Ever wondered what the difference is between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht? What a catamaran yacht is? What an expedition yacht is? With so many yacht types, it can be difficult to differentiate between a boat and a yacht, a yacht and a superyacht, an expedition yacht and an explorer. BOAT clarifies these core superyacht categories, defining yacht types and weighing up the pros and cons of each vessel.
Motor yacht vs sailing yacht: Key differences in performance, comfort and experience
Propulsion and speed
The key difference between a sailing yacht and a motor yacht is propulsion. While a motor yacht is powered by engines (generally diesel or petrol), a traditional sailing yacht uses sails to harness the power of the wind to propel it forward. Of course, sailing yachts have evolved from solely wind-powered sailboats and now also include motor sailing yachts – a hybrid vessel that combines both motor and sail propulsion.
Typically, motor yachts are faster than sailing yachts and hit a higher knot count, although sailing yachts can be faster in favourable conditions. Due to this, motor yachts are more convenient with less need for skill in wind conditions, while sailing yachts appeal to those seeking a purer connection to nature and the sea – offering a more traditional and often slower form of travel.
Skill
Unlike sailing yachts, motor yachts don't require knowledge of wind patterns, sail trimming, or other sailing techniques and therefore tend to be easier to operate. Sailing yachts demand a certain skill set to operate them – covering everything including specific sailing techniques, navigational skills, understanding weather and tides, boat handling and manoeuvring, boat maintenance, safety knowledge and situational awareness.
Comfort and layout
Without the dependence on wind conditions, motor yachts focus on long-distance cruising. Guests and owners therefore wish to prioritise luxury and comfort when on board for long periods, so the interiors tend to be more spacious with more amenities. How many decks a yacht has is dependent on its size and owner preferences, although there tends to be upwards of three decks on a yacht above 24 metres – the lower deck, main deck and upper deck.
Less about onboard comfort and more about the experience of being up close and personal with the elements, sailing yachts are focused on the experience of sailing itself. Sailors enjoy navigating by wind, which is considered more interactive and challenging compared to motor yachting. Sailing yachts over 24 metres tend to have accommodation on the lower deck, a raised saloon (generally above the engine room) and the teak deck exterior which houses controls and an al fresco lounge (often referred to as a cockpit).
Fuel consumption and cost
Operational costs can be higher in terms of fuel consumption on motor yachts versus traditional sailing yachts. However, motor sailing yachts (also known as motorsailers) are becoming more common and provide the benefits of both motor yachts and sailing yachts, offering flexibility and versatility in how the yacht is powered and operated.
Engines and sails provide the necessary thrust to move the motor sailing yacht through the water, and engines are typically used as an auxiliary power source when there is little to no wind, or when precise manoeuvring (such as entering a harbour) is needed. A motor sailor can operate on motor power alone, sail power alone, or a combination of both, depending on the circumstances.
Motor sailing yacht vs sailboat: What are the key features?
Motorsailers offer the best of both worlds – reducing fuel consumption, allowing for greater versatility and providing better onboard comfort. They are generally more stable than pure sailing yachts because they are designed with both propulsion systems in mind. This can make the ride more comfortable, especially in calm conditions or during long passages.
In terms of range and capability, motor sailing yachts can have a longer cruising range compared to pure sailing yachts because they can rely on their engines when needed, allowing them to travel more reliably, even in variable weather conditions. There are less limitations to cruising with engine power than wind power on its own.
Catamarans and trimarans: Advantages and disadvantages of a multihull
What is a multihull? As the name would suggest, it's a yacht with more than one hull. Unlike traditional single-hull boats (monohulls), multihulls are designed with two or more parallel hulls, which are typically connected by a central platform or deck. They can be broken down into two categories: catamarans (two hulls) and trimarans (three hulls).
Stability
Thanks to their design, catamarans and trimarans offer stability and speed due to their wide beam (the distance between the hulls), making them popular for both competitive racing and cruising. Their stability reduces the risk of capsizing, while their reduced drag and lighter construction allows them to reach higher speeds. Most multihulls also have a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate in shallow waters, although they can be less manoeuvrable in tight spaces or in certain weather conditions.
What is an expedition yacht?
Defined as a type of yacht designed for long-range exploration, typically in remote or challenging environments, expedition yachts are built with durability and strength in mind and feature reinforced hulls, ice-class ratings, and rugged materials. Typical destinations include the Arctic, Antarctic, remote tropical islands, and other far-flung destinations where traditional yachts might struggle.
What makes an expedition yacht different from a cruising yacht?
While cruising yachts focus on luxury, comfort and efficient travel over long distances, they are not necessarily designed to withstand the extreme conditions that an expedition yacht can. Expedition yachts are more self-sufficient than conventional motor yachts, designed to endure long voyages and extreme environments.
Read More/Explorer yacht vs motor yacht: What makes an explorer yacht?All expedition yachts come under the explorer yacht category, although the term "explorer" can encapsulate motor yachts and sailing yachts with a range over 5,000 nautical miles (the maximum distance a yacht can travel at a cruising speed without needing to refuel). Expedition yachts are often tailored towards more specialised missions, like scientific research, exploration and humanitarian missions. Some expedition yachts are outfitted with submersibles, helicopters, diving chambers and gear and equipment for exploring the ocean floor or remote landmasses – as well as having more space for provisions and tenders.