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Inspired by the traditional gulet, purpose-built Croatian contemporary motorsailers offer the comfort and service of small luxury boutique hotels.
Moored in Split, Corsario (157ft; 6 cabins, sleeps 12) is one of several Croatian contemporary motorsailers built at the Radež shipyard in Korčula in 2019. “Corsario is our dream yacht,” says Pave Lacić (first mate and co-owner). “We wanted to make something with a traditional exterior and a modern interior.” Corsario is magnificent, with broad teak decks, a saloon with a bar and dining area, and several elegant, secluded lounges inside and out.
“It’s possible to go on the sails, but she’s a big boat, so can’t reach great speed – the fastest we’ve done with all sails up, and the ideal wind is 5.5 knots”, explains Pave. “Combining engine and sails, we’ve achieved 13 knots”.
Down below, in the sleeping quarters, the corridor and cabins have deep pile carpets – lovely and soft underfoot. “We’re proud of the sound insulation – the walls are double thickness,” says Pave. The vast Master cabin has a king-size bed, a bathroom with twin basins, a walk-in shower, and underfloor heating. The curved light-filled VIP cabin is located aft for privacy. All cabins have air-conditioning, dimmer lights, a mini-bar, a TV, a sound system, and a safe box.
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The crew (of eight) has separate quarters, and the clever layout makes them almost invisible. “We love our jobs – we’ve worked together for years and know how to take care of guests,” says Pave. “It’s teamwork – we’re friends, not just professionals.”
Up on the flybridge, overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, there’s a sunbathing area with a jacuzzi, sauna, and a push-button “waiter” bell. Water toys include sea kayaks, SUPs, and a jet ski.
“My perfect day would be calm and sunny with a gentle breeze,” muses Pave. “We’d sail to remote Lastovo island, stop in a secluded bay, get out the water toys for the guests, then I’d catch fresh fish for dinner.”
Croatian Contemporary Motorsailer Dalmatino
Likewise, Dalmatino (142 Feet; 6 cabins, sleeps 12), a tremendous Croatian contemporary motorsailer with teak decks and a light-filled minimalist white interior, was built in Croatia in 2019. Owner-captain Andrija Ercegović shows us the superb Master cabin, with a jacuzzi next to the bed. There’s another jacuzzi on the top deck, plenty of space for dining and sunbathing, and a selection of water toys.
While sailing the blissful Dalmatian islands, Andrija can arrange various activities, including big game fishing off the Pelješac peninsular. “One guest caught a nine-stone tuna,” he says. “That made his holiday!” To be sure, there’s no better way to accompany barbecued tuna steaks than with several bottles of potent Dingač red wine from Pelješac, home to Croatia’s most esteemed vineyards.
