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Finally the opportunity has arrived, you’ve decided on the location, and have chosen the charter company. Now you have to choose the perfect boat for your sailing needs. We have provided a brief description on some of the more popular boats you will find commonly available from the yacht charter companies.
Boats are divided into three basic categories: monohull sailing yachts, multihull sailing yachts, also known as a catamaran or trimaran, and powerboats. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. You already know whether you are a power boater or a sailor. But you may never have sailed or powered a catamaran before. Catamarans are ideal for families and big groups as the accommodations are spread out and separated with multiple head compartments. They also offer huge living room sized cockpits and decks. They don’t roll and heel, making them more comfortable for your novice guests. At anchor, your monohull neighbor’s masts are doing figure eights while you are sleeping like a baby on your stable platform. Power cats are more fuel-efficient than other powerboats of its size. Sail cats are usually faster than equal sized monohulls. You will find very few trimarans for charter. They are less spacious than catamarans, but sail at lightening speed under the right conditions.
Many charter boats do not come equipped with air conditioning or a generator. If that is a necessity for you, look around and you may find one by trying several charter companies. Scuba tanks and compressors are only occasionally available on some private yachts. We suggest you ask, because fleets change often and boats are becoming better outfitted. Yachts in the Mediterranean often do not provide linens, towels, outboard engines, or end cleaning. Be sure to inquire, you may be able to negotiate the inclusion of some of these costs with the charter company. |
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 MONOHULL SAIL BOATS
Sun Odyssey — This impressive line of sailboats built by Jeanneau represents a harmonious balance between performance, comfort and elegance. Built with fine lines, a responsive and quick hull, the Sun Odyssey will hold its course extremely well in all weather conditions, even short handed. Interior appointments are roomy and comfortable, with plenty of storage compartments, a huge salon and an impressive galley.
Oceanis — Throughout the world, Beneteau is the most respected name in sailing yachts. The cruising yachts found in the charter industry come equipped with the many comforts of home away from home. The interior is light, airy and extremely spacious with exceptional design features. You will find these boats handle with ease and performance even under the least desirable conditions.
The “First” series Beneteau can also be found for charter. These are high performance sailboats designed for both the racer and the cruiser. Some companies will charter these for regattas.
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Bavaria — Known as the German engineered sailing machines, Bavaria combines rich mahogany interiors with very good performance. Built heavier than some of its competitors, you will find balanced sailing under heavier wind conditions.
The “Match” series can also be found in the charter industry. This is Bavaria’s equivalent to Beneteau’s First series.
Gib Sea — This French designed sailboat is designed with cruising in mind. It is extremely comfortable and well appointed. You will find sailing a bit on the slow side compared to some of the other performance boats out there. This is an easy boat to sail and very forgiving.
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SAILING CATAMARANS
Lagoon — One of the most popular catamarans found in the yacht charter market, Lagoon is best known for its comfort at sea, ease of maneuverability and generously proportioned accommodations. All primary sail controls including the main halyard and reefing line are brought back to the cockpit. In addition an electric winch makes the ease of handling the mainsail load manageable and safe. The immense main saloon offers panoramic views and the open cockpit is designed for entertaining. These cats are heavy and perform similarly to a monohull except a bit slower up wind and faster down and off the wind. You will find this boat to be surprisingly easy and comfortable in heavy air and rough seas. The high bridge deck clearance (distance between the undersurface of the deck and the water) will provide a quite ride with no wave slapping and pounding.
Belize/Lavezzi/Bahia — Fountaine Pajot is the leader in large cruising catamarans. All their designs have impressive layouts with sophistication and spaciousness. Finishing details are European styled and combine a variety of materials for a contemporary look. Performance is similar to the Lagoon, but the Lavezzi is a new and livelier design. This would be a good choice for locations that have lighter air conditions.
Privilege — When it comes to quality and craftmanship the Privilege stands alone. This beautifully appointed catamaran is exceptionally strong and handles with ease and speed. One will be impressed by the space and comfort from the galley to the cabins. The design gives you a sense of being on a much larger yacht, with panoramic views from the salon that open up to an expansive cockpit. This is a great boat when in open water will be pushed along by the trade winds.
Voyage — Previously known as a Norseman, this is a good quality boat built in South Africa. The Voyage is extremely well appointed and a generous layout for living aboard. Plenty of room in the head compartments and many include a galley up design so the cook doesn’t feel as though she is in the kitchen. The boat is an average performer compared to others in this group. The bows lack buoyancy and the bridge deck is very low, making this boat prone to pounding and burying its bows in a heavy sea. This boat is better suited in protected waters such as the BVI.
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SAILING CATAMARANS (continued)
Robertson and Caine/Moorings — These are finely constructed and designed catamarans. They are extremely easy to sail and very comfortable to live aboard. Unfortunately, they have been described as ‘low and slow”. This refers to the low bridge deck clearance, which can cause some serious wave slapping and pounding. It is not dangerous but can be disturbing. These cats are also heavy. Cats are very weight sensitive and heavy cats are slow cats. For these reasons Moorings hired the designing team of Morelli and Melvin, the designers of Steve Fosset's record breaking maxi-cat Playstation, to design their new cats. So far they have come out with the Moorings 40. This is clearly lighter and faster with generous bridge deck clearance. This boat should be a blast to sail.
Australian Catamarans — If you are traveling down under you will find some smoking cool boats designed by the likes of Tony Grainger, Jeff Schionning, and the late Lock Crowther. These are generally lightweight and fast with very livable, modern, light and airy, interiors. They will all easily outperform their monohulls counterparts. Look for Lightwaves, Cosmos, Waterlines, and Seawinds to name a few. |
E-mail us your opinions and experiences at any time to info@sailing-advisor.com. Or call us toll-free at 1-866-754-7256.
The information provided in Sailing-Advisor.com is based on the opinion of the writers and is presented in good faith. All information is subject to change. |
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POWER BOATS
Powerboats come equipped with large engines that get you from point A to point B rather quickly. They generally use diesel that you as the charterer will be required to pay for. The faster you go, the more fuel is consumed. Be prepared for a large bill at the end of your trip; fuel costs for a powerboat are not cheap. Your charter company will know the actual fuel requirements per hour underway. A few examples you may find include:
Lagoon 43’ Power Cat — New to the market in 2004, Lagoon introduced its first Power Cat. After four years of study and research, this is the hottest boat in the Caribbean and around the world. Very few exist in any location. They are often booked well in advance. The design incorporates a roomy luxurious catamaran, with panoramic views from the salon, and a center cockpit that provides the perfect gathering place for fabulous dining. The Lagoon sleeps 8 comfortably in four double cabins, each with its own ensuite shower and head. Cruising speeds are in the mid teens with very reasonable fuel efficiency.
Motor Yachts by Tarquin and Jefferson — Typically found in the Caribbean these motor yachts range in size from 44’ – 60’. These powerboats tend to be older models. The layout provides for large sundecks and cockpits and many conveniences of home. They comfortably sleep from 2 – 8 people depending upon size. Most have air conditioning, and a generator. Check with your charter company for specific details and the specific year of the boat.
Bavaria BMB — Engineered in Germany, this small motorboat, is found most commonly in the Mediterranean, and is built for performance and style. The layout is set up for 2-4 passengers and is well appointed with classic mahogany fit and finish. Bavaria takes no short cuts when producing this high performance cruiser.
Sunseeker — Built with sophistication and style, this high performance motor yacht will get you to your destination in no time. These elegant powerboats are generally not available for bareboat charters, but usually come equipped with crew to indulge your every whim. You will discover luxurious accommodations for 2 – 6 passengers depending on size, with large sundecks and spacious main salons. Easily cruises at 20+ knots with equally high fuel costs. Check with your charter company for specific details.
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