Why a Power Catamaran Charter Beats a Motor Yacht: A Look at the 70-foot Sunreef Skylark

My Greek Yacht Charter  〉  Charter Insights  〉 Power Catamaran vs Motor Yacht Charter featuring the Impressive 70-foot Skylark

One of the advantages of power catamarans is their stability. Unlike monohulled yachts, the catamaran’s two hulls offer a smoother ride, making it an excellent choice for those prone to seasickness. “It’s just a lot more stable, and you have a larger space to spread out,” mentions Captain Jez Fletcher during our tour of Skylark. Jez has been with Skylark for the last 12 years.

Skylark also offers a generous layout with four cabins that can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests. This design provides significantly more space than what you’d find on a similarly sized motor yacht.

The main cabin, for example, spans both hulls, offering an expansive living area that enhances the onboard experience. “You’re not going to feel cramped or restricted onboard Skylark,” Jez says.

Another considerable advantage of opting for a power catamaran is its fuel efficiency. Skylark cruises comfortably at 11 knots and consumes approximately 40 to 45 liters per engine per hour, whereas a motor yacht of comparable size burns around 300-600 liters per hour.

“Power catamarans, in general, are a lot more affordable than motor yachts when it comes to fuel consumption,” Jez explains. This efficiency translates into much lower operating costs, making it a more budget-friendly option for long-term charters.

When people think of luxury yachting, they often imagine large motor yachts equipped with opulent amenities like jacuzzis, jet skis, and beach clubs. Traditionally, catamarans were seen as a more budget-friendly option with fewer luxuries.

However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. While maintaining their affordability, catamarans have significantly increased in quality. It’s now common to find both sailing and power catamarans with amenities that rival those found on motor yachts, merging cost-effectiveness with luxury.

But, according to Captain Jez, you can also have “unnecessary luxuries”. Skylark actually used to have a Jacuzzi on the flybridge but decided to remove it in favor of additional lounging space, which, according to the captain, significantly enhanced the usability of the flybridge area.

This decision reflects a preference for practicality and comfort over mere aesthetic features since the Jacuzzi wasn’t really used by the guests who prefer to dive into the sea around them rather than sit in a cramped tub.

Power catamarans are gaining popularity worldwide, particularly as they bridge the gap between traditional catamarans and motor yachts. This trend is especially pronounced in the Caribbean, where shallow waters—such as those in the British Virgin Islands—restrict the use of deep-drafted vessels. With their shallow drafts, power catamarans can anchor closer to beaches and navigate around the islands with less worry.

Similarly, in Mediterranean locations like Greece and Croatia, there’s a noticeable rise in power catamarans. They offer a more affordable way to enjoy a luxury yacht charter in areas traditionally dominated by motor yachts and bareboat charters. Power catamarans are filling a gap, offering both luxury and affordability to meet growing demand.

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