The newly formed Croatian Yachting Association (CRO.Y.A.) hosted its inaugural event, the CROYA Yacht Charter Show, in the city of Split from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October 2024.
It was a show that was extremely well received by the international yachting community, with positive feedback about the organization, the social agenda, the setting and the fleet that was on display. For those who were not with us this year, we would like to share some details and highlights.
There were 42 yachts in attendance, ranging from a 16.50m catamaran to a 52m luxury motor sailer and that translates into a cumulative length of 1.2941 metres. The show counted a total of 230 attendees, 257 crew members and 17 exhibitors.
Some of the finest crewed charter yachts (motor yachts, sailing yachts, motor sailers, catamarans and gulets) available for charter in Croatia joined us in Split and offered attendees the opportunity to visit and appraise them, meet the crew and enjoy the culinary creations of the yacht chefs during the many brokers’ lunches.
During the event, a chefs’ competition was held that challenged participating chefs to present an innovative approach to Croatian cuisine. It was organized by Mike Jennings, a Michelin-trained chef, who also sat on the panel of judges.
He was joined there by Chef Ino Kuvacic and Chef Ante Toni Bjelancic. After a fierce “battle”, the winners were announced at a lively awards ceremony and they are as follows: Chefs’ Competition 1 st place – Mateo Rac of “Annabel II” 2nd place – Luka Vulic of “Corsario” 3rd place – Dalibor Perincic of “Nocturno” Tablescaping Competition Tash Pericic of “Scorpios” A second competition was also held during the CROYA Yacht Charter Show, the CYBA Designer Water Competition and it was open to all attending yachts.
By producing and serving their own filtered drinking water for clients and crew, yachts can contribute to minimizing the use of plastic bottles.
The winner here was Dario Topic of “Corsario”. And there was certainly no shortage of networking opportunities at the 2024 CROYA Yacht Charter Show: an opening ceremony in the presence of local authorities at the Ambasador hotel, a welcome party at Fabrique Pub, a yacht hop evening and a spectacular gala closing event in the Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace.
It was at the closing event that the organizers announced the dates for the 2025 CROYA Yacht Charter Show which is scheduled to be held 29 September to 01 October in Split. CRO.Y.A. had the honor of organizing the inaugural show in partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and with the strong support of the local authorities, both town and county.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all involved in making this first show a reality: to our attendees who came from all corners of the globe, to our wonderful exhibitors, to the crew who worked day and night to ensure that everything was in perfect order and to our generous sponsors & prize-givers. It was an amazing first show and the best is yet to come!
