Don’t get us wrong; an invitation onto any yacht is an exciting prospect. But get ushered aboard a sailing yacht and that’s when you’ll really start feeling like a bonafide seafarer. There’s just something about standing on a teak deck — sun on your face and wind in your hair — that feels at once traditional, wholesome and really rather romantic.
It’s a daydream that’s been keeping us above water as we sail through these deepest days of winter. And, as we chart a course for the hazy, lazy summer months, the only choice we’ve got left to make is which yacht to charter.
So below, take a look at our shortlist. Wind in their sails, anchors aweigh and making waves, these are the eight yachts bringing their best to the seven seas.
Satori, merging tradition with cutting-edge technology
This peaceful yacht, aboard which you can silently sail the Med all summer, has a name that derives for the Japanese Buddhist term for ‘awakening’. And we can see why — every inch of the elegant, 42 metre masterpiece has been carefully considered, from the full-beam master suite to the on-deck projector screen for films under the stars.
Satori will comfortably house up to 10 people, and each cabin is decked out with its own ensuite bathroom. But you wouldn’t think it from the outside — the sleek build of the craft belies just how much it can hold, from a raft of tenders to a dining area under the billowing canopy of sails
Creole, a vast sailing boat fit for adventure
The world’s largest wooden sailing boat, Creole measures an impressive 66 metres in length and has 1,080 square metres of living space. She can sleep up to 11 people in complete luxury, boasts plush fixtures and fittings from her most recent refit a decade ago and has been entertaining guests since 1927. This is a sailing yacht with stories.
She even helped during seaborn campaigns in the Second World War, and is now the perfect reliable charter vessel aboard which to have some adventures of your own. And, with enough tenders to make the most of the waves, no corner of the West Mediterranean will go unexplored.
Elena, a luxurious vessel with heritage to spare
Created to be a faithful recreation of a 1928 racing yacht, Elena is a vessel that combines the spirit of a racer with all the modern luxuries of a contemporary superyacht. Step aboard and expect a luxuriously appointed galley that can be laid out either for a sit down meal or just for relaxing and getting out of the sun. Or head up to the spacious sun deck to top up your tan.
The dedicated crew of eight will also help you find any water toy you may want to enjoy the warm waves you’ll sail through. And any locals will be happy when you dock — the racing hull and classic design are a work of art in themselves.
Rox Star is not your standard sailing yacht
First launched in 2015, this rock’n’roll-influenced sailing yacht brings together two very different worlds — a defiance for tradition designed within a 40 metre hull that glides effortlessly through the waves. And those 600 square metres of black sail cloth? They’re something else.
The interiors are all dark wood and black leather — which creates a sumptuous, luxurious feel that you could just sink into. We particularly love Rox Star’s outdoor space, including a glorious sun deck and shaded dining area. It’s a clash of worlds, but one you’ll be sad to leave when you drop anchor for the final time.
Panthalassa, a breezy sailing yacht brimming with fun
Another vessel that sails far away from the yachting norm, Panthalassa was designed by the creative minds over at Forsters + Partners; one of the top architecture firms in the world. But, despite not having been created by a yacht designer, she is still one of the most striking sailing yachts available to charter.
The interiors are flooded with natural light and breezy tones to help foster a seamless transition from deck to galley. And that peaceful ambience is perfect for relaxing after spending all day out on the waves, enjoying Panthalassa’s unrivalled flotilla of watertoys and tenders.
Aquijo, a classic vessel with modern comforts
Redefining what it means to be a sailing yacht, Aquijo has taken all of the uber-luxurious comforts you’ll be used to on a superyacht and installed them with ease into this vessel. Staying true to that spirit of sailing we’ve fallen in love with, you’ll find everything from a beach club to a master suite with private lift access on board.
On the well-appointed main deck, you’ll have space to fit up to 24 guests for a sit-down dinner, or even more for a real boat party. However you use the space, you’ll be the envy of whichever harbour you sail into.
Shamanna is a yacht built for speed and luxury
If you’re looking for versatility in your vessel, then Shamanna is the sailing yacht for you. She’d be just as at home racing around the islands as she would in a laid-back atmosphere, luxuriously cruising around the Western Mediterranean.
The space provided to those lucky enough to be invited to stay in one of the four cabins is nothing short of fantastic, with a vast open deck also offering you an excellent vantage point from which to watch the land or seascape fly past — at a speed you owe to the new hull design, which was created to increase Shamanna’s speed.
Vertigo is a yacht decked out for a decadent escape
And we’ve saved one of the best till last. Vertigo is fresh out of a refit, despite only being launched in 2012, and has blown everyone away since she has hit the waves for a second time. If you’re looking for the ultimate sailboat, you may have found it.
Vertigo will give you none of the unpleasant sensations of her namesake. Instead, whether you’re soaking in the 10 person hot tub or staying in shape in the on-deck gym, you’ll feel content and calm when you’ve chartered her for an escape. We know we’re still daydreaming of summer…
Now check out our favourite yachts to charter in 2019…
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