Types of yacht charters: choose the yacht that suits you

A yacht charter is your personal, fully arranged trip at sea with a crewed yacht exclusively reserved for your party. As a provider for the Benelux, we accompany you worldwide, from the French Riviera and the Greek islands to the Caribbean. In this overview, you will discover the main types of yachts on the charter market, their advantages in use, and for whom they are intended. This will help you choose the yacht that perfectly suits your travel style, group composition and desired comfort level more quickly. Orienting for the season? Check out the Best yacht charter destinations for summer and the Best yacht charter destinations for winter.

The main yacht types

The yacht types below are the most commonly seen in the international charter fleet. Each type has its own characteristics in terms of space, stability, speed, experience and service.

Luxury yachts and super yachts

Luxury yachts and superyachts are built for maximum comfort, privacy and bespoke service. You have generous suites, often including a master suite with private terrace, elegant lounges, multiple decks and extensive wellness such as a Jacuzzi or gym. The crew is fully dedicated to your needs, with a captain, stewardesses and a private chef who tailors menus to your tastes and diet. Thanks to stabilisation systems, you will enjoy peace of mind on board even when at anchor. Want to know more about the crewed superyacht segment? What is a superyacht charter?

In terms of experience, luxury yachts focus on seamless indulgence: whether you want berths in iconic ports, at anchor in quiet bays or a sequence of water sports activities with fast tenders and toys. The sailing schedule is flexible and tailored to your pace. The charter price is seasonal: a fixed price in low season and a fixed price in high season. Operational expenses are via a pre-paid APA, which pays for fuel, port charges, provisions and special requests. For those seeking ultimate comfort and personal service, this is the reference type.

Motor yachts

Motor yachts combine speed with comfort and are ideal for island hopping or longer distances within a limited time. Powerful engines allow you to move efficiently between highlights, for example along the Côte d'Azur or between the Cyclades. Modern motor yachts offer spacious outdoor spaces, a flybridge or sporty open deck, and generous interiors with bright lounges and comfortable suites.

Practical advantage is accurate planning of travel times, which is useful when making reservations ashore or within tight schedules. Allow for relatively higher fuel consumption, which is factored in within the APA. Many models have stabilisers that increase comfort during cruising and anchoring. Motor yachts are a logical choice for those who want to minimise sailing time and maximise dwell time at destination, without compromising on luxury.

Catamarans

Catamarans are known for their stability and generous living space. Their double hulls mean milder movements at sea and provide wide decks and a large upper deck with 360-degree visibility. Inside, catamarans offer exceptional volume for their length, with bright lounges and spacious suites. The shallow draft gets you closer to beaches and shallow anchorages, ideal for the Greek islands and the Caribbean.

Catamarans sail efficiently and comfortably, usually with a moderate cruising speed. They are popular with families and groups who value spatial layout, stability and outdoor living. Crewed catamarans in the premium segment offer similar service to larger yachts, including a dedicated crew and a private chef. For those for whom relaxed togetherness and living comfort are more important than top speed, the catamaran is an excellent choice.

Motor sailors

Motor sailors combine the charm of sailing with the security of a powerful engine. This type can sail under sail for a quiet, economical experience, and switch to engine to ensure planning and route security. In terms of appearance, motorsailers range from modern composite yachts to characterful classics with generous wooden decks. Inside, you will find spacious lounges and comfortable suites, often with plenty of outdoor space for lounging and dining.

Crews are fully service-oriented, similar to motor and superyachts. Motor sailors are favoured for routes with varied cruising speeds and longer stretches, for example along the Adriatic or Aegean coast. They offer enough power to move smoothly while offering the pleasure of sailing when conditions are favourable. Expect a relaxed pace, plenty of time on deck and a balance between authenticity and contemporary comfort. For groups that want character without compromising on luxury and flexibility, the motor sailor is particularly attractive.

Gulets

Gulets are traditional wooden motor sailors, mainly from Turkey, that excel in warm ambiance, wide decks and generous outdoor living. Their wide hulls provide plenty of interior volume and comfortable suites, often with en suite bathrooms. You usually dine alfresco on the aft deck, with a crew that focuses on hospitality and regional cuisine. Gulets typically combine engine power with supportive sailing for quiet passages along scenic coastlines.

This type is ideal for relaxed coastal cruising in the Aegean and Adriatic regions, with many anchor stops in sheltered bays. Thanks to the space on board and social character, gulets are popular with families and groups of friends who want to enjoy sun, sea and culinary indulgence together. Modern gulets are often updated with contemporary conveniences, so you experience authentic charm with the comforts of today.

How to choose the right yacht quickly

In doubt between several types? How does a luxury yacht charter work (step by step) shows step by step what to expect per type.

• Ultimate luxury and service - Choose a superyacht or luxury motor yacht with crew and private chef.
• Stable and generous living comfort - A catamaran offers plenty of space and mild movement at sea.
• Authentic and quiet sailing - A sailing yacht or motor sailor delivers the characterful sailing experience with modern conveniences.
• Atmospheric travel together - Gulets are ideal for relaxed coastal cruises with plenty of time on deck.
• Planability above all - Motor yachts minimise sailing time and maximise time at destination.

Our yachts offer elegant suites (also called cabins/cabins). The charter price is seasonal and excludes VAT and APA. The APA is a prepaid amount for variable expenses such as fuel, port charges, provisions and special requests; the captain keeps track of the costs transparently. If you are travelling with short transfer times or from several cities in the Benelux, we can arrange private jet transfers through our sister company Global Aviation if required.

Frequently asked questions

What types of boats are there?

The most requested types within yacht charters are motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans, motorsailers and gulets. In the high-end segment, luxury yachts and superyachts stand out for their space, crew and facilities, such as Jacuzzis, fitness and extensive water sports equipment. Motor yachts offer speed and planability, sailing yachts and motorsailors deliver characterful, quiet cruising, catamarans stand for stability and living space, and gulets offer traditional charm with plenty of outdoor living. Depending on your travel style, group size and desired service, choose the type that suits you best.

What is the 10% rule for yachts?

The term 10% rule is used differently. In a charter context, it sometimes refers to a guideline for tipping crew of around 10 to 15 per cent of the bare charter price, depending on region and satisfaction. Tips are never mandatory and entirely at your discretion. In the yacht purchase world, the 10 per cent rule often indicates an estimate of annual operating costs as a percentage of the purchase price, which does not apply to a charter.

What exactly does a yacht charter involve?

With a yacht charter, you book a fully crewed yacht exclusively for your party, usually for 7 days or more. The crew take care of navigation, safety and service, with a private chef providing bespoke menus. Together with the captain, you decide on the itinerary and daily schedule, from moorings in fashionable harbours to anchorages in tranquil bays. In addition to the seasonal charter rate, you settle variable expenses via the APA, which is managed transparently on board.

What are some examples of charters?

Popular charter types include family charters with lots of water activities, romantic trips such as a honeymoon, and charters for special occasions with fine dining and unique anchorages. Destination examples include an 8-day Côte d'Azur itinerary with stops in Nice, Monaco, Saint-Tropez and Cannes, an 11-day tour of the Cyclades with Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, or a 7-day Caribbean exploration along St Maarten, St Barths and Anguilla. View a concrete example in Sample trip: Caribbean. Our team will be happy to advise you on the most suitable yacht and sailing schedule.

View our Yachts overview and find out which motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and super yachts are available.