Crewed Catamarans Are Leading Yacht Charters Under 100ft

how the catamaran charter market is growing in charters under 100 feet

Over the past few seasons, crewed catamarans have become one of the most requested options in yacht charters under 100 feet, particularly across the Mediterranean and Caribbean. This growing demand reflects a clear shift in client preferences, with comfort, space, and the overall onboard experience taking priority over traditional yachting conventions.

Within the broader luxury yacht charter market, clients are increasingly looking for yachts that offer not only performance but also livability. In this context, catamarans are emerging as a highly competitive alternative to motor yachts, especially for families and groups.

LUXURY CREWED CATAMARANS FOR CHARTER

More Space, Better Living Onboard

One of the most defining advantages of catamarans is their layout.

Thanks to their dual-hull design, catamarans offer significantly more usable space compared to monohull yachts of similar length. This translates into larger outdoor areas, spacious saloons, and comfortable cabins—features that are particularly appreciated on a catamaran charter designed for longer stays onboard.

For clients considering options such as catamarans over 20 meters, the difference in onboard volume becomes even more evident, often surpassing expectations when compared to traditional yachts.

Stability and Comfort at Sea

Another key factor driving the rise of catamarans is stability.

Unlike monohull yachts, catamarans offer reduced rolling motion, providing a smoother and more comfortable cruising experience. This is particularly important for guests who are new to yachting or simply prefer a more relaxed environment on board.

Combined with generous deck areas and easy access to the sea, catamarans are designed to maximize time spent outdoors—an essential aspect of the charter experience.

A More Versatile Charter Experience

Catamarans are also extremely versatile when it comes to cruising areas. Their shallow draft allows access to secluded bays and anchorages that are often inaccessible to larger yachts. This makes them ideal for destinations such as catamarans in the Mediterranean, where island hopping and short cruising distances define the itinerary. At the same time, they remain one of the top choices in the Caribbean, where calm waters and protected anchorages further enhance the experience.

Lifestyle Features That Matter

Modern catamarans are increasingly equipped with features that align with evolving client expectations.

From spacious flybridges to water-level platforms, the focus is on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Many models also include premium amenities such as catamarans with jacuzzis, elevating the onboard experience without compromising the relaxed atmosphere that defines this type of yacht.

These elements contribute to a style of luxury that feels more informal, yet highly refined—perfectly aligned with current travel trends.

Read our article with a selection of the 13 best catamarans with a jacuzzi available for charter.

Ideal for Families and Groups

Crewed catamarans are particularly well-suited for:

Multi-generational families
Groups of friends
First-time charter clients

Their layout allows for both shared spaces and privacy, making them one of the most practical options for social travel at sea.

Leading Builders and Flagship Models Driving the Trend

The growing popularity of crewed catamarans is also closely linked to the evolution of leading shipyards, which are increasingly investing in larger, more sophisticated models designed specifically for the charter market.

Shipyards such as Fountaine Pajot, Sunreef Yachts, and Lagoon have played a central role in redefining what clients can expect from catamarans under and above 100 feet.

Recent models such as the THYRA 80 by Fountaine Pajot represent a new generation of sailing catamarans, combining generous volumes with refined design and dedicated crew areas—making them particularly well suited for high-end charters. Anima is a brand-new THIRA 80 catamaran and one of the very few models of this type currently available for charter in the Mediterranean; our brokers have the opportunity to inspect her during the MYBA Charter Show 2026 in Sanremo, meeting the crew and experiencing the yacht firsthand in order to confidently recommend her to our clients.

At the same time, Sunreef Yachts continues to expand its presence in the luxury segment with models such as the Sunreef 70, 80, and 90, which offer a level of customization, onboard comfort, and design typically associated with larger superyachts.

Lagoon remains a key player in the charter market, with models like the Lagoon 77 and Lagoon 78 widely recognized for their balance between performance, space, and reliability—making them a consistent choice for both owners and charter guests.

Among multihulls, Lagoon stands out—discover the best options for charter.

The trend is not limited to sailing catamarans. Power catamarans are also gaining traction, with projects such as Sea Wolf X and This Is It by Tecnomar pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. These yachts demonstrate how catamarans are evolving beyond traditional expectations, entering the realm of ultra-modern, design-driven yachting.

Together, these builders and models highlight a clear direction for the industry: catamarans are no longer seen as an alternative to motor yachts but as a distinct, increasingly dominant category within the luxury yacht charter market.

Final Considerations

While motor yachts continue to play a key role—especially for clients seeking speed or a more traditional format—catamarans are now firmly established as one of the most relevant options in modern yacht charters.

For those exploring different possibilities within the luxury yacht charter market, the choice between a catamaran and a motor yacht often comes down to personal priorities. However, the growing demand for catamarans suggests that the definition of luxury at sea is gradually evolving toward a more experience-driven approach.