Yacht Charter Trends for 2025

Boatbookings’ view of what’s hot for 2025!

Boatbookings Charter Experts are in constant contact with captains, boat owners and clients all over the world. We got together recently to discuss trends in the yachting business that we’re seeing for 2026. Here are the headlines!

More, bigger, quieter, cleaner catamarans and motor catamarans

This is not a new trend, but it shows no signs of slowing. People love catamarans! They are more fuel-efficient, rock less (helps prevent seasickness), can sail in shallow waters, have comfortable living spaces, cabins, and galleys, and generally provide for a superb charter. When Boatbookings was founded 20 years ago, catamarans were the exception, and sailing yachts were the rule. This has completely reversed itself.

As we’ve previously written, we love the Bali catamarans for their easy access to the foredeck, inside/outside salon, quality finishings, and overall fabulous experience. More about the advantages of Bali Catamarans.

Motor cats. Powered Catamarans are everywhere, and no longer look like a catamaran that is missing its mast! We have Power Cats in every key port, offering comfort, luxury, fuel efficiency, and quick, easy cruising to your destination.

And the catamarans are getting bigger! We’re seeing many more 50-60 foot cats in all ports, normally by Lagoon or Bali. Each foot of additional length effectively provides triple the added space, as it’s a three-dimensional boat. You won’t believe the difference in useable space between a 45- and 50-foot catamaran! We also see a lot more 70- and even 80-foot catamarans, specifically from famed luxury catamaran builder Sunreef. These truly are superyachts in catamaran form. Discover our top-rated Sunfeef yachts.

The beginning of the end of noisy, smelly generators and diesel motors

Propulsion and electrical systems of yachts of all sizes are undergoing a silent revolution. Instead of the diesel-powered props that have been standard in nearly all yachts for the past 100 years, newly installed motors are increasingly electric. They have much greater torque and are far quieter.

These motors need to be powered by electricity, of course. Increasingly that electricity comes from solar panels, wind turbines, and propellers that act as turbines when you’re sailing. This electricity is then stored in on-board batteries that have come down dramatically in price over the past 10 years. These boats normally have a backup generator, but often it doesn’t need to be used at all, making the boat completely self-sufficient and zero-emissions! No more coughing from the fumes when you’re snorkeling around the boat.

We’re beginning to see yachts that have enough battery capacity to run the air conditioning through the night, so the noise and rumble of the generator are completely eliminated. Bliss!

See our most eco-friendly and sustainable charter yachts here.

The constant search for unique, unspoiled, charter destinations

While the French Riviera, Alamfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the BVI never disappoint, we’re seeing increasing demand for more exotic locations. Our top new recommendation is Raja Ampat, for its extraordinary diving, unspoiled islands, and unique culture. We also continue to see increased interest in Tahiti/Bora Bora, which is a convenient, direct 8-hour flight from LA or San Francisco.

More updates coming soon – please contact us if you’re interested in any of the above destinations or yachts!

Posted on February 12, 2025 by admin

British Virgin Islands 2024 Charter Report – What’s new in the BVI?

We recently toured the BVI to see what had changed for 2024 and what had remained timelessly and thankfully the same!

Timeless BVI – What hasn’t changed?

The good news – almost everything that makes the BVI the world’s most special charter destination is timeless and unchanged. We’ve been going to the BVI for over 30 years, and all the things we love – the gorgeous islands, pristine beaches, the snorkeling, the beach bars and restaurants, the amazing sunsets, all bring the same wonder and beauty as they have for decades.

A charter that starts in the Bight on Norman Island, passes through the Indians, the Caves, the Wreck of the Rhone, the Baths, Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, Anegada, Sandy Spit, and the beaches of Jost Van Dyke is still as amazing as ever. When we first bareboated in 1992, we visited Willy T’s, the Pirates, The Bitter End, Foxy’s, and the Soggy Dollar Bar, and, while they all were renewed after Irma’s destruction, we were thrilled to enjoy each one again in this year!

What’s New?

It’s a cat’s world, we’re just sailing in it. The most obvious change in the BVI chartering world is the size and type of yachts. While there are still plenty of monohull bareboats sailing the waters, the BVI is now a catamaran world. And the catamarans have become so much larger and more luxurious! Another change: whereas there are still plenty of Lagoon cats around, Bali catamarans are literally everywhere. Charterers are drawn to their walk-through salon that goes directly to the large foredeck, and their high-quality fit and finish.

We were lucky enough to spend a week aboard WINDWARD, with the delightful Aussie Crew of Jon and Tracy. The salon, kitchen, cabins, and decks were all spacious, comfortable, and impeccably cared for. Consider a Bali catamaran for your next BVI (or anywhere) charter, you’ll be impressed.

Power to the People. Not only have the catamarans become the predominant type of yacht, and much larger than 10 years ago, powercats are everywhere as well. Charterers choose these for their excellent comfort and fuel efficiency, without needing to hoist sails. Five years ago a powercat would be an anomaly, today they can be found at every anchorage.

The e-revolution is coming. Dropping in on our friends at Voyage Charters in Sopers Hole, we saw their take on the future of catamaran electrification. I think we can all agree that diesel generators are the most annoying part of sailing yachts – their noise, pollution, and smell are completely incongruous with the fundamental concept of sailing, yet every yacht currently needs one (or two) generators to power the aircon and amenities such as hair dryers. Diesel motors are also noisy and belch smoke when there is insufficient wind to power the boat.

Voyage has redefined this with their new series of electric catamarans such as the Voyage 480 Electric. The diesel motors have been replaced with virtually silent electric engines driven by batteries that can be recharged by solar panels, plugged in ashore, or by onboard generators. Generators are only used when the batteries are below 20% charge, meaning that you will not always need to hear the generator when you’re sleeping, even if you have the aircon on.

We also saw the impressive SOL Sunreef 80 Eco electric power catamaran. She’s gorgeous and virtually silent, with an electric drive train and solar skin. While she also, at times, resorts to backup generators, much of the time cruising and sleeping on SOL is virtually silent.

We expect to see much more of this in the future, as climate-conscious charters are demanding more sustainable options, and hope that soon all sailing yachts will be powered either by the wind or quiet electric motors.

Other Updates and Useful Information

Not crowded over Xmas. We arrived in the BVI on the 19th and finished on the 27th. Surprisingly, it did not seem crowded – the big crowds appear to come after Christmas. We also had no Christmas Winds, making it highly enjoyable to be there, although we sailed less than expected.

Amazing Sunsets on Anegada. It never seems to fail – we’ve been to Anegada countless times, and we’ve always had stunning, nearly hour-long, sunsets. This held true this year. Maybe it’s because of Tortola and JVD off in the distance that creates a weather pattern ideal for sunsets, but Anegada seldom disappoints!

Posted on January 12, 2024 by admin

The new trend in catamaran design

The Cannes Yachting Festival is around the corner and all the big European catamaran producers will be presenting their new models. Catamaran design has greatly evolved over the past years and now the new trends are bigger, more voluminous vessels. This translates to broader hulls, bigger main decks and a predominance of large fly bridges.

The ever-evolving catamaran design

The new generation of catamarans is certainly much more comfortable than previous designs, albeit at a cost in regards to sailing performance. Such is the demand for bigger, roomier catamarans, that even traditional performance-oriented brands, are branching out towards wide-bodied designs who offer space at the expense of sailing prowess.

The best example being BABALU, the new Bali 5.4 model which has been voted best multihull for 2019 and represents a great innovation upon the usual performance-oriented design pattern of the Catana Group (Catana being the mother company of Bali Catamarans).

The wider hulls are allowing manufacturers to equip the new catamarans with up to 6 cabins, something unheard of previously, particularly so as all cabins have their own private bathrooms. The 6 cabin design is ideal for charter, enabling large groups to enjoy the unique crewed catamaran charter experience! A great 6 cabin catamaran being LUCKY CLOVER, the Lagoon 52.

Feel free to contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next crewed catamaran charter.

Posted on September 14, 2019 by Lambros Tsolakis

An insight into Cruising the Croatian Coastline.

Aesthetically, Croatia is an incredible mix of Soviet and Mediterranean architecture. The impressively built iconic Soviet buildings can still be seen today in the larger towns. In contrast with the harsh architecture, the coastline offers a more Mediterranean, sailing vibe. Along the borders between land and sea are filled with fishing huts, ports, small cafes, and medieval architecture. There is a cathedral in Trogir which was built in the 13th century and stands proudly over the Dalmatian coast. It is an iconic landmark for the historic town of Trogir.

Don`t be fooled by the medieval style of the towns, the Croatians and tourists love to party! With restaurants and bars opening late you`ll be hard pressed not to find a spot to watch the sunset. Want to be part of the action? Why not check out some of our yachts based in the most famous ports in Croatia? We have an extensive collection of Hanses’, Bali catamarans, Bavarias, Dufours and many many more!

If partying to the early hours is not your idea of fun, then head north along the coastline to the quite islands around Šibenik. In this beautiful corner of Croatia, you are encompassed by various National Parks all within sailing distance of Split. The great thing about Croatia is that you can enjoy this country by both land and water. You really do get the best of both worlds with this charter.

Due to the versatility and accessibility, Croatia is increasing in popularity year by year with it becoming one of the hot spots for summer vacations. This does mean that yachts get booked up very quickly! To avoid disappointment why not enquire with us and see what is available?

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Alice Newnham