The Allure Of Sailing: Why A Sailing Yacht Should Be Your Next Investment

Connection To The Ocean 

For sailing yacht owners, it is as much about the journey as the destination. No matter where you sail, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, it offers an immersive and rewarding experience. "When you own a sailing yacht, you're not just buying a vessel, you're buying into a way of life," says Jamie. "There's something incredibly compelling about moving across the water under sail, driven purely by harnessing the wind." Relying on wind-powered propulsion allows you to cover vast distances and heightens your understanding of nature and connection to the ocean. "It's a very different relationship with the oceans, and allows owners to still have that connection with 'yachting' as an activity as opposed to an asset ownership experience," he explains. A well-designed sailing yacht, like the ones currently listed for sale with IYC, offer a feeling of security and self-sufficiency that's not easily replicated. 

Sailing Vs. Motor 

When comparing owning sailing and motor yachts, Jamie mentions there are "two different mindsets." Both types of yachts for sale offer adventure and luxury intertwined; however, the experience hugely differs. "Motor yachts are about speed, luxury, and effortless travel. You have the freedom to cover large distances quickly with a focus on comfort and amenities," he says. However, the flip side he points out is the cost and logistics of fueling.

According to Jamie, sailing yachts offer "more engagement with your environment, and it's about seamanship and reading the conditions." Sailing yacht owners tend to feel more connected to the ocean and embrace nature's elements. Engineering factors also play a part in the differences; sailing yachts have a lighter engineering load than high-performance motor yachts; however, they require additional considerations for sails and rigging. The sailing yacht category includes various yachts with differing ownership experiences, from monohulls to multihulls, contemporary to classic, and motor sailors; IYC has a range of these sailing yachts currently for sale.

JASMINA III: Contemporary And Long-Term Cruising 

Among the sailing yachts for sale with IYC, the 100’5 (30.6m)  JASMINA III is a top choice for current, prospective sailing yacht owners. As a 30-meter steel yacht with an aluminum superstructure, the sailing yacht is asking €2,950,000. Jamie describes the yacht as "genuinely a standout offering in today's sailing market." The yacht's current owner, a repeat client of the ARK Yachts shipyard, worked closely with them to create the ideal sailing yacht for up to eight guests. "Her owner is fastidious, and he designed her with the manufacturer to ensure her GA and specification are as perfect as possible," he adds. Appealing to a diverse group of owners, from seasoned to first-time owners with crew, Jamie explains: "She's an agile displacement yacht, so she's best suited to someone with some sailing experience or an owner willing to retain a couple of professional crew." Notable features include a deep, secure cockpit perfect for offshore sailing. Ideal for long-term cruising endeavors, JASMINA III has a thoughtful layout and a host of liveability features, including a spacious full-beam master client. "She's turn-key with a fresh 2024/25 winter refit, ready for cruising," he adds.

LUCY: Luxury Multihull Living

From monohulls to catamarans, the Sunreef 50 LUCY for sale offers another sailing experience. "LUCY is about comfort, efficiency, and luxury," Jamie states. "With over 167 square meters of living spaces, she offers extensive guest areas and is remarkably stable under sail and at anchor," he adds. Asking €2,700,000, with VAT paid, this Sunreef catamaran has only had one owner from new in 2021. The yacht offers an excellent opportunity for prospective sailing yacht owners seeking a long-term cruising option. Jamie explains: "Technically, she's been extensively upgraded with lithium batteries, high-capacity solar arrays, and a powerful, easily managed sail plan, making her an excellent option for owners who want genuine self-sufficiency and a refined sailing experience."

Sailing Yachts For All 

The sailing yacht market is consistently evolving, and there have been notable shifts in the kind of buyers the sailing market is attracting. As Jamies notes: "Historically, these yachts appealed primarily to experienced sailors. Today, we're seeing a much more diverse buyer pool, including first-time yacht owners drawn by the lifestyle and the appeal of slow, responsible travel." Younger buyers, adventurous families, and those seeking greater autonomy increasingly turn to sailing yachts as a getaway for meaningful escapism and connection to nature. 

Eco-Appeal: Greener Credentials 

"There's a greater desire for sustainability," Jamie explains. "Sailing yachts, by nature, have a significantly lower carbon footprint than motor yachts. The ability to cruise under wind power alone is hugely appealing to environmentally conscious buyers." Modern sailing yachts also typically integrate renewable energy technologies, from solar panels to lithium-ion batteries, allowing owners to minimize generator hours, operate off-grid, and cruise quietly. The 170’7” (52m) Tramontana sailing yacht REPOSADO, also currently for sale, is an excellent example of including greener credentials. This motor sailor has been designed for responsible luxury with various eco-friendly features and lower consumption.

Modern Technology, Increased Accessibility 

A longstanding misconception is that sailing yachts require extensive experience and constant work. However, advancements in technology have dramatically increased accessibility. "With systems like electric winches, hydraulic furling systems, bow and stern thrusters, advanced autopilots, and fully integrated navigation suites, today's sailing yachts are remarkably manageable," explains Jamie. Many are specifically designed for shorthanded or minimal crew operation, offering ease without compromising performance or safety. Classic designs like the sailing yacht for sale, the 137’10” (42m) ARKTOS, combined the charm of traditional schooners but modern amenities, technology, and convenience combined. 

Choosing The Perfect Sailing Yacht 

When considering purchasing a sailing yacht, it's important to define its potential usage as clearly as possible - from high-latitude exploration to ocean crossing to leisurely weekends. Jamie advises: "Your intended cruising style will determine the right yacht. Whether that's a high-performance monohull for fast passage making, a robust bluewater cruiser built for safety and autonomy, or a spacious multihull offering greater comfort and stability at anchor."

As Jamie concludes: "Sailing rewards involvement, and the sense of achievement, independence, and connection you gain is unlike anything else. It's an experience that stays with you long after the sails are down." If you are interested to learn more about sailing yacht ownership or for more information on IYC's sailing yachts for sale, contact our expert consultants today.