From the moment you decide to embark on a sailing trip around southern Europe, you’ll likely start wondering about the various Mediterranean boat types you could be navigating the open ocean on. Unless you’re well-versed in these sparkling blue waters or are an avid sailor, determining which vessel to pick can take time and effort.
With years of experience on our side, Sailyachts.com can point you in the right direction. We’ll assist you in finding the best sailing boat for a Mediterranean adventure suited to your tastes and budget, allowing you to put the plans in place for your exhilarating sailing expedition!
What Type of Sailboat Can I Hire in the Mediterranean?
Sailyachts.com has an expansive fleet of Mediterranean-ready vessels, consisting primarily of sailboats, catamarans, monohulls, and gulets. Below, we’ve created a detailed breakdown of each of these four boats to aid your decision-making process.
Sailboats
Sailboats are relatively compact and are most popular among couples and small groups. Cabins are somewhat small, but some models can still sleep up to 10 guests.
They have one hull, which makes them susceptible to more unsteady movements than other boats. This isn’t as much of an issue with sailboats equipped with deeper keels, but it’s best to prepare for some rocky encounters if you choose a sailboat.
While sailboats might sound a little rough and ready, they can allow for a thrilling experience for proficient sailors who aren’t put off by choppy waters. In most cases, sailboats are one of the slower vessels available. Nonetheless, they require the skipper to be confident in making measured and well-timed movements, so we don’t recommend them to newly qualified sailors.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth noting that sailboats are among the cheapest boats we offer. Some start from €2,000 a week during the quiet season, and because they require less fuel than many other boats, you can minimize your expenses further.
Catamarans
Of all the boats in our fleet, catamarans are the most luxurious. Spacious decks, comfortable cabins, and ample communal spaces are what catamarans are all about, so it’s no surprise that they’re the most sought-after option for big groups.
Thanks to the dual hulls, catamarans are super steady out at sea. When a catamaran encounters uneven waters, it’s much less prone to tilting than single-hulled boats. The two hulls remove the need for a deep keel, allowing catamarans to maneuver more easily in shallow seas and anchor closer to the shore.
Catamarans are fantastic for sailing upwind and are one of the best boats for picking up speed due to their hydrodynamic features. Their size might be tricky for some less-experienced sailors to handle, but they’re generally very user-friendly.
All this additional space comes with a price tag, as catamarans are on the costlier end of the scale. During the low season, they start between €2,500 and €7,000 a week, but they can be upwards of €10,000 when the busy summer season comes around.
Monohull
Another much-loved boat is the monohull. These are similar to catamarans, but as the name suggests, they have just one hull. As a result, they don’t offer quite as much space, but many still have plenty of room for two or three cabins.
Monohulls are popular with Sailyachts.com customers every year, as they are simpler to operate than some boats. As with most single-hulled vessels, there’s a chance you’ll feel the brunt of any swells in the sea, as the boat can tilt quite easily. However, their keel depth helps them to stay balanced so that it won’t feel too unpleasant on board.
Like any boat, they have a few drawbacks, but monohulls remain a reliable and excellent option for any Mediterranean excursion. They’re fast, travel well upwind, and tack quickly.
Additionally, monohulls are a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious travelers. Prices vary year-round, but monohulls can start from €1,000 per week during quieter months to around €3,500 in the peak season.
Gulet
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Mediterranean expedition with a sizable gang, a gulet should be at the top of your list! These glamorous wooden boats originated in this part of the world, so they’re a rather fitting choice for culture-loving sailors.
We have two and three-masted gulets available for hire. Some rely mainly on an engine and others use a mix of engine power and sails. Known for their sturdiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, exploring the seas by gulet will ensure a relaxed vacation on the water.
The nature of these hand-made boats prevents them from gaining significant speed and offering a typical sailing experience. Still, their vast decks and assortment of plush cabins make them a brilliant choice for a different kind of outing.
Gulets are among the most expensive vessels at Sailyachts.com, with prices starting from € (no prices provided).
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boat for the Mediterranean
Weather and Sea Conditions
When selecting the right boat for your trip, planning ahead for the expected sea conditions and weather should be a high priority. During the summer, the Mediterranean is usually at its calmest, meaning you may not need to be as selective with your boat.
Anyone thinking of sailing during the winter, when storms, winds, and rainfall are more commonplace, might be most comfortable with a monohull or catamaran. They both perform well even in difficult waters, but catamarans are more stable.
Sailing Experience and Skills
Before setting sail, it’s important to ascertain how confident you are in your boating skills. Catamarans and monohulls are the most navigable boats and are the ideal choice for sailors who are hesitant to take on the potentially challenging aspects of sailboats and gulets.
A gulet or sailboat may be a better fit for a seasoned professional who would like a more exhilarating sailing trip. However, if you’re even slightly hesitant, it’s best to play it safe with your choice of boat.
Comfort and Amenities
All of our vessels are of high quality, but the comfort, amenities, and space that catamarans and gulets provide are unmatched for luxury travelers. Each of these boats has roomy cabins and indoor and outdoor shared spaces that you won’t find on a sailboat or monohull.
This doesn’t mean that the smaller vessels aren’t also fabulous options, but their size limits their ability to deliver these extras.
What Is the Best Boat for Sailing the Mediterranean?
As frustrating as it may be when planning your trip, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best boat for sailing the Mediterranean.
From what we’ve seen at Sailyachts.com, we’ve found that catamarans are the first choice for many sailors, but plenty prefer our other vessels. In a nutshell, sailboats are great for adventure, catamarans are for comfort, monohulls are simpler to use, and gulets offer a traditional Mediterranean sail boat experience.
Final Words on Choosing the Best Boat for Sailing Around the Mediterranean
There’s no right or wrong choice when picking the best boat for sailing the Mediterranean, so long as it’s well-suited to you and your party’s needs. At Sailyachts.com, we understand that everyone’s ideal sailing vacation looks a little different, which is why we help tailor each trip for our customers.
For more personalized advice based on your specific preferences, touch base with one of our team members through our website’s Contact Us section.
