Why sailing yachts offer the ultimate on-the-water experience
To cast off and set sail towards a far-reaching horizon is, for some, a desire that never fades. Life aboard a sailing yacht is a powerful way to reconnect with the world around us. Whether facing challenging winds or cutting through large waves, time spent at sea provides life-affirming enjoyment that a stable, fully displacement motor yacht can only dream of. And it needn’t be about heeling over for days on end – though regatta enthusiasts may counter that – but instead the simple pleasure of feeling salty sea spray when sat at the bow, the whoosh of the mainsail flying high and the reliance on Mother Nature to deliver fair winds and following seas.
The romance of sailing centers around reconnecting with nature, and this includes readying yourself for unexpected logistical challenges and unforeseen weather. It pays to embrace spontaneity, though the perception that you need to trade space and comfort for bare-faced adventure is no longer true. Sailing yachts in the 21st century provide the best of both worlds. Sprawling exterior deck space is paired with family-friendly entertainment. Yachts with flush decking reveal uninterrupted 360-degree views. Take for example the large aft deck found aboard 157’ 6” (48m) full-aluminum yacht NATIVA. It comprises an impressive spa tub and space for a large dining table seating 10 guests for al fresco dining. While the large exterior on the main deck is complemented by a double helm on the flybridge. Offering all the comforts of a luxurious motor yacht with all the joy of feeling the breeze in your hair, NATIVA's powerful sail plan performs above and beyond, even in light winds.
Sailing yachts have dramatically advanced below deck, too. What were once close quarters are now sumptuous living areas, designed for socializing at ease with surprisingly roomy accommodation. It was the versatile layout and well-appointed salon paired with a large cockpit that earned high-performance sailing sloop NOSTROMO a strong reputation when on the charter market. Now returned to private use, this transatlantic, lightweight and fast-paced yacht gifts her owners autonomy at sea – her striking blue sail turning heads wherever she ventures.
And then there’s the noise, or lack of it. From sloops and schooners to catamarans and gulets, a silent cruise is virtually guaranteed. For convenience and safety, most sailing yachts are equipped with engines for maneuvering in port, but once in open water, you can relax in private serenity to the sound of gently lapping water.
The physical demands of managing a sizable sailing yacht requires a larger, specialized crew than typically found on motor yachts, though the camaraderie felt between owners, guests and crew is more akin to an extended family. Royal Huisman-built BILLY BUDD is a notable yacht on the international sailing scene, having completed multiple superyacht regattas and circumnavigated the world in comfort. Hand-crafted in 1994, the super sloop is well-equipped for exploration in any latitude, even in remote regions.
There is no superior way to explore our vast oceans than under a sun-kissed sail. Across IYC’s global sales fleet of coveted sailing yachts, the ultimate experience awaits, inviting unlimited adventure beyond every horizon.