Do Americans Really Do Sailweek? Yes — And Here’s What Surprised Me.

When you Google “sailing Croatia,” most Americans only discover one huge, well-known sailing company. It’s the one influencers tag constantly and the one that dominates Instagram.

But when I was actually researching sailing holidays, another name kept coming up: Sailweek.

Similar concept.
Same islands.
Same seven-day sailing trip.
But described everywhere as more authentic, more personal, and way better value.

My only concern?
Do Americans actually book this?
Or was I signing myself up to be the lone U.S. passport in Croatia?

I booked anyway — a Deluxe Catamaran with one friend — and the entire week completely changed my expectations.

Here’s everything that surprised me.

1. There were Americans on my week — not the majority, but definitely a solid group

One of my biggest questions before booking was whether any other Americans actually join Sailweek.

Turns out: yes.
Not a full boat of them… but enough to feel at home.

On my route, about 30–35% were American or Canadian, with the rest a friendly mix of Aussies, Brits, Europeans and elsewhere.

That balance was perfect.
You get people from home, but you also get the international vibe that makes these trips special.

I even met a group of Americans from Chicago who had done another sailing company before, and they told me:

“This feels way more relaxed and personal. That one was fun, but this suits us way better.”

Hearing that made me realise I hadn’t booked some random second choice — I’d booked the one people return to after comparing different companies.So no, it’s not dominated by Americans.
But there were more than enough that I immediately felt comfortable.

2. The Deluxe Catamaran was on another level (and worth every cent)

Our Deluxe Catamaran setup was insane — seriously the highlight of the entire trip.

We had:

• A private cabin for two
  
• Air conditioning at night
  
• A generator
  
• A private host
  
• Daily fresh breakfast + lunch
  
• The Feast Food Package (including alcohol & snacks)
  

Our host cooked every day using local produce and Mediterranean recipes.
Think: salads with fresh feta, grilled meats, pasta dishes, omelettes, fruit platters, mini desserts — not basic snacks, but proper meals.

And the food? Unreal.

If you’re American and you appreciate comfort, space, cold A/C, and genuinely good food…

Book the Deluxe Catamaran.
It transforms the whole experience.

3. Sailweek felt more authentic than the other sailing companies I compared

Sailweek consistently came across as:

• more affordable
  
• more personal
  
• less commercial
  
• more connected to local islands and towns
  
• and offering the same or better boat quality
  

Once we arrived, it all made sense.

Nothing felt scripted or mass-produced.
Nothing felt touristy or “for show.”
The staff actually knew the towns, the hidden bays, and even the restaurant owners.

It felt like traveling with a company that genuinely lives in Croatia — not one trying to replicate the same formula everywhere.

4. The Croatia Party Route was perfectly balanced (not just nightlife)

I assumed the Party Route was going to be… well… all party.

But the balance was spot on.

Days were:

• swimming in turquoise water
  
• paddleboarding
  
• cliff jumping
  
• exploring old towns
  
• grabbing lunch in small local spots
  
• chilling on deck
  
• watching golden hour from the nets
  

Nights were:

• Hvar bars
  
• sunset DJs
  
• raft parties
  
• beach clubs
  
• wine bars in medieval streets
  

You can push it as hard as you want — or take it easy.
The route sets the stage, but the vibe of your group shapes the week.

For me, the raft party was the peak.
All the yachts connect into one floating party, music playing, hosts bringing out food, people hopping boat-to-boat… honestly one of the best travel moments of my life.

5. Going with just one friend ended up being perfect

We booked expecting to stick together all week.

Instead:

• we met new people instantly
  
• joined other crews for dinners
  
• went out with groups from other boats
  
• had people joining our deck to chill
  
• made friends from 6–7 countries
  

You don’t need a big group to enjoy this trip.
You don’t even need a group at all.

If you’re social at all, you’ll meet people.
And because the mix isn’t dominated by one nationality, the energy feels open and welcoming.

6. The value for money was genuinely unbeatable

After doing the week, here’s what I’d tell any American:

Sailweek gives you the same epic week you expect from any big sailing company… but with better value and a better atmosphere.

You get:

• the same type of route
  
• the same style of nights out
  
• the same beautiful islands
  
• the same boat lifestyle
  
• the same “summer of your life” feeling
  

But Sailweek felt more grounded, more connected to the local culture, and way less commercial.

And the price difference?
It honestly shocked me.

Especially for a Deluxe Catamaran with a host — i saw it for almost double on some sites once you add up the hidden costs.

7. And now that I know Sailweek also does Greece… I’m planning that next

Before researching the trip, I didn’t even know Sailweek existed let alone had a Greece route.

But once I was onboard, staff and someone who’d done both said the Greece route is:

• calmer
  
• warmer
  
• insanely photogenic
  
• more traditional
  
• still social, just different energy
  

Now that I’ve done Croatia and loved it, Greece is 100% next on my list.

Final Verdict: Should Americans do Sailweek? Absolutely.

If you’re an American considering it, here’s the honest truth:

• You won’t be the only American
  
• The crowd is fun, friendly, and international
  
• The Deluxe Catamaran is incredible
  
• The food is genuinely amazing
  
• The vibe feels real, not commercial
  
• The boats are high quality
  
• The price is surprisingly good
  
• The Party Route is iconic
  
• Croatia is stunning
  
• And Greece is waiting for round two
  

Yes — Americans should absolutely do Sailweek.
It’s one of the best travel weeks I’ve ever had.

Book your Sailweek Adventure