Yacht Types for Charter
What type of yacht is right for your charter? It is one of the most important parts of planning a yacht charter, because the yacht you choose shapes the pace, comfort, and overall feel of the trip. Will you be cruising fast and luxuriously between destinations, or sailing at a slower rhythm with a closer connection to the sea?
As you begin your charter planning, this guide gives an overview of the main yacht types available for charter and how each suits different travel styles and itineraries.
Types of Yachts Available for Charter
Several yacht types are available for charter, each offering a distinct experience on the water. Knowing how these yacht types differ makes it easier to choose the option that best matches your travel style and itinerary.
Motor Yachts
Motor yachts are the most popular choice for luxury charters. Engine-powered rather than sail-driven, they are designed for speed, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for itineraries with multiple destinations, islands, or anchorages in a limited timeframe.
Most motor yachts feature spacious, air-conditioned interiors, multiple social areas indoors and out, and premium amenities such as sun decks, shaded dining spaces, hot tubs, beach clubs, and stabilizers for comfort both underway and at anchor. Guests who prioritise comfort, attentive service, and the ability to see more in less time often find motor yachts the best fit.
Sailing Yachts
Sailing yachts offer a more traditional charter experience shaped by the wind. While most modern sailing yachts also have engines, sailing is central to the onboard feel: quieter passages, a slower pace, and a more immersive connection with the surroundings.
Compared with motor yachts, living spaces can feel more compact, but cabins and social areas remain comfortable, and fully crewed sailing charters still deliver high service standards. Sailing yachts suit guests who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, and who want the atmosphere and rhythm of true sailing.
Catamarans
Catamarans are multi-hulled yachts, typically with two hulls, giving them a wide beam, excellent stability, and generous indoor and outdoor living space. Their shallow draft can also be useful in island destinations where access to bays and anchorages is part of the appeal.
Because catamarans often offer multiple cabins of similar size and large open deck areas, they are especially popular with families and groups. Catamarans can be sailing or power-driven and are ideal for relaxed island hopping, with an easy, social onboard layout.
Gulets
Gulets are traditionally wooden yachts most commonly found in the Eastern Mediterranean. They combine regional character and classic craftsmanship with modern comfort, and they are usually offered as fully crewed charters.
Gulets are best for laid-back coastal cruising rather than fast, long-distance itineraries. Expect spacious deck areas for dining and lounging, comfortable cabins below, and a slower pace that suits guests who value culture, local atmosphere, and an unhurried route.
Expedition Yachts
Expedition yachts are built for long-range cruising and more remote itineraries, combining ocean-going capability with the comfort of a fully crewed charter. They suit guests who want quieter anchorages, adventurous routing, and a stable ride in varied conditions.
Many expedition yachts include practical deck space and storage for tenders and exploration gear, plus robust onboard systems designed for longer periods away from marinas. They are a strong fit for activity-focused charters where flexibility and range matter.
Overview of Yacht Types
Each yacht type supports a different charter style. Motor yachts are best for higher speed, ambitious routing, and maximum onboard comfort, while sailing yachts prioritise the sailing experience itself and suit guests who enjoy a slower pace and wind-powered cruising.
Catamarans stand out for space and stability, making them popular with groups and families, while gulets offer a classic, region-specific atmosphere for relaxed coastal routes. Expedition yachts are built for longer range and more remote cruising.
The table below summarises the key differences to help you narrow your options before you select a specific yacht for charter.
| Yacht type | Best for | Typical pace | Space & comfort | Ideal guest profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor yachts | Fast multi-stop itineraries, maximum comfort, big amenities | Fast | Highest | Guests who want to cover more ground with full onboard comfort |
| Sailing yachts | Wind-powered cruising, traditional sailing atmosphere | Slow to moderate | Moderate | Guests who value the journey and the feel of sailing |
| Catamarans | Stability, easy social living, island hopping | Moderate | Very high (space), very stable | Families and groups who want space, comfort, and low motion at anchor |
| Gulets | Relaxed coastal cruising with regional character | Slow | Comfortable, classic | Guests who want a laid-back route with a local, traditional feel |
| Expedition yachts | Remote routes, long range, capability in varied conditions | Moderate to fast | High, built for endurance | Adventure-led charters focused on distance, nature, and flexibility |
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Yacht Type
Also consider these points before deciding which yacht type fits your charter:
- Number of guests: For bigger groups and corporate charters, catamarans and larger motor yachts are often the most practical. Couples or small families may prefer smaller motor yachts or sailing yachts.
- Location and destination: Island regions with short distances between stops work well for most yacht types, especially when your charter destination includes frequent anchoring and island hopping. Areas with longer distances between key locations are often better served by motor yachts or expedition yachts.
- Comfort expectations: Motor yachts typically offer the widest range of amenities and the most interior volume. Catamarans deliver excellent stability and deck space. Sailing yachts emphasise the sailing experience over luxury features.
- Experience level: First-time charter guests often prefer motor yachts for their ease and comfort. More experienced guests may lean toward sailing yachts or other types depending on their preferences.
Crewed Yacht Charters vs. Bareboat
Beyond yacht type, it helps to decide whether you want a crewed or bareboat charter. On a crewed yacht charter, a professional team handles navigation, safety, and day-to-day operations, and service can include roles such as a chef, a steward or stewardess, and deckhands, depending on the yacht’s size. This is why crewed charters are the standard choice for many luxury and private itineraries where comfort and logistics matter.
A bareboat charter is typically self-skippered (or booked with a skipper only), and suits experienced guests who want a more hands-on experience and a simpler onboard setup.
For a detailed breakdown of what each option includes, see our guide to crewed vs bareboat yacht charters
Enquire About Yacht Types for Charter
Your yacht type sets the pace, space, and overall feel of the charter, from fast multi-stop cruising to relaxed sailing and spacious group layouts.
If you would like help choosing the right option based on your dates, guest numbers, and preferred destination, use the enquiry form below, and we will pass your request to a charter broker who can advise on suitable yachts and routing.
+1 (305) 964-8437
contact@bookyachtcharter.com
