Yacht types explained: A guide to choosing the right yacht

Motor yachts: The most popular choice

Powered by engines and designed to offer the best of the yachting lifestyle, a motor yacht is a floating haven that facilitates relaxation on the high seas. Providing seven-star service with every watertoy and amenity imaginable, a luxury motor yacht gifts the opportunity to access remote bays, far-flung islands or simply cruise the French Riviera in style.

Advantages of a motor yacht

Contemporary motor yachts today will feature zero speed stabilisers as standard to mitigate pitch and roll (and motion sickness), large spacious guest accommodation to retreat to at the end of a long day, and wide-open deck spaces with easy access to the water. A lightweight, fast-planing motor yacht can clock speeds in excess of 40 knots, perfect for island hopping, while a full displacement superyacht offers a steady and comfortable cruise. If it’s convenience, comfort and space you’re after, motor yachts are the ticket.

Sailing yachts: Traditional elegance

Feeling the wind in your hair and the salty sea spray while standing on the bowsprit of your own sailing yacht is a great way to reduce stress levels. Delivering the exhilaration of a fast-paced sport alongside the comfort of a home at sea, a luxury sailing yacht is the best of both worlds. While the interior volume is often less than that found on a motor yacht, sailing is the original sustainable way to enjoy the oceans. Whether you choose a bluewater cruiser kitted out with all the amenities or a high-performance racer noted on the regatta circuit, either one offers high-octane, life-affirming experiences on board.

Why choose a sailing yacht?

One of the biggest considerations when buying a superyacht is how fuel efficient it is. Powered by wind with an engine for use in port or calm seas, sailing yachts hit the economical sweet spot. It takes a highly skilled crew to operate a sizeable sailing superyacht, but the tight knit family ambience typically felt between crew and guests is often legendary. Lifting keels, powered winches and sails that are furled at the touch of a button all contribute to a sailing yacht’s transatlantic capability for epic worldwide voyages, not to mention rapid sailing speeds.

Catamarans: Space and stability

Two hulls are better than one. That’s the point of a catamaran yacht, to provide stability and space without compromising on style. Increasingly popular among guests who like to spend nights at anchor, as well as sailing enthusiasts who appreciate the lack of heeling, catamarans are growing in numbers and size.

Advantages of a catamaran

Providing a lot more space than monohulls, with the cockpit and living room typically positioned between the two hulls, catamarans have a smaller surface area that floats on water therefore provide greater stability and comfort. Generally lighter and faster with a smaller draft, a multihull has versatility at its core.

Explorer yachts: Built for adventure

The ability to go anywhere, at any time, is the calling card of the explorer yacht. Typically carrying a smorgasbord of watertoys, from submersibles for deep-sea exploration to helicopters for heli-skiing and everything else in between, explorer/expedition yachts are about venturing off the beaten track, equipped with all the gear required for serious expeditions in the comfort of a superyacht setting.

Why an explorer yacht?

Explorer yachts are built to take you further, offering access to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Many feature ice-class hulls for polar cruising, while their range and autonomy also make them ideal for exploring untouched tropical regions in complete comfort.

They can also operate as a support yacht or shadow boat, carrying additional equipment, crew or provisions to extend the capabilities of a primary yacht or enable more ambitious expeditions.

How the different yacht types compare

While the differences between yacht types may seem obvious at first glance – particularly when comparing sailing and motor yachts – there are more nuanced factors that can have a significant impact on your decision.

Motor yacht vs sailing yacht

The motor yacht versus sailing yacht debate is a longstanding one, with strong opinions on both sides. Sailing yachts offer a more immersive, romantic experience, harnessing the power of the wind and creating a deeper connection to the journey itself. By contrast, motor yachts prioritise effortless comfort and speed, covering greater distances with everything operating seamlessly behind the scenes.

Motor yachts typically offer a broader range of amenities, from extensive watertoy collections to dedicated wellness areas, swimming pools, and full owner’s decks. But modern sailing yachts, particularly at the larger end of the market, can still deliver high-end finishes and exceptional comfort, ensuring there is no real compromise on luxury.

But perhaps the biggest difference is efficiency and environmental impact. Sailing yachts generally consume far less fuel than their motor counterparts, offering a quieter, more considered way to explore the ocean.

Which yacht type is best for different destinations?

If you already have a cruising ground in mind, this can help determine the most suitable yacht type. Popular destinations such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean are well suited to both motor and sailing yachts.

For those seeking more off-the-beaten-track experiences, look to Central and South America, Antarctica, the Pacific islands or Northern Europe. In these locations, explorer yachts are often the ideal choice, providing the range, capability and on board equipment needed to explore in comfort and at your own pace.

Start your yachting journey with Burgess

To discuss your next step into yachting – whether chartering or purchasing your first yacht – get in touch. Our charter and brokerage teams offer expert market insight and tailored guidance, helping you navigate the process with confidence and make the right decisions.