A tandem yacht charter is when two or more yachts are chartered together by a group of friends or family to cruise together on the same itinerary. This allows the group to enjoy the sailing experience and explore the same destinations together while still having the privacy and amenities of their own individual vessels. The yachts typically stay within close proximity of each other during the charter period, and activities and meals are planned to involve the entire group. This type of charter is popular for special occasions or multi-generational family vacations. 

Having arranged a number of tandem yacht charters in Croatia here we discuss the challenges of a tandem yacht charter. The biggest challenge is to find two identical yachts and very often you end up offering a yacht that is a larger or a slighly higher standard than the other one. This will not be a problem if two yachts are chartered by the same family but it might pose a problem if the cost is split between a few charterers. There might be a bit of 'envy' element between the yachts if one has a large Jacuzzi and a larger sundeck, and the other one does not have a Jacuzzi.  Another challenge is organising a joint meal. The party very often end up on one of the yachts and want to spend a lot of time socialising. This is a bit of challenge for the crew for 2 reasons. One is the APA, for those who might not be familiar with this term this stands for an advanced allowance provisioning which is an amount of money added to the charter rate to cover the cost of meals, drinks etc. The APA is normally attributed to one yacht only and it cannot be transferred between two yachts. Having all guests on one yacht for evening meals requires a collaboration between the chef and enusring the APA is properly charged. 

When all guests are on one yacht, the crew must follow as well, which might pose some challenge for the crew who are not familiar with the yacht. This is the reason why some of the yachts refuse tandems. Some of the yachts will also have a maximum number of guests onboard while stationary so keep this in mind that not all yachts will be able to have a larger group onboard. This is largely to do with international maritime regulations, as yachts that carry more than 12 guests are legally considered to be passenger ships, which means they have to meet a different set of criteria to cruise at sea under the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC). 

When tandeming with 2 or 3 families very often the kids want to sleep on the other yacht or spend more time together. This might change the crew list (this is a document that lists all guests on the yacht during the charter), if the guests alternate between the yachts this might cause a bit of challenge for the crew list. 

Croatia is one of the rarest yachting destination that offers an opportunity to have a tandem yacht charter with almost identical yachts. Over the last few years the local shipyard have build this so called 'sundeck sailers' i.e. motor sailers that are almost identical and are a perfect choice for those looking for a tandem yacht charter. On average all of them are around 45m to 49m and have 6 cabins. The layout is pretty much the same, at the back a large aft deck with a full beam sofa and a dining table that extends to a large salon that leads to guests cabins down below. On the outside, a large sundeck with a bar and a Jacuzzi. 

LIFE IS GOOD 
A brand new 45m 'sundeck sailer' offering accommdoation for 12 guests in 6 en-suite cabins. With this option, there is one more double cabin and she can sleep 14 guests. On the outside, a large aft deck and a sundeck with a bar and a Jacuzzi. 

  

LADY GITA
Another 'sundeck sailer'. Built in 2019, she also offers 6 cabins, spacious aft deck and a sundeck with a bar and a Jacuzzi. 

  
AURUM SKY 
A 44m sundeck sailer with 6 double en-suite cabins accommodating 12 guests. A large aft deck with a round dining table and a full beam sofa at the back. Inside a large salon that leads to 6 guests cabins. A sundeck with a bar and a Jacuzzi. 

  

LOVE STORY 
A 44m sundeck sailer with 6 double en-suite cabins accommodating 12 guests. A large aft deck with a full beam sofa, and a dining table.