-timers inspired by the show.

Lessons Every Charter Guest Should Take from Season 11

1. Respect the Captain and Crew — Always

The most dramatic moment of Season 11 so far came in Episode 3, documented by Bravo, when charter guest Adis clashed repeatedly with bosun Nathan Gallagher after being asked to follow basic safety instructions during departure. Her boyfriend Josef ultimately had to ask the crew to expedite her removal from the yacht. The takeaway is simple: the captain and crew are legally responsible for your safety. Instructions about docking, departure, and on-deck behaviour are not suggestions — they are safety requirements. Ignoring them does not just create drama; it can end your charter early.

2. Understand What a Weekly Base Rate Actually Covers

The €176,000 weekly base rate listed by Fraser Yachts for Akira One is exactly that — a base rate. On a superyacht of this calibre, guests should budget an additional 30–35% on top for Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which covers fuel, food, beverages, port fees, and other running costs. This is standard across the industry and is not unique to Akira One. Knowing this before you board prevents unpleasant surprises at the end of the week.

3. Communicate Preferences Clearly Before You Board

Chief stew Aesha Scott and her team work hard to personalise every charter, but they can only deliver on preferences they know about. The preference sheet submitted before embarkation is your opportunity to specify dietary requirements, preferred activities, cabin temperature, pillow firmness, and even the brands of spirits you want stocked. The more detail you provide, the better the experience. Season 11 repeatedly shows how vague or last-minute requests create unnecessary stress for both guests and crew.

4. Plan Your Itinerary — But Stay Flexible

Captain Sandy Yawn and her crew navigate Akira One through some of Croatia's most spectacular anchorages, but weather and sea conditions always have the final say. The Adriatic's Bora wind can arrive with little warning, and even a vessel equipped with zero-speed stabilisers will adjust its route when conditions demand it. Guests who arrive with a loose wish-list of destinations — rather than a rigid schedule — consistently have a better time. Trust the captain's local knowledge; it is part of what you are paying for.

5. Make Full Use of the Water Toys

One of the most underused aspects of any superyacht charter is the water-toy inventory. Akira One's inflatable water park, slide, and towable tubes are available to guests at no extra cost, yet many charter guests spend the bulk of their time on the sundeck. Croatia's calm, clear anchorages — particularly in the islands south of Split — are ideal for paddleboarding, snorkelling, and jet-skiing. Ask the deck team to set everything up; that is precisely what they are there for.

The Crew Making It All Happen

Season 11's crew, as listed by Bravo, includes Captain Sandy Yawn, chief stew Aesha Scott, bosun Nathan Gallagher, chef Joy Lefaucheur, stews Gen Lillie, Kayley Smith, and Kat Johnston, and deckhands Joe Bradley, Cooper Dawson, and Luke Brumer. The dynamic between Nathan and Joe — former friends now navigating a professional relationship — runs as a subplot throughout the season and is a reminder that the crew's interpersonal chemistry directly affects the atmosphere on board. When you charter a yacht, you are not just hiring a vessel; you are hiring a team, and their cohesion matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly does Below Deck Mediterranean Season 11 film in Croatia?

According to Bravo, Season 11 follows Akira One sailing around Croatia over eight weeks. Specific locations shown on screen include the anchorage near Uvala Spilice. The Dalmatian coast, with its chain of islands between Split and Dubrovnik, forms the primary cruising ground.

How much does it cost to charter Akira One?

Fraser Yachts lists Akira One's weekly base rate starting at €176,000 (approximately $203,000). This does not include APA, crew gratuity, or other running costs, which typically add 30–35% to the total.

Do I need a sailing licence to charter a yacht in Croatia?

For a bareboat charter, yes. The GetBoat Blog's Croatia Yacht Charter Guide 2026 notes that accepted qualifications include the ICC, RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster, or an equivalent national licence, plus a VHF radio licence. A skippered charter requires no licence on the guest's part.

When is the best time to charter in Croatia?

The GetBoat Blog recommends May–June or September–October for the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and more competitive pricing. July and August offer the most reliable sunshine but are the busiest and most expensive months.