There are thousands of yachts available to charter around the world and selecting the ideal yacht for you and your party is not necessarily easy due to the vast choice available. When considering which yacht to go for, start by deciding which yacht type would most suit your needs. There are motor and sailing yachts, catamarans and gulets/motor sailers to choose from. Each type of yacht offers something slightly different.
A motor yacht is a vessel that is solely powered by its engine. They vary in size, typically 40ft to about 300ft, and are very versatile. Considered one of the most luxurious vacation options available, chartering a motor yacht often feels like you are in a 5* hotel rather than a boat. Offering unparalleled levels of comfort and style, they give charter guests the trip of a lifetime. Generally, motor yachts offer a little more living space than other yacht types such as catamarans and sailing yachts. This extra space is a huge draw for larger groups wishing to enjoy a charter together but, equally, enjoy their own space .
Of course, like any mode of transport, there are a couple of down sides. The cost of such space and luxury, is generally higher than catamarans and sailing yachts. The running costs of a motor yacht are greater due to its sole reliance on fuel. This is reflected in the rate.
A catamaran is characterised by its double hull. Normally they have sails and an engine, although some are just motorised. Originally created in India, catamarans are versatile boats that are great to sail without compromising on luxury and space. Due to their two hulls, catamarans can sail in shallow waters, and have great balance and stability, which reduces seasickness. They boast a huge amount of space. Their stability makes catamarans ideal for snorkelers and divers, as guests can easily get in and out of the water. Luxury catamarans allow guests to see different places at their own pace. They also provide a great platform for family time or friends’ time together, as they have wide and spacious cockpits, decks and interiors.
Motor catamarans are popular too. They are as spacious as sailing catamarans but generally use less fuel than classic motor yachts. They tend not to be as fast as classic motor yachts.
The definition of a sailing yacht is a boat used for pleasure and sport. Originally the name ‘yacht’ comes from the Dutch word ‘Jaght’ which translated means, ‘hunter’, a fast, light weight sailing vessel traditionally used to chase down pirates. The name was then bought to England by King Charles the Second after he was carried by ‘jaght’ from the Netherlands back to England. The term yacht then became widely associated with luxury boats. Today, yachts are still associated with luxury but now the majority have a motor as well as sails. They vary in size but usually have sleeping cabins, bathrooms, salon and a galley kitchen. Chartering a sailing boat provides guests with the thrill of being at one with the sea. Space is slightly less on a sailing yacht compared to others however, the rush of adrenaline as you move through the water is unforgettable.
Gulets are typical Turkish wooden boats made out of pine, mahogany or teak. They originated from the working ships of fishermen and sponge divers. They have since been transformed into high-end, luxurious sailing yachts that have a motor as well as sails. In other areas of the world, such as Indonesia, the term Motor sailer describes boats that have sails but mainly rely on motors. A gulet/motor sailer allows you to discover bays and harbours, whilst enjoying the spacious accommodation these boats offer. The number of guests depends on the individual boat’s size and design, but most will accommodate from 6–12 guests, making them ideal for groups of family and friends. Like most yachts, the majority of gulets/motor sailers are registered for up to 12 guests. However, there are gulets/motor sailers that can take more, mostly up to 18 guests.
They are very popular in Croatia and there are several newly built motor sailers that have created a completely new market. Those modern yachts are stylish, spacious, very well equipped and come with a generous fly bridge, too, often equipped with a Jacuzzi, a dining area and a generous lounge space.
There are two main types of yacht charter available: day charters and charters that are organised for several days (most commonly a week). On longer charters, the guests typically sleep on board.
Day charters range in duration from a few hours to a full day but guests do not stay overnight on board. These short charters are ideal for those guests who are limited in their time but still want to explore a destination in comfort and luxury. Whilst aboard, charter guests will be able to bask in all that the yacht has to offer, from using the yacht’s range of water toys such as jet skis, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to enjoying delicious, freshly prepared meals and drinks. Such a charter could be used to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or perhaps a corporate event. Day charters make for the perfect venue to host such events. The crew on board will be at your service to ensure your time on board, however short, will be memorable.
Longer charters are when the guests stay on board for longer periods of time and have the full use of the yacht both day and night. There are three different types of yacht charter: bareboat, skippered and crewed charters.
Bareboat yacht charters are available when a member of the party has the correct sailing licence and VHF radio licence for the area they are chartering in and can therefore manage the boat themselves. The guests sail the boat themselves and explore the area at their own pace preparing their own meals or dining out in restaurants if they wish to. A bareboat motor yacht charter allows you to spend great quality time with people you want to be with while enjoying cruising, visiting new places and joining in different activities.
There is a wide selection of bareboat yachts to choose from around the world. These yachts do not offer the same luxuries that a crewed yacht does however, they will provide the catalyst for the making of a true private adventure.
Skippered yacht charters are ideal for those who do not have the relevant yacht charter license or yachting experience so will need a professional captain on board. With this type of charter, guests are required to prepare their own meals and supply provisions on board. Having a captain on board also means the guests will get help in deciding their itinerary as the captain will have his/her own suggestions of perfect anchoring spots and locations to visit- many of which could be off-the-beaten-path.
Crewed yacht charters are by far the most popular type of charters. These are an excellent choice for people who don’t have any yacht charter experience, or for people who just want to relax on their holiday. The crew will handle the boat, show the guests the best of the area, cook and serve delicious meals, reserve mooring spots and restaurants for meals on shore and help with anything else that you and your guests might need whilst on board. The number of crew members will vary depending on the size of the boat and it starts with two crew members (the Captain and Hostess/Chef) for smaller crewed motor yachts, but can go to around 20 crew members or so for larger yachts. Motor yachts with three or more crew members have a professional chef on board, who will cook according to the guests’ preference sheet. Wherever possible, they will try using local produce too. Depending on the size of the yacht there might be a team of chefs catering for the guests. Dietary requirements will always be catered for.
The majority of crewed yacht charters are for a week and can be booked around the world in all destinations.
