Long-Term Luxury Charters and Transatlantic Crossings

The New Era of Yachting

Yachting isn’t just a sport or a hobby anymore—it’s a way of life. Today’s travel trends have shifted from the standard 1960s beach holiday to immersive, adventurous experiences on the water. Long-term luxury charters and transatlantic crossings are at the forefront of this change. With the rise of remote work and digital nomad lifestyles (not to mention a few new names from the world of sports, blogging, and finance), more people are choosing to spend extended periods at sea.

Long-Term Charter: A New Kind of Adventure

Traditional yacht charters usually span a week or two, but many are now looking for something more. Here’s what you need to know:

• Extended Duration: Many charters now offer periods of 3 to 6 months during the summer season in the Mediterranean.

• Variety of Vessels:

  • Stylish sailing yachts like the Southern Wind 90, Oyster 125, or CNB 76 and Discovery 60 are popular choices.

  • Luxury sailing catamarans ranging from 50 to 70ft can be hired for periods of up to 18 months.

• Crewed Experiences: For those planning to sail extensively—be it the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or beyond—crewed yachts are in high demand. Clients are booking vessels from shipyards such as Sunseeker, Heesen, Azimut, and Sunreef Yachts for charters lasting 12 to 18 months.

• Flexible Itineraries: While it’s impossible to set a fixed itinerary for such long voyages, experienced crews can tailor sailing areas to your preferences while ensuring safety and adventure.

Transatlantic Crossings: The Ultimate Seafaring Journey

If you’ve ever dreamed of crossing an ocean, some of these yachts are also available for a straightforward 5-week transatlantic journey. Key points include:

• Starting Point: Most transatlantic crossings begin in Gran Canaria during October or November.

• Destination: You could find yourself arriving in an East Caribbean location—such as St. Lucia or Antigua—by early December, just before the peak season.

• Cost Range:

  • Sailing yachts (70–125ft) can start from around €40,000 and go up to €125,000.

  • Sailing catamarans (50–70ft) are generally available for €25,000 to €125,000 for the duration of the voyage.

• Extended Options: If you prefer to begin your journey in the Mediterranean—say, from Dubrovnik, Porto Cervo, or Ibiza—you can extend your adventure to 10–20 weeks. Naturally, this increases the overall cost.

Combining Adventures: No Limits to Your Journey

For those fortunate enough to afford the luxury of an extended adventure lasting 12 to 18 months, the possibilities are endless. Consider these ideas:

• Circumnavigation: Sail around the East Caribbean or embark on a one-way voyage from Panama to Tahiti.

• Global Itineraries: Explore both the East and West Mediterranean with a crossing from Turkey or Greece to the South of France or the Balearic Islands.

• Transatlantic Options: Some charters combine a Mediterranean adventure with an Atlantic crossing, heading toward the East Caribbean or even Brazil—with routes that might include stops in Rio, Angra dos Reis, or even Patagonia.

• Family, Friends, or Crew: Many long-term charters can be arranged with cabin options, making it possible to share the experience with a group while enjoying a crewed luxury experience.

Considering a Purchase?

If finding the perfect long-term charter proves challenging, buying might be an option. For those who aren’t keen on the hassles of ownership post-adventure, alternatives such as buy-back options, yacht management, or central agency arrangements are available. For example, bespoke sailing catamarans like the O Yachts Class 6 are designed for both adventurous solo sailing and relaxed cruising when the family is on board.

Budget and Expectations

Luxury charters of this caliber come with a price tag that reflects the quality of service, equipment, and crew:

• For Chartering:

  • Prices vary widely depending on the vessel, duration, and destination.

• For Purchasing:

  • A quality yacht might start at around €500,000, while superyachts can require investments of €1 million or more.

  • Mega yachts are in a league of their own, often costing well above €5 million.

Budget is typically the biggest constraint, but with flexibility and careful planning, you can design a voyage that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

There are no limits when it comes to luxury yachting adventures. Whether you’re interested in a long-term charter or a daring transatlantic crossing, the world’s oceans offer endless possibilities for exploration and relaxation. With a range of yachts available—from sleek sailing catamarans to grand superyachts—the choice depends on your personal taste, travel goals, and budget.

For those ready to embark on a journey that redefines travel, the sea is calling. Reach out to your preferred yacht charter provider to discuss options and start planning the adventure of a lifetime. With the right vessel and crew, your next chapter could be a full-year, or even longer, celebration of life on the water.