There is no single best boat: there is the right one for who is going, for how many days and where. In short: the catamaran is the most comfortable for families and groups, the sailing yacht gives the truest sailing experience, the motor yacht takes you further in less time. Here is how to choose.
Catamaran: space and stability
Two hulls mean a wide, stable and bright boat. The cockpit is large, the saloon is on the same level and the cabins are split between the two hulls, so they are more private. At anchor a catamaran moves little: those who suffer from seasickness notice it straight away.
- Perfect for: families with children, groups of friends, anyone who wants space and privacy.
- Good to know: it has a shallow draught, so it can enter shallow bays; under sail it is less sporty than a monohull.
Sailing yacht: authentic sailing
Sailing is silence, wind and sea. You reach the anchorage without hurrying, and the passage becomes part of the holiday. A crewed sailing yacht often offers elegant cabins and excellent value for money. In a lively sea it heels, and some find that is the joy of sailing.
- Perfect for: couples, small groups, anyone who wants to experience sailing.
- Good to know: interior spaces are more compact; passage times depend on the wind.
Motor yacht: more routes, less time
A motor yacht covers in an hour what a sailing yacht does in three. That means more bays in a week, late departures after dinner ashore, and the option to change plans according to the weather. Larger models have flybridges, beach clubs and saloons like a home.
- Perfect for: those with only a few days, day charters and weekends, itineraries with many stops.
- Good to know: fuel consumption is higher, and affects the final cost.
A quick comparison
- Comfort at anchor: catamaran > motor yacht > sailing yacht.
- Speed: motor yacht > catamaran ≈ sailing yacht.
- Outdoor space: catamarans and large motor yachts.
- Sailing experience: sailing yacht.
- Fuel costs: lower on sailing yachts and catamarans.
And superyachts?
Beyond 30 metres the scale changes: full crew, chef, master cabins, water toys and hotel-style service. Among our charters you will also find motor and sailing superyachts for cruises in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
How we choose with you
You tell us who is going, for how many days and what you like to do. We propose two or three boats of different types, with the pros and cons written clearly. Every proposal shows the type of boat, number of guests and overnight capacity.
How many cabins you need
Count berths, not guests. One couple per cabin is the rule, with children able to share a cabin with single beds. Consider bathrooms too: four cabins with four bathrooms make for a very different holiday from four cabins with two. On smaller boats the skipper may use a cabin: this is always stated in the proposal.
Choosing by destination
- Aeolian Islands, Egadi, Cyclades: islands close together and bays to discover. The catamaran is perfect, while sailing gives beautiful passages.
- Emerald Coast and French Riviera: short legs, elegant harbours, dinners ashore. The motor yacht is the most used.
- Amalfi Coast and Capri: lots to see in a small area. Motor for day charters, catamaran for the week.
- Caribbean: longer crossings. Large catamarans and superyachts.
Frequently asked questions
Does a catamaran suffer less in a seaway?
At anchor, yes: it moves much less than a monohull. Under way in a short sea it can have a different motion, but for those prone to seasickness it usually remains the most comfortable choice.
Do you have to help on a sailing yacht?
No. With a crew you are guests. If you like, the skipper will let you try the helm or the sails.
How fast does a motor yacht go?
It depends on the model: many yachts cruise between 15 and 25 knots, the fastest even more. A sailing yacht or catamaran usually travels between 6 and 9 knots.
Already have a boat in mind, or want some advice? Send us your dates and guests and we will send you a tailor-made proposal.
