A sailing yacht charter offers the ultimate luxurious holiday experience. Not only will you be able to enjoy an exceptional level of freedom and privacy on the water, there are always plenty of things for everyone to do. From sports activities to dining on deck, there’s also the opportunity to explore remote and hidden destinations. A dedicated captain and crew will take care of your every whim helping to make your sailing yacht vacation one to remember. If you’re thinking about arranging a wonderful sailing yacht holiday, here’s an inspiration for you: a list of the top ten sailing yachts…

1. Maltese Falcon

Considered by many enthusiasts to be the finest sailing yacht ever built, the Maltese Falcon is a huge luxury sailing yacht. It’s a gigantic 88 metres long and as tall as the tablet in the arm of the Statue of Liberty. What’s more the vessel has revolutionary sails that disappear into self-standing carbon-fibre masts that rotate themselves. Owned by Silicon Valley billionaire Tom Perkins, this 12-berth beauty is fully stocked with every luxury imaginable.

Maltese Falcon

2. Parsifal III

One of the most stylish of sailing yachts, this clean-lined 54-metre Perini Navi ketch is owned by the Danish coffee millionaire, Kim Vibe-Petersen. Vibe-Petersen’s USP (unique selling point) is her Remi Tessier-designed interior, streamlined and minimalistic. What’s rare about this particular sailing yacht is the space it has for sunbathing. There are endless pale decks and plenty of areas for privacy. Built for speed as well as style, the masts of Parsifal III hold 2,800 square metres of sail which can whiz the boat to speeds of 12.5 knots.

Parsifal III

3. Hamilton II

Hamilton II is one of the nicest, sleekest sailing yachts on the market today. It’s more of a minimalistic boutique hotel than a boat, featuring acres of pale wood finishes and beautifully streamlined simple furnishings. The Hamilton II’s primary advantage over other models is its lifting keel that allows it to go into shallow waters. Onboard there’s also a good selection of kayaks, skis, wave boards and fishing equipment. Perfect for small groups (it sleeps eight, with a crew of six).

Hamilton II

4. M5 (formerly Mirabella V)

It’s hard to find words to describe this enormous Ron Holland designed 75m (245 ft) super maxi. The M5 sported the world’s largest sloop rig with the master head more than 100 metres above the keel, when she was first launched as Mirabella V in 2004. Recently and extensively refitted by Port Pendennis in Falmouth, UK, she retains her status as the world’s largest sloop. There’s no doubt about it the M5 is once again one of the world’s top sailing yachts, impressive in every respect.

MIRABELLA M5

5. EOS

Launched in 2006 the incredible sailing superyacht measures 93 metres. This vessel is one of the largest private sailing yachts. This 3-masted Bermuda shooner was originally built for the American movie and media billionaire Barry Diller. Her exterior styling is by Langan Desing Associates and naval architecture is by Lurssen. EOS can accommodate 16 guests on board, assisted by a crew of 21. There were a lot of debates whether she was the largest sailing yacht in the world, with many comparing her to Maltese Falcon.

Superyacht EOS

6. Mondango

The 52m (170 ft) ketch Mondango was designed by Ed Dubious for extensive blue-water cruising. The brief was to combine comfort with style and speed. Unlike many superyachts, she is a serious sailing vessel, a large craft that doesn’t compromise on accommodation, one which offers sheer luxury. It’s hard to get a sense of the scale of this boat specifically, but she is fitted with a 120 hp bowthruster and topping up the fuel tanks can cost in the region of £30,000 upwards.

Mondango

7. Tamsen

This 52M (170’7″) sailing yacht was built in 2007 in Italy and then launched by Perini Navi in 2007. Perini Navi is behind her naval architecture and also produced the interior design. The cabins accommodate a maximum of 12 guests sleeping aboard and around 5 crew run the boat. Tamsen won the sailboat awards in 2008 for sailing yachts over 45 meters so this lady is all class.

Tamsen

8. Aquijo

Aquijo was a project of the two yacht specialist, Oceanco and Vitters. The 85.9m/281’9″ yacht is described as a high-performance sailing superyacht. When she was launched in 2015 in the Netherlands, she became the third largest sailing yacht. Aquijo features a custom steering system and a high volume superstructure. Her exterior is Bill Tripp, while her interior design is by Dolker + Voges.

S/Y Aquijo Photo by Stuart Pearce

9. Swan 80S

Nautor’s Yard located in Northern Finland, almost within the Arctic Circle, produces the iconic Swan range, regarded by many as the world’s top quality production sailing yachts. The Swan 80S latest design is a mini-cruiser. A clean deck layout contributes to a minimalistic on-deck style incorporating a sleek deck saloon and Park Avenue boom. Below deck there are five cabins including superb owner’s accommodation and a crew cabin.

The 25m sailing yacht Swan 80-680

10. Vertigo

Alloy Yachts have succeeded in the challenge of designing a yacht which is very large, sleek and sensitive to sail. The Vertigo combines luxury and adventure. Her powerful sail plan, modern lines and an almost vertical bow allows the vessel to travel at speeds of up to 20 knots. Even at this speed she will maintain the comfort of any first class hotel. The world renowned designer, Christian Liaigre has created a breathtaking interior which is sophisticated, calming and quite unexpected.

Vertigo superyacht. Photo credit Tomislav Mavrovic