Croatia Yacht Charter Show 2026: Meet the Yachts & Crews Behind the Experience
Updated: 4 days ago
Some yacht shows are about the yachts. The best ones are about the people who bring them to life.
Captain Randy and I traveled to Split, Croatia, for the 2026 CROYA Yacht Charter Show. We returned home with wonderful memories, new connections, and an even greater appreciation for the talented captains, chefs, and interior crew who make a luxury yacht charter so much more than a beautiful boat and a spectacular destination.
After 18 years as owner-operators of a 72-foot charter yacht and a decade as yacht charter brokers, we know firsthand how much skill, teamwork, creativity, and care go into creating an exceptional guest experience. Our time in Split reminded us just how much talent exists within the ever growing Croatian charter fleet.
A gathering of the international yachting community
Hosted by the Croatian Yachting Association (CRO.Y.A.) from September 28 through October 1, the third CROYA Yacht Charter Show brought together yacht charter professionals from around the world.
The numbers tell part of the story:
36 yachts on display, ranging from 16.56-meter catamarans to a 55-meter luxury motor yacht
222 brokers and central agents
118 crew members
12 exhibitors
But the real magic was in the experiences happening aboard those yachts and throughout the city.
From the first-ever Captains' Dinner to the official opening aboard XCAPE, the welcome party at Taboo Beach Club, yacht visits, and lively evening gatherings, there were plenty of opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new people who share our passion for the charter industry.
We especially appreciated the hospitality shown by the crews. Every yacht had its own personality, and every crew brought something different to the experience. Some impressed us with their culinary creativity, others with thoughtful presentation, local knowledge, or the warmth and enthusiasm they brought to welcoming guests aboard.
Those details matter. They're also exactly why we believe in getting aboard yachts, meeting their crews, and experiencing their hospitality firsthand before recommending them to our clients.
Celebrating the chefs who make dining at sea extraordinary
One of the highlights of the show was the chefs' competition, themed “Drops of Gold.” The challenge was to put Croatian olive oil at the heart of every course, including dessert.
It was a wonderful showcase of local ingredients, culinary imagination, and the remarkable skills of the chefs working aboard these yachts.
The competition was judged by three accomplished chefs: Rudolf Stefan of Michelin-starred Pelegrini in Šibenik, Karlo Kaleb of Michelin-starred Krug in Split, and Ante Toni Bjelančić of Gastromare in Kobaš.
Congratulations to the winners:
First place: Lucija Smoljo of Farben
Second place: Duje Dumbelović of Renata and Artem Cherednichenko of Dream
Third place: Luka Vrdoljak of Zora Nua
We were particularly delighted to spend time aboard Farben during the show. The creative menu was delicious, beautifully presented, and a great example of the thought that goes into dining aboard a crewed yacht. The crew was engaging, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to be around.
One of our most memorable lunches was curing the yacht show was aboard 57' Catamaran Farben, where we had the pleasure of tasting the very dishes Chef Lucia created for the CROYA Yacht Charter Show’s culinary competition. The menu featured nectarine gazpacho with lamb tartare, confit lamb with peas, and olive oil cake with nectarine and vanilla espuma, paired with Zure Grk Reventón Sur Lie wine. The competition theme, “Drops of Gold,” challenged chefs to put Croatian olive oil in the spotlight, and it was fascinating to experience the creativity and skill behind Luci's presentation firsthand. Every course was beautifully presented, full of unexpected flavors, and a wonderful showcase of Croatian ingredients. The Farben crew made the entire experience even better with their warmth, enthusiasm, and engaging personalities. It was a delicious reminder that aboard a luxury crewed yacht, exceptional dining is about much more than the food itself — it’s the talent, creativity, and genuine hospitality that make it special.
Experiences like this help explain why yacht charter dining can be so special. You're not simply choosing items from a restaurant menu. Your chef creates a personalized experience around your group's preferences, the destination, fresh ingredients, and the occasion.
And yes, sometimes lunch aboard a yacht deserves a Michelin-star comparison!
Beautiful tables, thoughtful details, and memorable hospitality
A great meal is about more than what's on the plate. The setting, presentation, and atmosphere all contribute to the experience.
The tablescaping competition, themed “Honouring Our Roots,” challenged interior crew to create table settings inspired by the olive tree that complemented the chefs' menus.
We were personally thrilled to see the winner was Nadja Bonaci of Farben.
It was a lovely reminder that the crew members working behind the scenes play an equally important role in creating the feeling of a luxury charter. From setting an inviting table to anticipating a guest's needs, these details help transform a meal into a memory.
Creativity beyond the galley
The show also celebrated crew talent through two additional competitions.
The CYBA Designer Water Competition
Participating yachts to created filtered drinking water infused with Croatian herbs and flowers. It was a creative way to showcase local flavors while helping reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Congratulations to Barbara Sinicic and Ana Milicevic of 75' 6" Yacht Charter Catamaran Opal Adriatic for taking first place.
We enjoyed seeing Catamaran Sea Dreams win 3rd place as we had been onboard for lunch! See video!
The CROYA Cocktail Competition also returned in 2026, with interior crew putting their own creative spin on cocktail service. Rara Avis and 70' Yacht Charter Catamaaran Amber One shared first place in a closely contested competition.
These events highlight something we love about the charter industry: talented crew members are continually finding new ways to make the guest experience personal, thoughtful, and fun.
Why firsthand experience matters to our clients
At Avanta Yacht Charters, we believe choosing a yacht is about much more than comparing length, cabin layouts, water toys, and photographs.
Those things matter, of course. But the crew is what brings the experience together.
A knowledgeable captain can introduce your group to quiet anchorages, charming coastal villages, and favorite local spots. A talented chef can turn fresh regional ingredients into meals you'll talk about long after you return home. An attentive interior crew can make a special celebration feel effortless, whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or with a group of friends.
That's why Randy and I make a point of visiting yachts, talking with captains and crew, and learning what makes each charter different. Our years working aboard a charter yacht gave us a unique appreciation for the people behind the scenes, and our work as brokers allows us to share that knowledge with our clients.
We can't overstate how much we enjoyed meeting the crews in Split. Their professionalism, creativity, enthusiasm, and warm hospitality made the show memorable, and we're grateful for the time they shared with us.
Croatia is calling
The Croatian coastline offers so much to discover, from historic waterfront cities and charming fishing villages to quiet bays, clear Adriatic waters, and wonderful local cuisine. Exploring it by private yacht gives you the freedom to experience the coast at your own pace, with a professional crew taking care of the details.
When to Charter a Crewed Yacht in Croatia:
The yacht charter season in Croatia begins in April & ends in October. Enjoy choosing the islands you want to visit with this Sample Sailing Itinerary.
High season for charter yachts is from the last week of July until the first week of September. Keep in mind that the water will still be chilly in April & May, but by June the water temperatures reach a pleasant 74°F. If snorkeling & swimming at beaches and anchorages are important, the months of June, July & August are ideal. Temperatures average between 73°F-86°F, making it the ideal time to go!
Low Season: May & October
Mid Season: June & September
High Season: July & August
The CROYA Yacht Charter Show gave us an even deeper appreciation for the yachts and talented people who make these journeys possible.
To the organizers, exhibitors, captains, chefs, and every crew member who welcomed us aboard: thank you for sharing your yachts, your skills, and your hospitality with us. We came away inspired, and we're already looking forward to sharing these discoveries with our clients.
Ready to Explore Croatia by Private Yacht?
From historic coastal towns and secluded swimming spots to exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, Croatia is a wonderful destination to discover aboard a private crewed yacht.
At Avanta Yacht Charters, we help you find a yacht and crew suited to your group, travel style, and plans. Our firsthand industry experience helps us look beyond the photographs to understand what makes each charter different.
Let's plan your Croatia yacht charter.
Visit AvantaYachtCharters.com to start planning your Croatian yacht charter adventure.
Because the best charters aren't just about where you go. They're about the people who make you feel at home along the way!
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