The best sailing yachts for charter

Stats: 49.5 metres, Van der Graff, 2000, 8 guests, 9 crew

For racing enthusiasts hoping to try their hands at some superyacht sailing regattas this Mediterranean season, Eleonora boasts an impressive racing record wrapped up in a classic package. Designed as an exact replica of the 1910 Herreshoff schooner Westward, the modern Eleonora has a sail plan of 1,100 square metres and promises a similarly speedy performance as the former America’s Cup winner after which she was modelled. When she’s not cutting through the waves in hopes of collecting another trophy, her traditional, panelled mahogany interior transports guests back to the Golden Age of yachting, when life was lived at a slower pace. Her main saloon is designed in the glamorous style of bygone times, complete with a formal dining area, lounge, card table and drinks bar, while the uncluttered deck spaces provide plenty of room for sunbathing and al fresco entertaining.

Eleonora is managed by YPI with a weekly charter rate starting from €70,000.

Stats: 53.80 metres, Perini Navi, 2005, 12 guests, 9 crew

Parsifal III is one of the fastest sailing yachts to be built by Perini Navi. Designed in collaboration with Ron Holland, she sports high-tech carbon masts, fully automated in-boom furling and a winged keel, allowing her to reach speeds of up to 18 knots under full sail and making her perfect for speed-seeking charterers. The star of the hit TV show Below Deck will be sure to keep guests comfortable even while racing under high winds with her spacious Rémi Tessier-styled interiors finished in dark ebony and light sycamore. The pièce de résistance on board Parsifal III is her flybridge, equipped with a Jacuzzi and sunpads, a full wet bar, a Teppanyaki-style grill and al fresco lounge and dining areas.

Parsifal III is managed for charter by Camper & Nicholsons International with a weekly charter rate starting from €195,000.

Stats: 43.3 metres, Brodotrogir, 2021, 12 guests, 7 crew

Discover the cruising grounds of Croatia on board one of the latest models to emerge from the country’s local shipbuilders. Brand new to the market and welcoming charterers from June 2022, Life is Good has her home port in Split and offers a classic sailing experience with all the modern amenities. Her interiors feature a "Swarovski-inspired design" with crystalline sculptures and structures throughout, and the highlight is the formal dining area complete with a cocktail bar and dedicated wine cellar for after-dinner drinks. Alternatively, enjoy meals al fresco up on the covered deck. A truly modern yacht, she has also been outfitted with solar panels to power facilities on board using clean and renewable energy and boasts a toybox stocked with Jet Skis, SeaBobs, kayaks, paddleboards and gear for fishing, snorkelling and waterskiing.

Life is Good is managed for charter by Sail Dalmatia with a weekly charter rate starting from €69,000.

Stats: 43 metres, Eastern Shipbuilding, 2014, 12 guests, 10 crew

Offering all the charm of a classic yacht with modern amenities, the 43 metre Columbia is a faithful 2014 replica of the Grand Banks Fishing Schooner of 1924. Columbia’s wide decks offer plenty of space for sunbathing and soaking up the sailing experience, while below deck a classic-inspired interior offers an elegant environment for entertaining and accommodating up to 12 guests and 10 crew. Up to 12 diners can be seated at a refined formal dining table made from tiger maple and gold leaf, before heading to the bar for an after-dinner drink. Columbia also boasts a well-stocked toybox, complete with a Williams jet tender, a kneeboard, paddleboards and snorkel gear, plus a rowing and a sail boat.

Columbia is managed for charter by Classic Charters with a weekly charter rate starting from $60,000.

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 snorkeling 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 €90,000.

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 €155,000.

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: 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 €125,000.

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 €550,000.

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 $280,000.

Stats: 49.06 metres, Wienerwerft, 1926, 10 guests, 8 crew

Want to sail into the past on your next superyacht charter? Classic superyacht Trinakria offers all the glamour of a bygone era with the comfort of modern amenities. First delivered by Wienerwerft in 1926, the gaff-rigged schooner was completely refitted between 2004 and 2014 but her wood panelled interiors still embrace the opulence of roaring ‘20s design. Up to 10 guests can enjoy views from her panoramic main saloon, or dine al fresco in the balmy night air. To pick up the pace, Trinakria offers a range of water toys, from wakeboards and a Zartender to stand-up paddleboards and gear for fishing or snorkelling.

Trinakria is managed for charter by NEXT Yachting with a weekly charter rate starting from €65,000.

Stats: 50.75 m, Yildizlar Yachting, 2017, 12 guests, 10 crew

Measuring just over 50 metres LOA, Aresteas offers the volume of a motor yacht while still allowing her guests to experience the sensation of sail. Her spacious saloon features a lounge, drinks bar and private cinema, while above deck is a glass-bottomed jacuzzi and al fresco dining spaces for soaking up the sun. For charter guests focused on fitness, Aresteas also comes equipped with an on-board gym and an RYA-approved water sports centre complete with a range of toys from jet skis, sea bobs and scuba equipment as well as towables and inflatables.

Aresteas is managed for charter by Hill Robinson with a weekly charter rate starting from €150,000.

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 $65,100.

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 €38,000.