Sailing yacht · 1990
LE PONANT
84m / 277ft- Guests
- 32
- Cabins
- 16
- Crew
- 34
From$516,000 per week
View yachtCharter comparison
Motor Yacht vs Sailing Yacht Charter
Choosing between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht is one of the first decisions in charter planning. Each offers a fundamentally different experience, here's the definitive comparison.
The short answer
Choose a motor yacht for maximum space, speed, and luxury amenities. Choose a sailing yacht for a more intimate, eco-friendly, and authentic nautical experience. Both deliver unforgettable charter holidays.
By Olivia G., Charter Broker, EU
Motor Yacht vs Sailing: how do they compare?
| Criteria | Motor Yacht | Sailing |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 18 to 30+ knots cruising. Cover long distances quickly, visit more destinations per week. | 6 to 10 knots cruising. Slower pace, more time at sea, perfect for those who enjoy the journey. |
| Interior Space | Multiple decks, spacious salons, beach clubs, Jacuzzis, cinema rooms. Significantly more indoor/outdoor living space. | More compact interiors with clever use of space. Open-plan living, but fewer separate entertaining areas. |
| Comfort at Sea | Stabilisers reduce rolling. Smoother ride in rough conditions. Ideal for guests prone to seasickness. | Natural heeling motion under sail. Can be more challenging in heavy seas but deeply rewarding for sailing enthusiasts. |
| Water Toys | Large toy garages with jet skis, SeaBobs, inflatables, dive gear. Some carry tenders up to 10m. | Smaller toy selection due to storage limits. Typically tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear. |
| Cost (Weekly) | EUR 50,000 to EUR 1,500,000+/week depending on size (30m to 80m+) | EUR 30,000 to EUR 300,000/week. Generally 20 to 40% less than equivalent-length motor yachts. |
| Best For | Families, groups, luxury seekers, event charters, those who want maximum comfort and space. | Couples, sailing enthusiasts, eco-conscious travellers, those seeking an authentic maritime experience. |
| Fuel & Eco | Higher fuel consumption (EUR 5,000 to EUR 30,000/week). Larger environmental footprint. | Wind-powered when sailing. Lower fuel costs (EUR 1,000 to EUR 5,000/week). Greener option. |
Guide prices in this comparison are broker estimates quoted in euros (EUR). Yacht cards below show live weekly rates in USD.
Which should you choose, Motor Yacht or Sailing?
Choose a motor yacht for maximum space, speed, and luxury amenities. Choose a sailing yacht for a more intimate, eco-friendly, and authentic nautical experience. Both deliver unforgettable charter holidays.
Get personalised adviceYachts to consider
Sailing yacht · Van der Graaf · 2010
ATLANTIC
65m / 212ft- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 6
- Crew
- 12
From$164,000 per week
View yacht
Sailing yacht · Gdansk · 2011
RUNNING ON WAVES
64m / 210ft- Guests
- 45
- Cabins
- 18
- Crew
- 19
From$119,000 per week
View yacht
Sailing yacht · Aegean Yachts · 2009
THE LANGLEY
62m / 204ft- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 6
- Crew
- 10
From$170,000 per week
View yacht
Sailing yacht · 2018
PRANA
55m / 180ft- Guests
- 18
- Cabins
- 9
- Crew
- 21
From$140,000 per week
View yacht
Sailing yacht · Perini Navi · 1998
JASALI II
53m / 174ft- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 5
- Crew
- 10
From$221,000 per week
View yachtMotor Yacht vs Sailing FAQ
Is Motor Yacht or Sailing better for yacht charter?
Choose a motor yacht for maximum space, speed, and luxury amenities. Choose a sailing yacht for a more intimate, eco-friendly, and authentic nautical experience. Both deliver unforgettable charter holidays.
How does speed compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: 18 to 30+ knots cruising. Cover long distances quickly, visit more destinations per week.. Sailing: 6 to 10 knots cruising. Slower pace, more time at sea, perfect for those who enjoy the journey..
How does interior space compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: Multiple decks, spacious salons, beach clubs, Jacuzzis, cinema rooms. Significantly more indoor/outdoor living space.. Sailing: More compact interiors with clever use of space. Open-plan living, but fewer separate entertaining areas..
How does comfort at sea compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: Stabilisers reduce rolling. Smoother ride in rough conditions. Ideal for guests prone to seasickness.. Sailing: Natural heeling motion under sail. Can be more challenging in heavy seas but deeply rewarding for sailing enthusiasts..
How does water toys compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: Large toy garages with jet skis, SeaBobs, inflatables, dive gear. Some carry tenders up to 10m.. Sailing: Smaller toy selection due to storage limits. Typically tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear..
How does cost (weekly) compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: EUR 50,000 to EUR 1,500,000+/week depending on size (30m to 80m+). Sailing: EUR 30,000 to EUR 300,000/week. Generally 20 to 40% less than equivalent-length motor yachts..
How does best for compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: Families, groups, luxury seekers, event charters, those who want maximum comfort and space.. Sailing: Couples, sailing enthusiasts, eco-conscious travellers, those seeking an authentic maritime experience..
How does fuel & eco compare between Motor Yacht and Sailing?
Motor Yacht: Higher fuel consumption (EUR 5,000 to EUR 30,000/week). Larger environmental footprint.. Sailing: Wind-powered when sailing. Lower fuel costs (EUR 1,000 to EUR 5,000/week). Greener option..
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