Motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran: which should you charter?
Choose a motor yacht for speed, space and stability; a sailing yacht for a quieter, traditional experience under sail; a catamaran for stability, wide living space and shallow-water access; and a gulet for relaxed, spacious, good-value cruising in Turkey and Greece. The right choice depends on the pace and feeling you want.
Key facts
- Motor yacht: fastest, most interior space and amenities, most stable at anchor — the popular choice for luxury charters.
- Sailing yacht: quieter and more traditional, sails under wind power, gentle heel under way.
- Catamaran: two hulls for stability and huge deck space; shallow draft reaches quiet anchorages.
- Gulet: traditional wooden motor-sailer, wide decks, relaxed pace, excellent value — iconic in Turkey and Greece.
| Motor yacht | Sailing yacht | Catamaran | Gulet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fastest | Wind-dependent | Moderate | Slow, relaxed |
| Stability at anchor | High (stabilisers) | Some heel under sail | Highest (twin hulls) | High |
| Interior space | Most generous | Compact | Wide deck & saloon space | Wide, shaded decks |
| Shallow-water access | Limited | Limited | Best (shallow draft) | Good |
| Best for | Speed, full luxury feel | Traditional sailing feel | Families, groups, space | Relaxed, value group trips |
Indicative ranges — confirmed by your broker on enquiry.
Motor yachts
Motor yachts are powered by engines, so they are fast, cover long distances easily and stay level and stable. They typically offer the most generous interior volume, the largest range of amenities — jacuzzis, gyms, jet skis — and formal indoor-outdoor entertaining space. They are the default for guests who want speed, comfort and a full luxury feel.
Sailing yachts and gulets
A sailing yacht delivers the romance of travelling under wind power — quieter, greener and with a gentle heel while sailing. It appeals to those who love the craft of being at sea.
A gulet is a traditional wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailer, especially popular along the Turkish and Greek coasts. Gulets are prized for their broad, shaded decks, relaxed pace and strong value, making them ideal for laid-back group holidays.
Catamarans
A catamaran's two hulls make it exceptionally stable — little rolling at anchor — with vast deck and saloon space for its length and a shallow draft that reaches coves bigger yachts can't. It is a favourite for families and groups who prioritise space, steadiness and swimming access over speed.
Common questions
Which is more stable, a catamaran or a motor yacht?
Both are stable. A catamaran's twin hulls resist rolling at anchor and under way, while a large motor yacht uses stabilisers to stay level. Monohull sailing yachts heel under sail, which some guests love and others prefer to avoid.
What is a gulet?
A gulet is a traditional wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailing yacht, common in Turkey and Greece. It offers wide decks, a relaxed pace and excellent value for group crewed charters.
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