Yacht Charter Glossary
Catamaran
Also known as: Cat · Multihull · Power Catamaran · Sailing Catamaran
Full explanation
Catamarans solve three problems that monohull yachts have: roll, draft, and deck space.
With two hulls separated by 8–12 metres of bridge deck, a catamaran rolls almost imperceptibly at anchor or under sail, sits in 1.5m of water (vs 2.5–3m for a monohull of equivalent length), and offers a saloon and aft deck the width of the entire vessel - typically 50% more usable horizontal space than a monohull of the same length. Two sub-categories: sailing catamarans (Lagoon, Sunreef, Privilege) - twin masts not standard, single tall mast with the rig spanning the bridge deck.
Cruise at 8–11 knots under sail. Power catamarans (Sunreef Power, Aquila, Silent Yachts) - twin diesel or electric powered, no mast.
Cruise at 10–18 knots. Why families pick catamarans: the stability eliminates seasickness in lower-tolerance guests.
The shallow draft opens anchorages (Donousa, parts of Lipsi, Skiathos shallows) that monohulls cannot enter.
The deck space accommodates large groups socially without crowding. Why luxury solo couples often prefer monohulls: a catamaran has a different aesthetic.
The wide beam makes the yacht look more like a modern beach villa than a classic yacht.
Buyers who care about the traditional silhouette tend to choose monohulls.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
Catamaran is the answer for groups of 8–12 where seasickness is a concern (children, parents) and where the itinerary prioritises swimming and anchoring over passage-making. Knowing when to recommend a catamaran vs a monohull is one of the most predictive broker-client fit signals.
Worked examples
Sailing catamaran, 22m, 7 nights, Cyclades family charter
Charter fee: €38,000. 4 cabins, 3 crew. Almost zero roll - kids sleep through anchor moves. Total fully loaded: ~€62,000.
Luxury power catamaran, 28m Sunreef, 7 nights, Saronic
Charter fee: €95,000. 5 cabins, 5 crew. 16-knot cruise. Sits in 1.3m draft - accesses anchorages around Spetses that monohulls cannot. Total fully loaded: ~€150,000.
Frequently asked
About catamaran
Are catamarans more expensive than monohulls?
Roughly equivalent. New-build catamarans cost slightly more per metre, but charter rates land in the same range as comparable monohulls for the same length.
Do catamarans handle heavy weather?
Modern luxury catamarans handle Force 6 perfectly well. They're stable but slower to recover from very large breaking seas - meaning storm tactics are different from monohulls. Professional crews know the differences.
Can a catamaran go everywhere a monohull goes?
Plus a few places monohulls cannot (shallow anchorages). The only limitation is marina pricing - some marinas charge catamarans 1.5x monohull rates because they occupy a wider berth.
Sailing or power catamaran - which to choose?
Sailing catamarans for buyers who want the sailing experience and lower running cost. Power catamarans for buyers who prioritise speed, deck space, and zero noise (electric power cats run silent at anchor).
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
Sailing Yacht
A sailing yacht is a yacht equipped with masts and sails as its primary propulsion. Modern luxury sailing ya…
Motor Yacht
A motor yacht is a yacht propelled entirely by engines, with no sailing capability. Motor yachts dominate th…
Draft
Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a yacht's hull (typically the …
Superyacht
A superyacht is any private yacht of 24 metres (78 feet) or longer. Above 50 metres the term 'megayacht' is …
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