Captivating insights shared by our experienced skipper, Alex. He has navigated the seas with expertise and passion. In this exclusive interview, we shine a spotlight on Alex's expertise and highlight some of the most intriguing answers that he shared with us. Join us as we uncover Alex's invaluable knowledge, sailing wisdom, and firsthand experiences that are sure to inspire and inform.

  • Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Alex, I live in Koblenz in Germany. I'm sailing for half of my life. I started when I was 14 years old in the Netherlands where you don't need a license to sail, so I could pick up my first skills. 


  • What is the number of times you have visited Croatia?

I've visited Croatia eight times and it was always sailing… 
Dubrovnik is one of the top cities in Croatia that I've seen so far. Hvar is also nice, and I love Trogir. 
- find places where Alex enjoys the most


  • What do you like the most about Croatia?

The most; I think it is the weather because in Germany is not so nice this year. Here is always a sunshine guarantee, every time I'm here, it is sun sun sun sun sun. Maybe one day was 10 minutes of rain in one week and the rest is just sunshine. The weather is awesome, but I also like Croatian people, and obviously the food. I love Croatian cuisine, it is very nice, and also the local restaurants that I've discovered on the islands, there are some hidden restaurants that are really nice... 
- Croatian traditional food
- Best months to sail in Croatia

  

  • How do you go about selecting your crew for sailing trips, and what qualities do you look for in your crew members?

It is always nice to have someone who has experience because it makes everything easier, you don't have to explain everything... 
That is what I'm always asking who sailed before and who would like to be the co-skipper for the week, that is also nice if you have someone because it helps, but it is not necessary. 

  • What is your opinion on responsible sailing practices, such as reducing plastic waste and respecting marine wildlife?

I think that is very important and I think it is getting bigger, and I think people are also more responsible than ten years ago... I can see customers; they come to the boat and they have sunscreens without microplastics.

  • What has sailing taught you?

On a sailing boat, you are short on resources like you have your water tanks and sometimes it is a challenge to survive one week with that water if you don't enter any Marina for one week. So you have to learn to live with less. You learn that you don't need so much to be happy, I think that is a key point when sailing.

  • In your opinion, what is the most essential item to pack for a vacation? 

Sunscreen, simple as that, but without sunscreen, you have one day of the holiday. Then sunglasses, because without sunglasses on a boat with the water and the reflection, it's very tough for your eyes. Everybody loves the sun, but you need to protect yourself, especially on the boat because the water is reflecting, and it's very intense.

  • Where are you planning to go for your next trip?

My next trip will be to Greece, starting from Athens in two weeks. That will be in August, after that, November will be my first time in the Caribbean. That will be a new experience, but I have to say I love Croatia a lot. I think I'm almost every year here. I'm always coming back to Croatia because it is very very nice here.


  • Finally, can you share any advice or tips for other sailors who are planning a trip to Croatia for the first time?

If you come here for the first time, obviously, if you need a boat, come to Sail Club Croatia because they are the best charter company. I've tried some and there are some good ones, but I made the best experiences here I have to say from the technical check-in to everything else to the communication, it is very nice and good.
Other tips for beginners, maybe try to go with someone who is a little bit more experienced because that can help and if possible don't sail alone, sail with other boats together because they can always help you and that will give you some safety.

Find more joyful reasons why Alex always returns to Sail Club Croatia and find out the destinations you were looking for.

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