When embarking on the quest to charter a yacht, firstly one must know the type of yacht best suited for their needs.
When choosing the best yacht type for you, first be informed! Here we make it easy to discern amongst the different types of yachts: Motor Yachts, Motor Sailers, Sailing Yachts, and Catamarans.
When selecting a motor yacht for charter it is important to consider your priorities. Will you need more deck space for your group and areas for privacy? Will you need more amenities or even a helipad (which is available only on megayachts)? Will you need a certain number of crew to service you? When you charter a yacht, keep the above in mind. Allow us to guide you further on your yacht charter choice.
Motor yachts dominate the charter industry and it is no surprise why. They are considered the highest level of luxury yachts for charter.
TYPE: MOTOR YACHT
The greatest advantage is its speed and therefore the capability to get from one destination smoothly to the next in less time. For those looking to visit more destinations on their holiday and have a full itinerary, a motor yacht is an obvious choice. Most first time charterers gravitate towards motor yachts due to their speed and space which typically means more onboard facilities and opportunities for more recreational activities, and comfort.
Most motor yachts start at about 50 feet in length and elevate to close to 400 feet and have larger beam size than sailing and motor sailer yachts. There are two types of charter motor yachts; Displacement yachts offering smooth cruising where planing hull yachts offer a greater amount of speed. Planing hull motor yachts are designed to lift up and glide on top of the water when the power is great enough. The weight of the yacht is supported by the hydrodynamic lift. Motor yachts also have shallow drafts that allow for easier navigation along coastlines making coves more easily attainable and docking an easier task.
As the yacht increases in length and beam she is able to offer the charterers more amenities aboard; there is more space for sea toys to be housed such as jet skis, wave-runners, canoes, paddleboards, water skis, water slides etc. The larger the yacht the more crew is required and able to be separately housed from her guests aboard. They will pamper the clients attending to all their needs and desires as well as maintain the good order of the yacht.
High cruising speeds, spacious interior areas (salons, cabins, bathrooms which may house a Jacuzzi tub, gyms and even beauty salons etc.), large deck spaces with sunbeds, outdoor dining areas, deck Jacuzzis, swim platforms, and shaded lounge areas help make motor yachts mark as the top in luxury yachting.
TYPE: MOTOR SAILER
Often called kaikis/caiques or gulets, motor sailers often ornately decorate the wooden hulls, bringing the beauty of both motor and sailing yachts together. They offer more space than a sailing yacht and are faster, however they still keep cruising speeds low which go hand-in-hand with the relaxed journey and keeping fuel consumption down.
Motor Sailers are yachts that combine large enough engines to gain a good motoring speed and sails for the ambiance of sailing. These yachts typically rely on their motor for cruising and use their sails for the fun of sailing, when possible. Chartering a motor sailer allows for much more room on the deck space as well as below than a pure sailing sail due to her much larger beam. Originally built to transport goods, many now are used as pleasure cruisers. They are not for the avid sailor wanting to heel to the side and hang on tight. These yachts offer comfortable areas to casually relax and cruise the Mediterranean. With smaller engines than a motor yacht speed is reduced but this does lower the fuel consumption, thus making for a more economical trip. Some motor sailers accommodate up to 16 passengers making them very affordable.
TYPE: SAILING YACHT
Sailing yachts are mono-hulled yachts which are typically under sail while cruising, relying only on the motor if little wind. The sails are its main use for propulsion; from the main sail and jib to popping up a large bellowing colorful spinnaker. Their engines are small and mainly are used to maneuver in and out of the harbor only.
In the past sailing yachts were considered the more simple type of yachts for charter, where luxury and space was limited. Today, the gap between motor and sailing yachts has narrowed dramatically, and some of the larger sailing yachts are now very much on the same level as motor yachts. Those who charter them understand that it is not only about the destination, but also about the journey. Sailing enthusiasts tend to have a great passion for yachting and have the passion of being under sail, with noiseless wind speed. The thrill of heeling over and filling the sails with wind is exhilarating. This is the classic sailing adventure.
It does take a longer time to get from one point to the next but the ride is relaxing and soothing and fairly noiseless when the motor is off. These yachts can be hired by competent sailers on a bareboat basis or skippers and hostesses can be hired to sail with the clients. Larger, luxury sailing yachts come with a full crew to man the yacht and pamper guests aboard.
TYPE: CATAMARAN, MULTI-HILLED YACHTS
Catamarans are multi-hulled sailing yachts (two monohulls connected with a cabin structure above) which are ideal for charterers wanting the feel the benefits of a sailing yacht, however looking for more space. Relaxed cruising is also favored on a catamaran as opposed to the adrenalin sailing that enthusiasts seek on a monohull sailing yacht. With the increased deck space catamarans have the capability to offer more recreational activities than a sailing yacht of a similar size. A big perk on catamaran sailing yachts is their mainly equal sized cabins and double beds often with baths en-suite, making couples vacationing together happy. Couples, families and friend groups alike favor the space aboard and the low-price point for weekly rentals.
Speak to an expert for a consultation.
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