What is the difference between a motor yacht, a sailing yacht and a gulet?
A motor yacht runs on engines, offering speed, spacious interiors and stability. A sailing yacht uses sail power for a quieter, traditional experience with a gentle heel under way. A gulet is a wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailer, traditional to Turkey and Greece, valued for wide decks and relaxed cruising. Choice depends on pace, budget and feel.
Key facts
- Motor yachts prioritise speed, stability and interior space, powered entirely by engines.
- Sailing yachts move under sail power for a quieter, more traditional feel, with some heel under way.
- Gulets are wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailers traditional to Turkey and Greece, known for wide decks and a relaxed pace.
- Gulets are generally more budget-friendly per guest than a motor yacht of comparable length.
How each type feels underway
A motor yacht gives you speed and stability — engines mean you can cover more distance in a day, arrive smoothly, and the interior tends to be roomier relative to length since there's no need to accommodate a mast and rigging running through the layout.
A sailing yacht trades some of that space and speed for a quieter, more traditional experience: the sound of wind rather than engines, a gentle heel when sails are up, and a pace that suits guests who enjoy the sailing itself as part of the holiday rather than just the destination.
Where the gulet fits in
A gulet is a wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailer with roots in traditional Turkish and Greek boatbuilding — broad in the beam, with wide open decks that suit relaxed lounging and al fresco meals more than fast passages.
Most gulets cruise under engine power for the bulk of a charter and raise sails when conditions allow, so they're best thought of as comfortable, characterful cruising vessels first. They also tend to be a more budget-friendly way to get a larger, sociable deck space for your group.
Common questions
Do gulets actually sail, or mostly motor?
Most gulets cruise under engine power for most of a charter and raise sails occasionally when conditions suit — they're built as comfortable cruising vessels first, sailing vessels second.
Which type is best for someone prone to seasickness?
Motor yachts with stabilisers tend to feel steadiest, while sailing yachts can heel more in wind and a gulet's motion depends on its hull and the sea state — your broker can also check typical conditions for the specific itinerary.
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