15
May
Plan your sailing budget
How to plan your budget for a sailing trip
A sailing trip is an unforgettable adventure – but also one that needs to be well planned, especially financially. Whether you want to rent a sailing yacht or a catamaran: The costs can vary quickly. In this article, I will show you how to plan your budget for a sailing trip, what you should pay attention to and which hidden costs are often overlooked – especially if you want to charter a boat in Istria or rent a catamaran in Croatia.
1. Choose the right boat: sailing yacht or catamaran?
The choice between a sailing yacht and a catamaran has a major impact on your budget. A catamaran offers more space and comfort, but is usually more expensive to rent and moor.
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Sailing yacht: cheaper to charter, low consumption, good for experienced sailors.
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Catamaran: More stable, family-friendly, ideal for groups – but more expensive marinas and higher charter price.
Tip: If you are planning the trip with friends, a catamaran can even be cheaper by sharing the costs – despite the higher basic price.
2. Charter costs: The biggest expenses
The lion’s share of the budget goes towards the charter itself. Prices vary greatly depending on the season, type of boat and equipment.
Example prices for one week (as at 2025):
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Sailing yacht (40 feet): ca. 2.000–3.500 €
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Catamaran (approx. 40 feet): ca. 3.500–6.000 €
In addition, there are often:
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Final cleaning (100-250 €)
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Outboard motor for dinghy (80-120 €)
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Bed linen and towels (optional)
3. Realistically estimate ancillary costs
Here are some common additional costs that you should factor into your budget:
Marina and mooring fees
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In Istria you pay €50-150 per night, depending on the harbor and type of boat.
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Catamarans often pay 20-30% more than monohulls.
Fuel
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On average 100-250 € per week, depending on the area and engine hours.
Catering
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Self-catering: approx. 10-15 € per person and day.
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Restaurant visits: 20-50 € per person and meal, depending on requirements.
Arrival and departure
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If you charter a boat in Istria, you can easily reach many harbors by car – this saves on flight costs.
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Parking fees in the marinas: 5-10 € per day.
4. Security services and insurance
You have to pay a deposit (€1,000-3,000), which you get back when you return the car without any damage.
Recommended:
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Deposit insurance (approx. 100-200 €)
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Travel cancellation insurance (especially for early bookings)
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Skipper’s liability insurance, if you drive yourself
5. Saving tips for your sailing trip
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Secure early bird discounts – save up to 20%
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Use the low season: May, June or September are significantly cheaper than July and August
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Chartering a boat directly from the provider saves on agency fees
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With several crew members, many costs are shared
Our summary
A sailing trip is no bargain, but with good planning you don’t have to miss out on the adventure. First decide whether you would prefer to rent a sailing yacht or a catamaran, pay attention to additional costs and realistically calculate all items. Especially if you charter a boat in Istria, you can save a lot by making smart decisions – without sacrificing comfort or experience.
