The Croatian Yachting Association (CRO.YA) show launched with its first ever yacht show in Split, Croatia. Sasha King, High Point Yachting’s founder, was one of the founding CRO.YA members and worked with a small group to ensure the show’s inaugural year was a success. The Yacht Charter Show was in fact a great triumph and extremely well received by the international yachting community. The selection of yachts was varied and at a very high standard. Split was the perfect host for a luxury crewed yacht event. The success of the show is still being discussed now, months later, around the world.
The much-anticipated yacht charter show was held in Split on the 4th – 6th October and showcased 42 yachts and their crews. Over 150 yacht brokers came from around the world to see not only what Croatia had to offer in terms of crewed yachts but also as a destination. The picturesque town of Split made for the perfect location to host the show. The Airport is about 40 minutes away, but once you arrive at the waterfront, hotels, shops, and restaurants are just a stone’s throw away. The participating yachts moored at the West Bank of Split town port, just a short walk from the old town. The dramatic cellars of Diocletian’s Palace (featured in Game of Thrones) set the stage for the closing gala.
The participating yachts varied in size from 42ft to 157ft and crews of 2 to 8. The crews embraced the new show, for many of them it was their first and they were incredibly positive. All crews welcomed brokers on board. They all spent time getting to know each other and sharing their love and passion for yachting. Crews were able to display their knowledge of the local area, sharing itineraries and their favourite routes. Numerous crew members participated in the show’s competitions: Chef’s Competition, Designer Water Competition and Tablescaping Competition.
The most widely anticipated competition was the Chef’s Competition. Participating chefs were challenged to present an innovative approach to Croatian cuisine. The standard of cooking exceeded all expectations and the guest judge, Michelin-trained chef Mike Jennings couldn’t have been more impressed. The other two judges were chef Ino Kuvacic and chef Ante Bjelancic ‘Bjelko’.
Chefs’ Competition Winners:
1st place – Mateo Rac of motor yacht “Annabel II”
2nd place – Luka Vulic of yacht “Corsario”
3rd place – Dalibor Perincic of yacht “Nocturno”
Tablescaping Competition Winner:
Tash Pericic of yacht “Scorpios”
The Designer Water Contest comprised about 18 entries and lots of enthusiasm. The judges were very impressed with the quality and presentation of the entries as well as the local passion for going green.
First Place: Yacht Corsario – Chief Steward and Barman (as he calls himself) Dario Topić dazzled the judges with not only beautifully prepared waters but with his totally “green” bar. Nothing goes to waste. Even the orange peels were recycled to the galley and used as an ingredient for the chef’s second place win in the Culinary Competition.
High Point Yachting had four yachts participating at the first show and all were highly praised by the charter brokers and visitors. We were exceptionally pleased with how well the owners and crews presented these yachts and were proud of the high standard we showcased.
Yacht CORSARIO – Described as the star of the show by many! Corsario won two prizes at the 1st show: 1st place at the Designer Water Competition and 2nd place at the Chef’s competition!
S/Y SAN LIMI – Described as ‘The surprise of the show. Everything was flawlessly prepared for viewings, with cabins spaces that exceeded expectations. The crews’ warmth and attention to detail made every moment memorable.’
M/Y HIDEAWAY – ‘This yacht is meticulously looked after, she is spotless!’ several brokers mentioned.
M/Y JOLIDOR – Jolidor was praised for her stylish interior and great indoor space as well as for her versatile flybridge.
Other yachts that stood out to us as great choices of crewed yachts for clients, were:
Motor Yacht: Happy Me
Happy Me was a real showstopper. A Benetti motor yacht with a difference, Happy Me was bursting with personality and is a little bit different. Immaculately styled, from the hand woven tapestries displayed on the walls to the onyx bar, nothing is too luxurious for Happy Me. The eye for detail that the owner has, is clear for everyone to see. The amenities available on board are unrivalled from a self-levelling pool table to the disco set up in the sky lounge. The water toys available are extensive and the massage room with on board masseuse is always a favourite with guests. Everything is a possibility with Happy Me.
Motor Yacht: Freedom
Often we work with clients who wish to charter as a larger group, but we struggle to find mini cruisers that we feel offer the same level of luxury and service that a super yacht (with typically 6 cabins) does. Now we have discovered Freedom, we no longer have this issue. Freedom has 11 cabins to accommodate up to 22 guests plus an additional 2 children. Each cabin is beautifully designed and styled to super yacht standard. Freedom is equipped with a huge range of amenities from the on-board cinema and gaming room to the salt water pool and jacuzzi. The crew are wonderful and incredibly welcoming. A really ‘fun’ group, they go above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable time on aboard, whether that is having a party evening on the flybridge or having some local musicians perform, they will help organise everything.
Catamaran: Amber One
A 2024 built motor catamaran, Amber One is a beautiful example of everything that a Sunreef 70 Power catamaran can be and more. We loved the darker walnut interiors, making it feel cosy and intimate as well as incredibly modern and stylish. Another bonus is that the four guest cabins are all the same size, making Amber One ideal for a group of couples. Finally, we loved the crew of Amber One and felt they really made an effort to go the extra mile to welcome us on board.
Following the closing of the show, many yachts hosted Brokers for Familiarisation trips. Brokers set sail around the Adriatic, stopping to enjoy everything the Adriatic has to offer those lucky enough to visit.
Read more about the FAM trip that competition winner CORSARIO hosted.
