Before making your decision about going on a luxury charter yacht vacation, each vessel has something different to offer. The type of yacht you choose will determine the kind of vacation you have. Throughout the yachting industry, terminology now plays a pivotal role. Getting to know all about these terminologies is the best way to ensure you get the most out of a luxury yacht vacation.
The term “yacht” simply refers to a luxury pleasure boat. To be considered a superyacht, a vessel has to be over 24m (78ft) in length and be able to carry a number of passengers. There also needs to be a good range of luxurious amenities and facilities on board. Another term for a superyacht is a megayacht. This term usually refers to larger superyachts.
While luxury charter yachts come in a variety of types, the main categories comprise of catamaran, sailing, motor and gulet. All can be watered down into their own sub groups. For instance, a motor yacht is divided into those vessels with one engine, two or more engines. This also includes fly bridge or open, each motor yacht differs depending on the charter vacation you’re after. Whether it’s high speed performance, adventure or exploration, here are in-depth guides to luxury yacht types.
1. Sailing Yachts
A sailing yacht is usually propelled by wind power. This provides a feeling of freedom and the romance associated with sailing. Many sailing yachts have low power combustion engines that are used when it’s calm out at sea or when the vessel has to be moved in or out of tricky anchorages. Whether it’s luxury destinations or sailing events around the world, a sailing yacht is a yachtsman’s paradise. If you’re an admirer of majestic sailing yachts, then why not arrange a charter vacation on board to experience the delights yourself?
Stunning sailing yachts have come a long way from traditional sailing yachts. Today’s state-of-the-art vessels offer lots of features and modern amenities, similar to what you might find on a motor yacht. OK sailing yachts have less interior volume in comparison to a motor yacht of the same size, however a sailing yacht charter offers a real experience of life at sea.
To give you an idea of what to expect from sailing yachts that differ in power, performance and rigging, here’s a brief description of each type, available to charter.
Neo classic yachts
This type of yacht offers a combination of elegance and technological elements. If you’re keen to experience the feel of a classic sailing yacht, a neo classic yacht charter provides the perfect opportunity.
Neo classic sailing yachts offer a wonderful mixture. They have style, nostalgia and history which gives a welcoming ambience as soon as you step on board. These vessels may be part of the modern era however, this doesn’t mean they have lost any of their natural grace or superb craftsmanship associated with sailing yachts of yesteryear. Versatility is the name of the game with neo classic yacht charters. They are just right for families keen to take to the water, regatta enthusiasts and corporate businesses wishing to impress their clients.
Classic sailing yachts
When you talk about classic sailing yachts you generally need to include vessels that were built between the 1920s and the 1970s. They have usually been constructed from steel or wood, always a tell-tale sign. If you want to experience vintage yachting at its very best, a classic sailing yacht is the ideal vessel.
For first timers or enthusiastic sailors, classic sailing yachts have the right feel. There’s the appeal of tradition, excitement and sense of seamanship that this type of charter offers. Many of the vessels’ interiors have been extensively refitted to the highest of standards providing guests with the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
Luxury catamarans
Have you ever been on board or seen a luxury sailing catamaran? This type of yacht tends to feature two hulls, commonly known as pontoons. These are generally made from fibreglass and connected by a rectangular deck. This type of design reduces the roll motion effect which you can sometimes experience on mono-hull yachts. Luxury catamarans offer more comfortable, smoother sailing, perfect for charter guests who may be prone to seasickness.
You may have watched a luxury catamaran involved in a sporting event. They often appear in sport sailing due to their combination of speed and stability, an eye-catching spectacle when out on the water. Suitable for charter vacations in shallow waters, luxury catamarans are growing in popularity as sailing yacht charter options.
Luxury gulets
Originating in Turkey, the gulet sailing yacht has a traditional design, similar to that of a schooner. If you don’t know anything about schooners, it’s a sailing yacht that has two or more masts. She has one to the fore and one to the aft of the vessel with the foremast being no taller than the rear masts. This type of sailing yacht is nearly always wooden. Gulets exude a beautiful exterior look and a real feel of traditional craftsmanship.
Over the last decade or so, a new era of gulet yachts has emerged. With a combination of an engine and a sail, these yachts are now becoming very popular for luxury sailing yacht charter clients. A luxury gulet rarely relies just on wind power, there’s also a motor to speed things along. For many sailing yacht charter enthusiasts, however, cruising under a sail is absolutely perfect. What a way to unwind, at complete peace with the world.
As a gulet has both a motor engine and a sail you can have the best of both worlds. There’s a good range of luxury gulet sailing yachts available to charter around the world, so find out more soon.
Motor sailer
Designed with a mono-hull, a motor sailer is fully equipped with a hybrid propulsion system. This means that the vessel can be powered by motor or sail depending on the weather conditions. Motor sailers have the benefits of power and sail while also offering spacious as well as luxurious accommodation. What’s more, there’s always plenty of room on deck for sunbathing and relaxing.
Enjoy the thrill of sailing with the option of motor power when needed.
2. Motor yachts
Motor yachts are a very popular choice with guests from around the world. They are widely available and offer great performance as well as stability. Motor yachts usually feature extra on board space compared to sailing yachts, a highly desirable feature. These vessels are available to charter in many shapes and sizes and usually have a mono-hull design. Due to their interior and exterior size, motor yachts generally boast a wide range of amenities. These can include everything from swimming pools, Jacuzzis, water toys, tenders and entertainment systems. It all depends on storage and space on the vessel.
When it comes to accommodation, motor yachts have plenty to choose from. Each offer different layouts and numbers of state rooms. Due to maritime regulations, however, motor yacht charters only allow a maximum of 12 guests. There are larger yachts that meet the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) classification which makes them capable of handling more guests.
As part of your motor yacht vacation, there will probably be many fabulous destinations you would like to visit. With this in mind, choosing the right motor yacht can make the whole sailing experience so much better. Charterers looking for action-packed adventures on the waves tend to lean towards fast yachts. Guests who are prone to seasickness can choose the stability associated with a multihull.
Let’s get back to your destination choices. Some motor yachts may not be equipped enough to cope with the waters of Alaska for instance and others may not be suitable for shallow waters. Doing a little research beforehand about motor yacht charter destinations can make all the difference to the voyage.
3. Classic yachts
A classic yacht can be defined as a vessel built between the 1920s all the way through to the 1970s. Those within the industry generally agree that this type of yacht is built from steel or wood. The main characteristics of classic yachts are distinctive craftsmanship and graceful lines which gives these vessels a sense of nostalgia and unsurpassed seamanship.
Classic yachts are a firm favourite among yacht charter enthusiasts. There’s something elegant and timeless about them that sometimes isn’t so apparent in a modern yacht. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the interior of these vessels is old-fashioned and a little unsightly. Most interiors have now been refurbished to a high standard, the same as you might find in a luxurious hotel. OK classic yachts may not have as many extras as their modern cousins, however they always impress guests with their charm.
Classic sailing yachts
For guests who would like to experience vintage sailing at its best, look no further than classic sailing yachts. Whether you want to experience the romance of sailing on the sea or taking part in an annual sailing event, these types of yachts are the perfect choice. You can do everything in style on board one of these majestic vessels. If you’re a first-time charterer or an experienced sailor, professional charter crew are on board to make your voyage even more exciting. Everything will be taken care of from the moment you board until you disembark.
Neo-classic yachts
Neo-classic yachts are ideal for a luxury yacht charter. What could be better than experiencing the romance of a neo-classic yacht? They have plenty of modern facilities on board as well as the efficiency of a new build. This kind of yacht has the eye-catching design of a bygone era combined with technological advances. These spectacular yachts are available to charter around the world.
Classic motor yachts
Experience a little bit of yachting history when on board a classic motor yacht. They may have features similar to those of a modern built vessel, however their hand-crafted designs make them stand out from the crowd. Built fully-equipped these yachts have lots of amenities on board as well as the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Classic motor yachts are a very popular option with regular charter guests so why not make a booking and sail on one yourself?
Why charter a classic yacht?
Many people choose to charter a classic yacht because of their versatility. Classic yachts are suitable for corporate yacht charters, regatta events, families who are keen to take part in water sports and sailing enthusiasts looking for adventure.
Start planning your luxury classic yacht charter vacation soon, whatever the occasion.
4. Expedition yachts
An expedition yacht is defined as a vessel that can cruise self-sufficiently for long periods of time at sea. They are unique, versatile vessels specifically built with power, stability and efficiency. With the addition of a deep displacement hull, expedition yachts are seen as one of the safest charter yachts for long range cruising.
The interiors of expedition yachts are quite similar to motor yachts. They do however have more outdoor space, perfect for guests who like to relax in the sun. Expect luxury and comfort throughout your yacht charter vacation voyage. If you want to escape over-crowded marinas and ports to visit far away, isolated locations, an expedition yacht charter is for you.
Looking to explore more remote destinations? Expedition yachts tick all the right boxes. You can take your pick of awesome locations on board an expedition yacht. How about paradise islands of the South Pacific or the rugged coast of Costa Rica? For wildlife and marine enthusiasts, an expedition yacht charter to Alaska will stay in your memory forever. Head for amazing glaciers and during your voyage, you may be lucky enough to see schools of whales, what an experience!
Many expedition yacht charter vessels have beautiful interiors and lots of space. The on-board accommodation has been compared to that of luxury hotels, just what’s needed for those guests looking for the ultimate in privacy. When it comes to water sports and activities, an expedition yacht has it all. Due to the huge volume of the hull you’ll find lots of exciting water toys stored on board. These generally include fishing gear, scuba diving and snorkelling equipment as well as an array of water toys like jet skis.
Create your own adventure on an expedition yacht, ideal to sail to all corners of the globe.
5. Sport fishing yachts
Sport fishing yachts have been compared to expedition yachts. They are also designed to be self-sufficient and withstand long periods while out at sea. Performance orientated, sport fishing yachts have amenities tailored towards big game fishing. Similar to superyachts they look quite at home when anchored in the beautiful ports of the Cote d’Azur.
As you would expect, sport fishing yachts are jam-packed with equipment, gadgets and the latest technology. Some yachts have been built to explore fishing grounds in all corners of the globe while others are purposely designed with a shallow draft which enables them to close in on coast cruise ships. A sense of true seamanship is what awaits you on board a sport fishing yacht charter. Can you land the big one? That’s the challenge. Just imagine cooking your catch of the day on a barbecue, now there’s a thought. Everyone can enjoy a mouth-watering meal and a drink or two before retiring to their luxurious cabins.
Sport fishing yachts carry a lot more fishing equipment compared to a luxury yacht charter. Of course, there’s the basic fishing gear, however these vessels boast a wide range of fishing equipment too. This usually includes live bait tanks, tackle and fishing rods as well as fish fighting chairs, perfect for catching large ocean fish.
Whether you’re a professional, amateur or new to fishing, get the most out of a sport fishing yacht charter adventure by planning ahead. One of the first things to do is to find a professional crew who are familiar with what a sport fishing yacht charter is all about. They have the expertise and knowledge to take you to well-known fishing spots, coves and bays which are also great to explore.
There are many sport fishing yachts for charter for the adventure of a lifetime.
6. Open yachts
Why you should charter an open yacht. Maybe you’ve always wanted to experience the thrill of driving a fast sports car? A high performance open yacht will more than match this feeling. Focusing on speed, a fast, open charter yacht is perfect for an action-packed day of cruising. Luxury open style sports yachts can cover a lot of cruising ground especially when at full throttle – awesome.
A luxury open yacht charter vacation certainly appeals to many yachting enthusiasts. They are the fastest yachts around travelling at remarkable speeds and are built for comfort. Expect luxurious living on the water, sleek, sporty interiors and lots of the wow factor. Beautifully designed to match the striking exterior, style is what luxury open yachts are all about. They offer lots of glamour so live like a celeb for a while, let your hair down and have fun.
Due to their sleek design, space and amenities have to be sacrificed on board compared to those of a superyacht. Superyachts tend to have more interior and exterior volume; however, speed is king on a luxury open yacht. With the improved efficiency of aqua-dynamics, one area which is not compromised on is a smooth ride. Sports yachts are now being designed with even better performance. They are also stronger, lighter and faster than ever before. Did you know that some new build performance open yachts are specifically developed to showcase the aerospace industry? That shows you how good they really are.
It’s worth pointing out that a fast, open yacht charter may be cheaper than a larger yacht although, high performance will result in higher fuel costs.
7. Luxury catamarans
A catamaran is a multi-hulled vessel, great for shallow waters which can be found in exotic destinations like the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Unlike a mono-hulled yacht, a catamaran has two hulls instead of one. These hulls which are known as pontoons are usually constructed from fibreglass. As they are connected by a rectangular deck the two pontoons are large enough to accommodate full size cabins. On board a luxury catamaran you will find well-designed cabins with en suite facilities and luxury living areas.
The great thing about a catamaran charter is the vessel can be either engine or sail powered. What’s more there’s more stability than on a mono-hulled motor yacht because of the large hull space. Revolutionary in design this is considered a modern take on traditional yachts for the ultimate in luxury cruising. Catamaran charters are certainly gaining in popularity and are also suitable for those people who may be prone to seasickness.
Powered catamarans or power cats
Do you know much about “power cats”? They are primarily propelled by an engine and not a traditional mainsail. The latest development in catamaran designs have seen the introduction of power cats. An engine-powered catamaran has all the features of a motor yacht combined with the best characteristics of a multi-hull. The only difference is it hasn’t got the sailing apparatus as it’s just not needed. The layouts of catamarans are usually the same whether engine or sail powered. There’s a good selection of top of the range and comfortable styled power cats to choose from for you and your guests.
Sailing catamarans
Predominantly powered by wind power a sailing catamaran will have you in dream land as you lie back and relax. They are very similar to a sailing yacht although a sailing catamaran can certainly travel faster. This is due to their pointed hulls that significantly help to reduce friction so the vessel goes through the water even quicker. Being light in weight creates less drag and less displacement which all adds to more speed. Just what you need for an exciting charter vacation.
Catamaran yacht charter
A catamaran yacht charter offers plenty of on board space and stability. This type of vacation is becoming increasingly popular especially for guests wishing to experience the joys of a sailing yacht with high end amenities associated with a luxury motor yacht. The layout of a catamaran may be different to that of a motor or sailing yacht however the stylish and elegant interior makes for a comfortable voyage. Charter guests wanting to indulge in luxury need look no further than a catamaran yacht vacation.
On board, the main saloon tends to be located in the centre of the deck. The state rooms are generally found in each hull, one aft and one forward. You’ll get a good night’s sleep as the space between the state rooms in the deck house acts like a sound buffer. This is another favourite catamaran yacht charter characteristic.
8. Luxury Gulet yachts
A luxury gulet yacht is really a magnificent sight to behold. Originally from Turkey it’s a type of sailing yacht very similar to a schooner. A schooner is best defined as a sailing yacht that has two masts or more, one to the aft and one to the fore of the vessel. The foremast is no taller than the rear masts making it quite distinctive in design. Gulet yachts have amazing hulls made from wood like African mahogany, Iroko (West African teak) or pine.
Many years ago, gulet yachts were used to take goods up and down the Turkish coastline. They were designed to be stable and to protect shipments keeping them dry as well as safe. Nowadays gulets are used to carry charter guests from around the world rather than cargo. How times have changed!
These splendid yachts come fully equipped with a combination of an engine and sail. An engine and sail provide power along with great performance, however gulet yachts rarely operate just on wind power. Due to being constructed for maximum stability they are ideal for luxury yacht charter vacations. These sleek and stylish vessels are also suitable for guests who may be prone to seasickness.
Enjoy a luxury gulet yacht charter
Luxury gulet yacht charters are becoming more popular year on year. The addition of luxurious accommodation has helped to make this type of yacht charter even more appealing. Gulet charters can be mostly found in their home cruising grounds around Turkey and the eastern Med. There are other exciting destinations too like the Greek Islands and Croatia. This allows guests to enjoy exploring secluded hideaways, bays and coves whitewashed villages, picturesque landscapes as well as glorious coastline.
Cruising at a graceful speed gives guests on board a gulet a wonderful opportunity to admire beautiful scenery. Gulet sailing yachts gently meander in turquoise waters at a relaxing pace so everyone can really appreciate everything they see. If you’re searching for a luxury yacht vacation that combines beauty, history and plenty of on board space, a gulet is definitely for you. You will soon experience that “get away from it all” feel in peaceful surroundings and a laid-back atmosphere – what are you waiting for?
