Choosing the Right Yacht for Your Vacation
A yacht vacation abroad is the ultimate pinnacle of family or friends’ getaway, something we eagerly look forward to at least a couple of times a year. We all want this week, which we’ve been anticipating since the last summer’s sailing journey, to be the most successful experience for all the sailing enthusiasts on board. Choosing the right yacht plays a significant role in ensuring the success of the vacation. Choosing the yacht that perfectly fits your budget, desires, and needs is a complex process influenced by various considerations. We will gladly elaborate and offer our insights on the following factors:
1. Number of Sailors
2. Skipper and Crew Experience
3. Monohull \ Catamaran
4. Manufacturing Date
5. Budget
Number of Sailors:
2-4 Sailors:
For a small group of sailors, yachts up to 40 feet are perfectly suitable. In our opinion, there’s no need for larger boats. Having up to 40 feet for up to 4 people is already a true indulgence. A couple sailing alone can enjoy all the required space even on a 32 feet yacht with 2 cabins.
5-6 Sailors:
When it comes to monohulls yachts, small yachts can feel a bit cramped for 5-6 sailors. That’s why we recommend a 40-46 feet yacht with 3-4 cabins. Monohull Yachts (Catamarans to be mentioned below) with 4 cabins, recommended for 45 feet and up, since in these sizes, the two smaller cabins in the bow are relatively small and may not be suitable for two adults who are not a couple to sleep together. For a single person, these cabins are absolutely comfortable, and they can also accommodate a couple or two children comfortably, although not as spacious as a single bow cabin.
A 45-46 foot monohull can comfortably accommodate up to six sailors or two couples with 3-4 young children, offering a truly indulgent and satisfying experience. The cockpit is spacious, as well as the comfortable living room and kitchen, and the cabins are convenient.
7-10 Sailors:
For a large group of sailors, a suitable option would be a spacious catamaran or a big monohull, around 46-50 feet in length. Most yachts do not have 5 cabins, and you usually have to settle for four cabins with a living room table that converts into a king-size bed, which is the most luxurious and comfortable bed among all the cabins in terms of size. Please ensure during the booking process that the living room table can indeed be converted into a bed, as this option is not available on every yacht automatically. There are catamaran yachts available with 5 guest cabins, however not so many, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
We wouldn’t recommend a yacht smaller than 45 feet for more than six sailors, as it could feel cramped and uncomfortable, unless the crew includes young children, as mentioned before. For a group of eight sailors accommodating four adults and four children up to the age of 12, a 45-46-foot yacht is an ideal choice. Beyond that, we highly recommend considering upgrading to a 48-50 foot yacht or a catamaran.
Skippers and Crew's Experience
Many of us tend to overlook the importance of safety and the potential dangers at sea. We envision a perfect vacation under the sun, with turquoise coves, taverns, and fun. Of course, we wish such vacations for everyone, but the Mediterranean weather, especially outside Israel and specifically in Greece, differs from what we are accustomed to. It changes rapidly, often unpredictable, challenging to forecast, and can quickly transform from calm to extremely fierce, powerful, and at times dangerous if not handled properly. Every sailor embarking on a journey in Greece must be aware that the sea can surprise with sudden and very strong winds, accompanied by high waves. During any sailing trip in Greece, there is a significant chance that you may find yourself attempting to anchor in the Mediterranean Sea with side winds exceeding 20 knots and sometimes even reaching up to 30 knots. A challenging experience for every skipper, especially for the inexperienced ones. Naturally, as you sail on larger yachts, it becomes much harder, complex, and riskier. Therefore, the skipper’s expertise and the crew’s experience should be significant considerations when choosing the yacht size. If you are experienced in sailing and anchoring with yachts of 45 feet and above, then feel free to comfortably book any yacht you choose. However, if you are not, carefully consider whether you want to challenge yourself by sailing on a larger yacht than you’re used to, especially in less familiar conditions. The crew’s experience is also of utmost importance. Do you need to operate the yacht on your own, which can greatly increase complexity and difficulty? Or do you have skilled crew members who know what to do during Mediterranean anchoring, handle strong winds, manage unexpected malfunctions, and more?
Catamaran – Making your maiden voyage on a catamaran as the skipper during an overseas journey without prior preparation is a mistake. Catamaran handling is different, and the engine controls are completely different. Anchoring, sail interpretations might seem similar, but they are also distinct, and you must familiarize yourself and master catamaran sailing before embarking on a week-long charter abroad!
In general, we highly recommend sailing on a yacht if you have already experienced sailing on yachts of similar size as a skipper, comfortable and confident in handling different wind conditions, sailing maneuvers, and anchoring. It is always recommended to have at least one experienced crew member with you, preferably two, who can assist in any situation. This way you can ensure a safer, more enjoyable, and serene sailing experience.
Monohull vs Catamaran
The significant advantage of monohulls, which is the main drawback of catamarans, lies in the pleasure of sailing in open waters, navigating through inclinations, feeling the boat’s responses to the sails, wind and waves. Experience the joy and excitement of true sailing adventure with a monohull in favorable winds. With a catamaran, it’s genuinely challenging to enjoy the thrill of sailing in open waters and feel the boat’s movements. It’s a bit like the difference between driving a sports car and maneuvering a large truck. On a catamaran, there are no tilts, and the boat responds slowly to the helm and sails. The skipper sits far from the water, with limited access to see or operate the sails effectively. The catamaran is large, heavy, and cumbersome. Summing up the subject, if you’re fond of sailings, you might be disappointed by in this area with most catamarans. Today, there are catamarans aiming to provide an enhanced sailing experience. Most of them are quite expensive and not found in the realm of rental boats. Among the available catamarans for rent, EXCESS and Nautitech are catamarans that aim to provide better performance and a higher-quality sailings experience.
The main advantage, and sometimes the winning factor, of a catamaran over a monohull is the spacious living areas throughout the boat. The cabins are wider and significantly larger. The stern cabins are quite indulgent, and with a length of 40 feet, the bow cabins comfortably accommodate two adults as well. Larger bathrooms, very spacious living room, very spacious kitchen, a very large back terrace starting from 40 foot, and a huge bow with a net or luxurious seating area. In terms of living conditions, the catamaran provides much more comfort. For couples or guests joining you on the sailing trip who may not really enjoy the sailing itself, the comforts of a catamaran make the journey much more enjoyable most of the time. Additionally, in moderate to stormy weather conditions, the aft balcony, situated behind the living room, is quite sheltered from the wind and waves. It’s very comfortable to sit there, even for those who are less accustomed to such weather. You can sit in the inner living room and still feel connected to the sailing experience, since it is at the same level as the exterior balconies, and there are windows all around.
As we mentioned before, catamarans have no tilts. For enthusiasts of water action and railings, it may be a significant drawback. On the other hand, for sailing with young children or guests who are not fond of action, it’s a major advantage. Typically, young kids have greater freedom of movement when aboard a catamaran and also take pleasure in the bow’s netting.
The main drawback of catamarans is their price. They tend to be more expensive to rent, often 40-50% higher than comparable monohulls with similar sizes and features.This can lead to significantly higher prices, even reaching €8,000 – €9,000 for 45 feet per week in Greece during the peak months of the season. However, there are always options to find more affordable choices by being flexible with dates\ size\ manufacturing date.
The size advantage of a catamaran is a disadvantage when it comes to anchoring in marinas. A larger yacht pays more in marinas and is more challenging to maneuvering in strong winds. It’s important to note that maneuvering with the twin engines of the catamaran is generally easier and allows for better control than monohull steering, but this depends on the skipper’s experience. Catamarans usually have a very tall mast that is greatly affected by crosswinds.
Catamarans, depending on their size and rental cost, are usually equipped with a higher-quality dinghy and anchor than a similar-sized monohull.
To sum it up, if you’re fans of sails, a catamaran might disappoint you, and you’re probably monohull sailors. For everyone else, a catamaran will be a much more luxurious boat. If you’re sailings enthusiasts who want your non-sailor partner or guests to feel pampered like they’re in a hotel, then a catamaran is the perfect choice. Even for young children, a catamaran provides more space to move around, without tilting, and with a more comfortable and safer feeling.
Manufacturing Date:
The manufacturing date of a vessel directly affects its price. However, beyond the price considerations (which we will elaborate on shortly), we wanted to mention a few things:
A brand new boat that has just come out of the factory, meaning in its first sailing season, is nice, but a boat in its first year sometimes experiences production and assembly issues that become apparent during its initial voyages. This doesn’t necessarily represent the best catch you can get. If you’re not limited by budget, we recommend opting for a yacht during its second sailing season. This is the optimal manufacturing date. The yacht (assuming it’s from a fair company and well-maintained) is still in excellent shape. It has completed its first-year teething issues and generally comes at a better price than a brand-new yacht. If you wish to slightly downsize the yacht’s price while still maintaining a high-quality standard and without a high risk of maintenance issues, you can consider opting for 3-4 year old yachts. The price will be bettered, and most yachts will still be in good maintenance condition.
We do not recommend venturing into manufacturing dates less than four years unless the budget is decisive, and you account for the fact that the likelihood of maintenance issues significantly increases.
“Treasures” – Old yachts at a very attractive price:
You can often find old yachts, 7 years old or older, at very cheap and tempting prices. While the price might be tempting, keep in mind that during a week of sailing with a chartered yacht over six years old, the likelihood of encountering multiple issues throughout the voyage is almost certain. If you’ve considered this and are comfortable with it, and it won’t disrupt your vacation, then this is an option that you might find suitable. However, engaging in such an adventure is better avoided, as consistent troubleshooting and communication with the rental company for repair purposes can disrupt your mood and the enjoyment of your sailing week.
Maintenance, choosing the rental company, and the sailing date:
The sailing season in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea generally runs from April until the end of October. During the rest of the year, most yachts head to the shipyard for repairs and maintenance, as during the sailing season, the boats are expected to operate almost continuously. Naturally, this means that handling issues throughout the season is essential for maintaining the yacht in proper rental condition, avoiding extensive repairs as much as possible. This way, as you sail closer to the beginning of the season, expect the yachts to be in better maintenance condition. As you sail closer to the end of the season, it’s natural that yachts have already endured some hardships throughout the season, and their condition will be less optimal. It is what it is, and it’s not going to change. Of course, you should expect the rental company to take care of any issues and provide you with a properly functioning yacht for your sailing trip. However, the later you sail into the season, especially towards the end of August and later, the higher the likelihood of discovering yacht malfunctions on the day of departure. Our recommendation is always to arrive calmly, not to get overly excited, to understand that it’s part of the experience in any company and on any boat. There’s no way to avoid it, you just need to inspect the boat properly and ensure that everything you need will be taken care of for you, calmly and peacefully.
Choosing the rental company:
Despite what was mentioned in the previous paragraph, there is still a difference between rental companies in terms of maintenance level, and this, of course, also affects the price. A larger, well-known and recommended company will generally be more expensive, and at the same time, the yachts will be maintained at a higher level, with faster and higher quality service at the base. In general, we always recommend a reputable and larger company over small and unfamiliar ones unless there are good prior experiences and familiarity. The older sailboat you rent, and the deeper you dive into the sailing season, this recommendation becomes more and more significant. We wouldn’t rent an old yacht, especially at the end of the season, from a small company that isn’t well-known or recommended.
Budget:
The price of a yacht essentially summarizes the last three factors: mono/catamaran, sailing vessel size, and the manufacturing date. After considering all the factors, you can start searching for a boat and get an idea of the prices at your chosen destination and time.
Keep in mind that rental prices vary by date, similar to flights. As demand increases, prices rise. The peak season is in July and August, so as you move away from that time, prices decrease. Beyond considering the schedule, family, etc., we recommend sailing during the off-peak months of June or September. These are months with excellent weather, less marina congestion, and prices in the mid-range. They’re not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive.
For most bookings made by the end of December for the upcoming year, you can enjoy a 10-15% discount on early reservations. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan ahead and save hundreds of euros.
For a more detailed guide read Bareboat Yacht Charter – The Complete Guide
