From September 29 to October 1, Split will once again become the global center of luxury nautical tourism. The second edition of the CROYA Charter Show will bring together more than 200 charter brokers from 16 countries, nearly 50 megayachts, and most importantly – the people who make this industry far more special than it first appears: the crew.
Although CROYA is a closed B2B event, the stories created there resonate far beyond its gates. What convinces charter brokers from all over the world to choose Croatia is not just the gleaming yachts – it’s the crew: the chefs, stewardesses, stewards, and deckhands whose skills are tested in a series of exciting competitions.
Who wins over the charter brokers? The crew!
At the show, beauty and luxury are only the beginning – the real spectacle starts when the crew steps into the spotlight. Throughout a series of competitions, they have a serious opportunity to showcase their knowledge, creativity, and professionalism, all while standing out in a competitive field.
The Chef’s Competition always draws great attention, challenging chefs to create culinary masterpieces at sea within just a few hours.
“This year we truly have an exceptional jury for the CROYA Chefs’ Competition,” said Maja Ban from the organizing committee, highlighting the return of chef Ante Toni Bjelančić – Bjelko, owner of Gastro Mare in Kobaš Bay, Ston, renowned for his authentic cuisine, fresh catch, and homemade olive oil. “Bjelko is a true guardian of tradition and a perfect representative of Pelješac,” Ban noted.
She also emphasized the arrival of Chef Rudolf Štefan, owner of Pelegrini in Šibenik, a Michelin-starred restaurant for years:
“Chef Štefan is an ambassador of Croatian gastronomy and one of those who placed Šibenik firmly on the global culinary map,” Ban added.
The judging panel will also include the young and ambitious Split chef Karlo Kaleb of Krug. Recently awarded a Michelin star, and named “Great Chef of Tomorrow” by Gault&Millau, his background as a superyacht chef brings unique weight to the competition.
But it’s not all about food – aesthetics and experience play an equally important role. The table decorating competitions transform simple decks into stunning stages for unforgettable dining moments. Meanwhile, mixology contests shine a light on bartenders who blend imagination, flavor, and style into every cocktail.
Adding a special charm is CROYA’s partnership with the American association CYBA, which brings to Split its unique flavored water competition. It may sound like a detail, but in the world of superyachts nothing is left to chance – not even a glass of water. The focus is on sustainability: only filtered, purified onboard water is used, served exclusively in glassware, with no single-use plastic, blending elegance with environmental responsibility.
Through challenges like these, brokers get to know the crew at their best – because at the end of the day, it’s not the yachts that win over clients, but the people who transform every detail into a lasting memory.
Megayachts – the dream makers
Of course, the spotlight still belongs to the megayachts – the luxury motor yachts that inspire admiration wherever they go. They will once again form the core of the fleet, drawing in charter brokers and guests alike.
But CROYA’s appeal lies in its diversity: alongside the megayachts, Split will welcome motor sailers, gulets, and catamarans, confirming Croatia’s ability to offer a varied and attractive charter portfolio.
Croatia on the global yachting map
The show is held as part of the Split Sailing Festival, under the patronage of the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Partners include the City of Split, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Split Tourist Board, the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, the County Port Authority, ACI Marina Split, and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
What makes CROYA special is that, right here in Split, at the very end of summer, new connections, partnerships, and stories are forged – stories that will shape charter seasons to come.
As Maja Ban from the CROYA organizing board explains:
“CROYA Charter Show is not just a showcase of yachts – it is a stage where crew members, through their skills, knowledge, and personalities, represent not only themselves and their vessels but actively contribute to positioning Croatia alongside the world’s leading charter destinations. What happens at CROYA inspires brokers to recommend Croatia and its yachts to their clients.”
While we eagerly await this year’s competitions, here’s a glimpse of the atmosphere captured during last year’s lively events.