The Best Classic Yachts Available For Charter

There's nothing quite like a superyacht holiday on board a romantic, classic charter yacht. Peruse our edit of the best classic yachts available to charter for some traditional, old-school glamour on your next superyacht cruise.

The basics: Featuring the original 1920s ship wheel and brass binnacle, the 36.9 metre Fair Lady is the epitome of a classic yacht that will take you back in time to the roaring twenties.

Highlights: Launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1928, she can sleep up to eight guests in five cabins with accommodation for a crew of six. She boasts a cosy main saloon, mahogany-panelled dining room and a traditional card room, which has the original furniture and pear wood detailing.

On deck, guests can relax in the sheltered alcove on the sundeck or bask in the sunshine thanks to wooden sun loungers. She features two al fresco dining spots, perfect for a sunset glass of Champagne or a dinner beneath the stars.

Charter rate: Fair Lady is managed for charter by Burgess and will be returning to the UK for a tour of the Scottish Isles. Charters start from €63,000 per week.

The basics: Vespucci was designed by and built for yachting legend Carlo Riva in the late 1970s. Now, fresh from an extensive two-year refit, she’s in shipshape and ready for the Mediterranean charter season.

Highlights: Built by CRN, Vespucci can sleep up to 10 guests in four cabins as well as a crew of five. Guests can make the most of the warm Mediterranean weather up on the flybridge, where lunches are served al fresco and there's plenty of space for lounging in the sun. She can also host up to 45 guests at quay so is perfect for parties.

Charter rate: Cruising the Mediterranean all year round, Vespucci is managed for charter by Northrop & Johnson, with a weekly charter rate starting from €40,000.

The basics: The stunning 62 metre Esmeralda was delivered in 1981 by Codecasa and underwent a major interior refit in 2000, and still receives updates every winter. A crew of 19 see to the needs of up to 12 guests, who can be accommodated in 11 cabins.

Highlights: Perfect for large gatherings, Esmeralda can host up to 150 guests when in port. Her beautiful sundeck boasts a hexagonal Jacuzzi and loungers, while her upper deck aft boasts a cocktail bar and a dining table for up to 16 people to enjoy an al fresco supper.

Below deck, she boasts a huge dining room perfect for formal dinner parties, a main saloon with a cocktail bar and multiple seating areas, a private study and a superyacht gym.

Charter rate: Available for charter in the Mediterranean, Esmeralda is managed for charter by YPI with a weekly rate starting from $230,000.

The basics: The 50.29 metre Malahne was delivered in 1937 by Camper and Nicholsons and underwent a major restoration project at Pendennis in 2015. She can sleep up to 10 guests in six cabins (some of which boast period writing desks) with a crew of 11.

Highlights: After serving in World War II as part of the evacuation effort in Dunkirk, she was owned by film producer Sam Spiegel, acting as the production headquarters for Lawrence of Arabia and played host to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Jack Nicholson and Grace Kelly.

Her Guy Oliver designed interior echoes her charming 1930s roots. Her main saloon offers numerous armchairs, a piano and a casual dining area in one corner. A more formal dining room for up to 10 boasts art deco features and a stunning wood floor. A second lounge/study acts as the perfect place to send a few last-minute emails or to enjoy a glass of your favourite whisky atop comfortable sofas.

On deck, guests can relax in the sunshine atop crisp white sunpads with optional shades of comfy blue loungers before tucking into an al fresco lunch in the sunshine.

Charter rate: Malahne is managed for charter by Edmiston and has a weekly rate starting from €145,000.

The basics: Launched in 1929, this classic saw service in the Second World War and was sold to a new owner in 2015 who set out on a mission to restore the yacht to her former glory. After a 16-month refit at Pendennis she hit the water once again, and was awarded the Neptune for best rebuilt yacht at the World Superyacht Awards 2019.

Highlights: Haida 1929 can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins with a crew of 16. Highlights on board include a master suite complete with a private lounge and shaded dining terrace, a stepped pool on the sun deck, a cinema, and a spa.

Charter rate: Haida 1929 is managed for charter by Edmiston, with a weekly summer charter rate starting from €310,000.

The basics: Delivered by Mie Shipyard in 1980 and refitted last year, the 52 metre superyacht Big Eagle can accommodate up to 12 guests in six elegant cabins.

Highlights: She boasts contemporary interiors that blend seamlessly with the classic feel of the yacht. Below deck, she features a vast main saloon with a large TV and a chic cocktail bar perfect for evening drinks with friends.

Outside she has a huge party deck with dining table, spots bar and lounge areas, perfect for sunset socialising and dinner under the stars. Additionally, she has a spa pool, sunpads and a myriad of water toys.

Charter rate: Big Eagle is managed for charter by Fraser has a weekly rate starting from $140,000.

The basics: Eros was built in England in 1939 for the daughter and son-in-law of a British Lord. Soon after her launch she was commandeered by the Royal Navy during World War Two to participate in the famous evacuation at Dunkirk, and later became the private yacht of billionaire Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos. After a no-expense-spared restoration, Eros is presented in immaculate condition and ready for an off-the-beaten track adventure this summer.

Highlights: Eros still retains some of her original features like teak panelling in the dining saloon - a nod to her original art-deco interior - and can sleep up to eight guests in four double cabins. Those looking for the thrill of sailing can take the helm at her classic wooden wheel, while others can simply kick back on a sun lounger at the bow. As the sun sets, guests can dine on deck thanks to an expandable teak table with wraparound seating for up to ten.

Charter rate: Eros will be available charters in New England and Chesapeake Bay before heading to New England and up to Greenland. Managed by Classic Charters, her weekly charter rate starts from $39,500.

The basics: Up to 12 guests can be accommodated in six beautiful cabins on board 38.61 metre Sarita Si, which was delivered in 1973 by CRN and refitted in 2016.

Highlights: Forward on her upper deck sits a Jacuzzi with optional shade, loungers and an al fresco dining table four up to eight guests, while her sundeck is a mass of striped sunpads for optimum sunbathing at any time of the day. Another dining table can be found on the main deck aft, making the perfect spot to enjoy dinner with the sound of the ocean waves close by.

A traditional main saloon boasts a TV area and plenty of plush leather seating for guests to enjoy an evening tipple.

Charter rate: Available for charter with Fraser, Sarita Si has a weekly charter rate starting from $80,000.