Try before you buy: why chartering a sailing yacht has become an essential step
Yet every year, some buyers become disappointed only a few months after their purchase: the yacht is too large, too technical or simply unsuitable for the way they sail.
The solution? Charter before you buy. This approach has become a matter of common sense. In a market where charter options have never been more accessible or varied, spending time aboard different yachts can turn an emotional project into a genuinely informed decision.
A rapidly professionalising yacht charter market
Sailing yacht charter is very different from what it was ten years ago. The sector has become considerably more professional: specialist agencies have replaced informal listings, the number of destinations has increased and customer support has improved.
Companies such as GlobeSailor, a French agency offering a wide range of destinations, with or without a skipper, together with support throughout the cruise, are a good example of this move upmarket.
Working with carefully selected professional charter companies also allows prospective buyers to sail in good conditions, aboard properly maintained yachts and without unpleasant surprises.
It is now possible to charter almost any type of sailing yacht, from a 10-metre family monohull to a cruising catamaran, for a short break or a longer voyage, in France or abroad.
What a charter experience really reveals
Your actual level of sailing experience
On paper, everyone is a capable sailor. In practice, steering in a steady 20-knot wind with a short, choppy sea is a very different matter.
Chartering a sailing yacht allows you to test your skills in real conditions without the psychological pressure of sailing your own boat. This full-scale test may confirm your plans or encourage you to reconsider them by choosing a more manageable yacht, taking additional training or considering shared ownership.
The ideal size for your needs
Choosing the right size is essential and is often more difficult than expected. A 40-foot sailing yacht may look appealing in a brochure, but it requires an experienced crew, confidence during harbour manoeuvres and a substantial maintenance budget.
Conversely, a 32-footer may feel too cramped for a family with several children and diving equipment. Chartering yachts of different sizes — 30, 36 or 40 feet — allows you to assess your requirements accurately. It is not a luxury; it is a practical method.
The right type of yacht for your cruising area
Monohull or catamaran? Sailors often disagree on the answer, but the right choice depends primarily on your plans: coastal sailing, Mediterranean cruising or offshore passages.
Sailing both types of yacht in real conditions allows you to compare their motion, comfort at anchor and ease of handling. You can then make your decision based on practical experience rather than preconceived ideas.
The reality of everyday life on board
Living aboard a sailing yacht, even for one week, is very different from visiting one at a boat show. Cooking while sailing, managing water and waste, sleeping at anchor and sharing a confined space all need to be experienced.
A one-week charter with the people you normally sail with is often more revealing than several visits to boatyards or yacht shows.
The practical benefits for buyers
- Refine your list of requirements. After two or three carefully selected charters, your priorities become clearer: a bright saloon, a large cockpit, a reliable furling system or at least two double cabins.
- Assess the condition of a particular yacht model. Sailing aboard a model you are considering buying second-hand gives you a direct point of reference. You understand what “good condition” really means for that yacht and can identify defects more easily during viewings.
- Avoid costly mistakes. An unsuitable purchase often leads to a quick resale and a loss in value. A charter may cost several hundred or several thousand euros, while a purchasing mistake can cost ten or twenty times more.
A few practical guidelines
- Charter budget: as a general indication, expect to pay between €800 and €2,500 per week for a 10 to 12-metre sailing yacht during the Mediterranean high season, depending on the model and destination.
- With or without a skipper: a first charter with a professional skipper is recommended if you lack experience sailing with a small crew.
- Number of charters before buying: chartering two or three different models is a useful benchmark before making a commitment.
