Photo from Internet
What is the best yacht to charter?
Should I choose a motor yacht or a power catamaran?
Is a gulet better than a sailing yacht?
What yacht is more stable for charter?
Generally, there are four popular types of yachts available for charter with a crew. They are a sailing yacht, a motor yacht, a gulet, and a catamaran (sailing or power catamaran).
If you know what’s your favourite yacht type for a vacation, then there’s no need to read this article. Unless you are open to something new for your next yacht charter experience.
If you’re new to crewed yachting vacations and not sure what's the difference between a gulet and a sailing yacht in terms of comfort, for example, I hope my overview will be useful for you.
Gulet MASKE in Croatia (Photo from Internet)
What is a gulet?
A gulet is a wooden vessel usually with two masts. It looks like an authentic boat with a very wide hull and spacious decks. Gulet yacht type is popular in Turkey where they are usually built, as well in Croatia, Greece, and Italy. In other parts of the world, you’d see them very rarely.
Gulet is about atmospheric sea experience. Thanks to their wide hull these boats are very stable on the water. So for people who dislike wavy passages, a gulet can be a very good choice. Another great advantage of a gulet is that she offers a lot of space outdoors due to her layout.
The cabins usually have high ceilings, so you don’t feel claustrophobic. Plus, a gulet cruise can be much cheaper than renting a motor yacht, for example. Let’s say, in Turkey for most of gulets fuel for 4 hours of daily cruising is included in the charter fee. That’s a good way to save some cash on shopping or anything else. Whereas fuel-consuming motor yachts don't offer such luxury, Fuel is an extra cost in most cases.
Gulet MORNING STAR in Croatia (Photo from Internet)
How about a motor yacht?
This type of charter yachts is the most common in most destinations where it is possible to hire a boat.
Usually, the interior of motor yachts is quite spacious, whereas the exterior has rather limited space for socializing and relaxing - if you compare to a gulet, let’s say.
So if you are very active, if you travel with a family, kids, friends, and you like to spend time outside and feel comfortable, you’d need to hire a motor yacht over 30m long. The bigger a motor yacht, the better. Large motor yachts have all the space you need: decks to host parties, wedding receptions, open-air movie theatres, a jacuzzi, a beach club, a swimming platform, bar, lounge area, mini fitness area, helipad, a swimming pool and other incredible facilities.
If a motor yacht doesn’t have a stabilizer, and her hull isn’t very wide, it can feel a bit wavy during cruising.
Motor yachts look fancier if you’re looking to be impressed and to impress at the same time. They give a feeling of greater privacy and intimacy.
Motor yacht QUEST R for rent in Turkey (Photo from Internet)
Is a sailing yacht right for you?
Perhaps, yes, if you are a romantic person and/or if you like adrenaline feelings, or if you’re someone who’s been dreaming of a real sailing adventure since childhood to enjoy the freedom.
It is as comfortable onboard a 25-m sailing yacht and longer as on a gulet. The decks are quite spacious, there are enough areas for socializing and relaxing. If a sailing yacht is smaller, it means she offers less space for enjoying outdoor activities.
A sailing yacht may not be your first choice if you or the members of your group tend to have seasickness. It may get a bit wavy on the way.
Those who are looking for something very unusual and adventurous can charter a vintage sailing yacht, such as three-masted tall ship schooner SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL that was launched in the UK in 1966 to compete in the Tall Ships Race. Another nice option is GERMANIA NOVA, a replica of the classic yacht built in 1908.
Sailing yachts displayed at the MYBA Yacht Charter Show in Barcelona (Personal photo)
Have you thought of chartering a catamaran?
I used to think that this type of yachts is not spacious and they are not great for charter. That was before I started to inspect catamarans during yacht charter shows.
I realized that catamarans can be so much fun! They are spacious, they look like floating summer houses with decks that are just half a meter away from the water, so you have easy and quick access to the sea. There are different areas for enjoying outdoor experiences.
They sail smoothly and due to their hull design, they can access the shallowest bays which is impossible for bigger gulets or motor yachts. So you can be sure to have a nice, private cove just for yourself if you’re the one with a catamaran.
This type of yachts is very popular in Greece, Croatia, the Caribbean, and Thailand. You can also find catamarans in French Polynesia.
Catamaran JYOHANA in Malaysia (Photo from Internet)
It is important to know exactly which yacht category you would like to charter, so you know what to expect from your cruise. Plus, when you know what you want, it's simpler (and faster) to choose, like in other parts of life.
If you still don’t feel which one is better for you, don't hesitate to ask your agent to explain more precisely the benefits of each yacht and show more examples. It will help you to make the right decision. And that's the most important!
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