Charter Yacht Specialist Hannah Mackie Explains
I had not been on a motor sailer until I stepped onboard one at the Charter Yacht Show in Croatia during October. Impressed was an understatement…I was blown away! These vessels are luxurious, spacious, can accommodate large groups, and more affordable than a motor yacht of a similar size.Â
Motor sailers have the appearance of a sailing boat but are much more than that! While speaking to the crews at the boat show they explained that they will mostly use the motors on charter and will only sail when the conditions are perfect. Most cruise at around 9 knots with the engines.Â
While viewing the cabins I could be mistaken for being in a luxury hotel; high end amenities meet luxurious soft furnishings in these beautifully air conditioned retreats. The accommodations offer bright, spacious places complete with an ensuite, TVs and desks, for those that have to work a little while on vacation.Â
The real stand out feature of these vessels are the sundecks. These amazing areas are home to bar and lounging areas, jacuzzis, and some have areas dedicated to gym equipment, should you wish to work out. Enjoy lounging under a canopy or in the sun while sipping a cocktail in the jacuzzi and then at sunset enjoy the vast views across the ocean. When daylight fades, eating a gourmet dinner al fresco prepared by your personal chef, is a great way to end a day on the water.
Before bed lay up on the sundeck and look up to the sky. Being out on a yacht in remote islands with little to no light pollution means clear views of the Milky Way.
Motor Sailers in Croatia are owned by families and the captain is usually the owner of the vessel. This gives a real sense of pride for everyone that works onboard and they strive to create an unforgettable charter for their guests.Â


From €68,000/week
Plus Expenses or APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)
The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht, professional crew and onboard equipment.
All other daily expenses, that are not included in the base rate, will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Payment (APA). This is collected before the charter commences.
APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.
The APA payment is typically 20%-25% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-35% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.
Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If during the charter, expenses exceed the APA, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark.
Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.


From €115,000/week
Plus Expenses or APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)
The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht, professional crew and onboard equipment.
All other daily expenses, that are not included in the base rate, will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Payment (APA). This is collected before the charter commences.
APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.
The APA payment is typically 20%-25% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-35% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.
Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If during the charter, expenses exceed the APA, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark.
Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.


From €81,000/week
Plus Expenses or APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)
The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht, professional crew and onboard equipment.
All other daily expenses, that are not included in the base rate, will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Payment (APA). This is collected before the charter commences.
APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.
The APA payment is typically 20%-25% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-35% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.
Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If during the charter, expenses exceed the APA, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark.
Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.