When planning a yacht charter, selecting the right vessel is crucial to enjoying your sailing experience. Whether you are cruising the scenic Scottish coast or embarking on a more challenging offshore journey, the right yacht can make all the difference. Here we compare five popular models available for charter, focusing on two Jeanneau and three Beneteau yachts. Each offers a unique blend of comfort, performance, and practicality, giving you options to suit a range of sailing preferences.
1. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 – Voyager
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 is a modern, high-performance cruising yacht designed for ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced sailors. Voyager offers a well-balanced sailing experience, ideal for families or groups looking for an enjoyable charter trip.
The yacht is easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its Yanmar 29HP Saildrive engine, which is particularly useful in tight marinas and small anchorages. Below deck, the light wood interior creates an airy and comfortable atmosphere, with ample natural light from the numerous windows and hatches. The cockpit is thoughtfully laid out, with sail controls leading back for easy adjustments while under the shelter of the sprayhood. Twin wheel steering, a fold-down bathing platform, and an outdoor shower add to the convenience and comfort of this yacht.
- Length: 11.34 m
- Cabins: 3
- Heads: 1
- Engine: Yanmar 29HP Saildrive
2. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42.2 – Perseus
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42.2 offers more space and comfort than the 379, making it an ideal choice for larger groups. Perseus features four cabins, including two double cabins aft, a bunk cabin, and a spacious double forepeak cabin, accommodating up to eight people. The saloon is large and inviting, providing plenty of space for dining and relaxing after a day of sailing.
Equipped with in-mast furling and an electric windlass, Perseus is designed for ease of use. On deck, the yacht boasts a generous cockpit, and the sprayhood offers protection from the elements, making it a great choice for longer voyages around Scotland’s unpredictable weather.
- Length: 42ft
- Cabins: 4 + Saloon
- Heads: 2
- Engine: Yanmar
3. Beneteau Oceanis 393 – Mistral
The Beneteau Oceanis 393 Mistral is a versatile yacht that offers a good balance between comfort and performance. This yacht is easy to handle, making it ideal for both bareboat and skippered charters. It is particularly popular for its spacious, light-filled interior, which features three double cabins and an en-suite master cabin.
Mistral is designed with a large, well-protected cockpit and easy access around the deck, making it a great option for those looking to explore the west coast of Scotland or venture further afield. The yacht’s layout ensures comfort and safety, both above and below deck.
- Length Overall: 12.2 m
- Beam: 3.96 m
- Cabins: 3
- Engine: Volvo Penta MD22L
4. Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 – Aurora
The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 411 is a well-built and reliable yacht, offering comfort for longer charters. Aurora features four cabins (three double and one twin bunk), along with two heads, making it perfect for families or groups. The yacht’s in-mast furling system and electric windlass ensure easy sail handling, while the bow thruster adds an extra layer of manoeuvrability.
Below deck, Aurora is equipped with Eberspacher heating and pressurised hot water, ensuring a cosy and comfortable stay, even during colder sailing conditions. This yacht is well-suited for those who want a reliable and durable vessel for exploring the Scottish coastline or venturing further afield.
- Length Overall: 12.8 m
- Cabins: 4
- Heads: 2
- Engine: Volvo Penta MD22L
5. Beneteau Oceanis 45 – Osprey
The Beneteau Oceanis 45 is the largest and most modern yacht in this comparison, designed by renowned naval architects Jean-Marie Finot and Pascal Conq. Osprey offers luxury, space, and excellent sailing performance, making it ideal for longer voyages or those who want to experience high-end cruising.
With twin helm stations and a spacious cockpit, this yacht is designed for easy manoeuvring and relaxation. The drop-down rear seat that transforms into a bathing platform is a highlight, providing easy access to the water for swimming or boarding from a tender. Below deck, the Oceanis 45 offers spacious cabins, a well-equipped saloon, and all the modern amenities needed for an enjoyable and luxurious charter experience.
- Length Overall: 13.85 m
- Cabins: 3
- Heads: 2
- Engine: Yanmar 57HP
Conclusion
Choosing the right yacht for your charter depends on your needs, group size, and the type of sailing experience you desire. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 – Voyager offers a simple and enjoyable sailing experience, ideal for smaller groups or families. For larger groups, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42.2 Perseus provides more space and comfort, while still being easy to handle.
On the Beneteau side, the Oceanis 393 Mistral and Clipper 411 Aurora both offer a balance of comfort and practicality, with the latter being particularly well-suited for longer voyages. Finally, the Beneteau Oceanis 45 Osprey stands out as the most luxurious option, offering a high-end charter experience with excellent performance.
Whether you are seeking a family-friendly charter, a luxurious escape, or an adventurous voyage, these five yachts offer a variety of options for every type of sailor. Whichever yacht you choose to charter, you are guaranteed a memorable sailing adventure, whether it’s a relaxing cruise along the west coast of Scotland or an adventurous offshore voyage.
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