The best sailing yachts for charter

Stats: 62 metres, Holland Jachtbouw, 2010, 12 guests, 10 crew

Perfectly suited to family sailing holidays, Athos strikes the perfect balance between high-powered performance and luxury living at sea. Her vast exterior deck promises plenty of space for socialising, with a shaded dining area on the aft and a private deck area adjoining the master suite. An unfussy interior by Hoek prioritises comfort and warmth, with flexible accommodation that can be configured for up to 12 guests in five cabins. The toy chest is the cherry on the cake; guests can whizz around on Seabobs, get their adrenaline pumping with water skis or put the raft of inflatables to good use.

Athos is managed for charter by Y.CO with a weekly charter rate starting from €200,000.

Stats: 24.4 metres, Sunreef, 2019, 10 guests, 2 crew

One of the main advantages of chartering a catamaran is space – and Bundalong offers plenty of room for guests to roam. She can sleep up to 10 guests in an interior styled like a Hamptons beach house, with two VIP cabins, two doubles and a convertible twin cabin. Full-height windows surround the main saloon so sea views are guaranteed from every angle – even from the galley – while a private foredeck lounge serves as the ultimate chillout space. Up top, a sky lounge offers the best views in the house beneath the shade of a hard top. Bundalong comes from the Aboriginal word meaning join together and is an ideal setting for families and friends to switch off and enjoy some downtime.

Bundalong is available for charter with Denison Yachting from $82,000 per week.

Stats: 86 metres, Vitters & Oceanco, 2016, 12 guests, 17 crew

This 86-metre high-performance ketch by Oceanco and Vitters is big enough to sleep 12 guests and pack on features you might expect to find on a motor yacht. The bridge deck master features his-and-hers en suites, a private lift and its own terrace. There are three outdoor bars and a 24-seat dining table with a retractable skylight, plus a proper beach club with a steam room, sauna and spa pool. The interior design by Dölker + Voges is fresh and modern with pops of neon lacquer.

Aquijo is managed for charter by Edmiston & Company with a weekly charter rate starting from €450,000.

Stats: 57.5 metres, Royal Huisman, 2010, 8 guests, 11 crew

A 3.8-metre draught means this eight-guest, 57.5-metre family cruiser can tuck into shallow anchorages, as well as take on serious oceans. She also looks good while she’s doing it, with a sinuous Dubois exterior, built by Royal Huisman. Inside, the look is natural and luxurious, with acid-washed oak, chocolate lacquer, leather, linen and silk. If you can find your family under the cashmere throws, enjoy a sunset cocktail together in the indoor/outdoor saloon with its panoramic views.

Twizzle is managed for charter by Camper & Nicholsons International with a weekly charter rate starting from €235,000.

Stats: 35.2 metres, Nautor’s Swan, 2015, 10 guests cruising, 9 guests sleeping, 6 crew

Solleone is a fine example of a Swan sailing yacht and a superb option for those looking to embark on their first sailing yacht charter. All sailing operations are kept aft of the social cockpit and sheets are fed beneath the deck so there is no worry of tripping over a loose line. The cockpit features two dining tables and a bimini that pops up from the deck for shaded al fresco meals enjoyed at anchor. When the sun is shining, a swim platform opens in clamshell fashion to create a huge bathing platform with easy access to the sea.

Solleone is managed by Fraser with charters starting from €110,000 per week.

Stats: 37.5 metres, Oyster, 2019, 12 guests, 6 crew

The perfect charter for a group of friends, this 37.5-metre Oyster features four versatile twins that convert to doubles, plus an aft master suite – so no one draws the short straw. There are plenty of areas to entertain, with a flowing space that comprises an on-deck dining area, mid-level dining saloon and upper-level sofas for lounging after a meal. The toybox is packed with Seabobs, kayaks and other gadgets for blowing the cobwebs away the next day.

Archelon is managed for charter by Ocean Independence with a weekly charter rate starting from €95,000.

Stats: 49.7 metres, Fitzroy, 2012, 10 guests, 8 crew

With an impressive regatta history, this 10-guest, 49.7-metre Fitzroy won’t let you down if you decide to bookend your cruise with a little competition. But she doesn’t sacrifice comfort for sailing prowess – there’s a whitewashed oak interior, a glamorous aft dining saloon encased in glass and a sprawling flybridge deck that’s perfect for socialising and sunbathing. There are also plenty of toys and diving gear.

Ohana is managed for charter by Fraser with a weekly charter rate starting from €150,000.

Stats: 44.2 metres, Pendennis, 2011, 12 guests, 10 crew

Hemisphere boasts the title of the world’s largest sailing catamaran, ensuring plenty of room on board for standout features. While being able to experience the feel of cruising under sail, guests can also enjoy al fresco dining, dips in the flybridge jacuzzi and relaxing on the sunbathing trampoline forward. Perfectly equipped for those who love spending time in the water, the 44.2 metre superyacht features a PADI-certified, Nitrox-capable dive centre for marine excursions led by a qualified dive instructor. Hemisphere also comes with a sports fishing tender and gear as well as a range of towables and water toys.

Hemisphere is managed for charter by Burgess with a weekly charter rate starting from $260,000.

Stats: 51.7 metres, Alloy, 2008, 12 guests, 9 crew

Offering a winning combination of performance and space, Red Dragon packs some enviable credentials into a 52 metre package. As well as multiple spaces for relaxing and entertaining, the yacht also has a retractable swimming platform and a contemporary, Ibiza-style interior that feels fresh and polished. When not enjoying her bright main saloon or airy cabins, guests can stretch out on uncluttered deck areas and enjoy watching the world go by.

Red Dragon is managed for charter by McMaster Yachts with a weekly charter rate starting from €210,000.

Stats: 33.1 metres, Classen, 1999, 9 guests, 5 crew

Shamoun is the perfect charter for guests wanting to embrace the classic era of yachting. Launched in 1999 but designed with tradition in mind, the 33.1 metre sailing yacht boasts sumptuous interiors with a country house feel, epitomised in the elegant mahogany and chestnut saloon complete with a library, study, drinks bar and a roaring fireplace. She’s also well-stocked for water sports, carrying a range of equipment from scuba, snorkelling and fishing gear to inflatables, paddle boards and tenders. A shallow draft and a hydraulic centreboard allow her to access pristine bays unreachable by other yachts for a supremely private retreat.

Shamoun is managed for charter by YPI with a weekly charter rate starting from $61,800.

Stats: 27 metres, Jongert, 2007, 6 guests, 3 crew

Icarus has been designed to sail comfortably in all conditions and climates; the powered furling sail system on board allows for easy handling, with her performance further enhanced by a revolutionary keel and rudder design. She also boasts a carbon mast measuring five meters above the average height, and is equipped with an inner forestay to avoid pitching in rough weather. Aside from offering an exceptional sailing experience with speeds of up to 11 knots, Icarus will keep guests well entertained while at anchor thanks to her deck jacuzzi and range of water toys, tenders and diving equipment carried on board.

Icarus is managed for charter by Northrop & Johnson with a weekly charter rate starting from €35,000.

Stats: 43 metres, Baltic Yachts, 2003, 10 guests, 6 crew

Baltic superyacht Cavallo was custom-designed as a high-performance sloop, and while cruising under sail can reach speeds of over 15 knots. With an exciting charter itinerary that will see her chasing winter sun in the Indian Ocean and Seychelles islands, she's perfect for an adventurous guest looking to discover more remote charter locations. But Cavallo's sailing capabilities are not her only draw. Her timeless and elegant interiors designed by John Munford come with a sauna and steam room and there's plenty of room for al fresco dining on deck. There's also an impressive range of toys carried on board, including equipment for scuba diving, fishing and snorkelling as well as paddleboards, water-skiing gear, Seabobs and more.

Charter rate: Cavallo is managed for charter by Ocean Independence with a weekly charter rate starting from €65,000.