Yacht Type Comparison
Motor vs Sailing Yacht Charter Greece
Speed and stability, or rhythm and wind. The choice that shapes your entire week.
Two yacht types, two different charter weeks
Best suited for
- First-time charterers debating yacht type
- Repeat clients comparing across yacht categories
- Couples and families weighing pace vs comfort
- Sailing enthusiasts vs comfort-focused families
Decision matrix
Choose a motor yacht if: itinerary covers 2+ island groups in one week, charter is in peak July-August, group includes guests with mobility issues, charter prioritises hotel-style comfort over experience of sailing, budget supports 30 to 45% higher rate. Choose a sailing yacht if: charter is in May-June or September, group includes anyone curious to experience real sailing, charter prioritises slower pace and quieter anchorages, fuel cost matters to APA budget, charter is in the Ionian or sheltered Saronic. Choose a catamaran if: family with children under 10, large group (8+) wanting maximum deck space, charter prioritises shallow-draft anchorage access, group includes guests sensitive to motion-sickness. Catamarans split the difference between motor and sailing types — see our catamaran charter page.
Notes from George
- First-time charterers default to motor. Most repeat clients try sailing in year 2 or 3 and either fall in love or confirm motor as their preference.
- Sailing yachts feel half-the-size when heeled. A 60-foot motor yacht and 60-foot sailing yacht have very different living-space feels.
- Charters in May, June, and September gain the most from sailing — calmer Meltemi, gentler reaching, longer daylight for relaxed sailing days.
- If you've never sailed and want to try: a 50-60 foot sailing yacht for a week in the Ionian is the gentlest introduction. We've placed first-time-sailor clients there for 5+ years.
- Multi-week charters often combine: week 1 sailing in the Ionian, week 2 motor yacht to the Cyclades. Best of both formats.
Frequently asked
About motor vs sailing yacht charter greece
Are sailing yachts really cheaper than motor yachts?
Yes, typically 30 to 45% cheaper on the base rate for equivalent length. The gap is widest below 25 metres (where sailing crews are smaller) and narrows above 30 metres (where both formats need similar crew counts). APA is also lower on sailing yachts due to fuel savings.
Is a sailing yacht hard to charter for non-sailors?
No. The captain and crew handle everything. Guests are welcome to help (winching, helming, raising the main is a guest favourite) but no experience is required. The trade-off is pace: a sailing week has slower passages than a motor yacht week.
What about catamarans — are they sailing or motor?
Both formats exist. Sailing catamarans (Lagoon, Sunreef, Fountaine Pajot, Bali) are wind-powered. Power catamarans (Sunreef Power, Aquila) have twin engines. See our catamaran charter page for the full breakdown.
Do motor yachts use a lot of fuel?
Yes. APA on motor yachts typically runs 30 to 35% of base rate (vs 25 to 30% on sailing). For a €100K base-rate motor yacht in July, expect €30-35K APA, of which fuel is the largest single line item. We brief clients on APA budget at booking.
Which holds value better for repeat charters?
Motor yachts depreciate faster as a class but rotate inventory faster as well, so the available fleet stays modern. Sailing yachts hold value longer and the fleet includes 20-year-old classics in excellent maintenance. Both are stable as charter assets.
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