Gulet vs Sailing Yacht: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Dream Charter?
Planning a yacht holiday in the Mediterranean? One of the first and most important decisions you'll face is this: gulet or sailing yacht? While both offer unforgettable moments at sea, they cater to very different travel styles and expectations.
Whether you’re seeking laid-back luxury, active sailing, or something in between, this guide will help you understand the essential differences — from design and onboard experience to performance, crew services, pricing, and charter destinations.
⚓ What Exactly Is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional wooden yacht that originated in Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coastal towns. These vessels were once used for fishing and transport, but today they’ve evolved into luxurious charter boats — offering spacious decks, comfortable cabins, and full-service hospitality.
Typically ranging between 20 and 40 meters, gulets are ideal for families, groups, and guests who prefer relaxing rather than hands-on sailing.
Key Gulet Features:
- Built from beautiful hardwoods such as mahogany or teak
- Broad beam for more interior and deck space
- Multiple en-suite cabins, often with king-size beds
- Sunbathing areas, alfresco dining, shaded lounges
- Onboard chef and full crew service
- Sails used occasionally, mostly decorative
- Powered primarily by diesel engines
Gulet M/S yacht
⛵ What Is a Sailing Yacht?
Unlike gulets, sailing yachts are designed with one main goal: performance. They’re sleek, lightweight vessels made from advanced materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, built to harness wind power efficiently. Sailing yachts are the choice of those who want to feel every gust, heel into the waves, and experience the true rhythm of the sea.
Key Sailing Yacht Features:
- Modern, aerodynamic design for speed and maneuverability
- Smaller and more efficient living spaces
- Ideal for 2–8 guests depending on the yacht
- Primary propulsion through sails
- Crewed or bareboat charter options
- Great for adventure seekers and sailing enthusiasts
🏡 Comfort & Living Spaces Compared
🛏️ Gulet Living Experience:
Gulets are known for their spacious interiors and generous outdoor areas. Large cabins with private bathrooms, multiple lounge zones, and wide sun decks offer a hotel-like experience on the water. Gulets often feel like floating villas — perfect for families, reunions, or celebratory events.
🛋️ Sailing Yacht Living:
Sailing yachts offer a more efficient use of space. Cabins and communal areas are compact but smartly designed. The saloon typically doubles as a lounge and dining space, with built-in storage and convertible furniture. Natural light, hatches, and ventilation make even smaller yachts feel open and comfortable.
Gulet Confort
🌬️ Sailing Performance & Sea Experience
🛳️ Gulet Cruising:
Gulets cruise smoothly under engine power. While most gulets have masts and sails, they’re rarely used for real propulsion. This approach provides a stable and predictable cruising experience, perfect for guests prone to seasickness or families with kids.
⛵ Sailing Yacht Thrill:
Sailing yachts deliver the authentic thrill of wind-powered travel. Guests can join the crew in hoisting sails or steering, or simply relax and enjoy the graceful motion. The tradeoff is that itineraries may be more flexible depending on wind and weather.
👨✈️ Crew Services: Boutique vs Functional
Gulet Hospitality:
Gulets come with a dedicated and professional crew, including a captain, chef, and deckhands. This allows for a hotel-like experience onboard. Meals are prepared fresh daily, cabins are kept tidy, and the crew often acts as informal guides to hidden coves and cultural hotspots.
Sailing Yacht Crews:
Crewed sailing yachts usually have a smaller team, often just a skipper and one additional crew member. Meals are simpler but still high-quality. For experienced sailors, bareboat options allow you to captain the yacht yourself — offering unmatched freedom and adventure.
Gulet yacht crews
💰 Pricing and Value
| Feature | Gulet | Sailing Yacht |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | ✅ Spacious cabins, luxurious decks | ❗ Compact, functional |
| Propulsion | 🚫 Primarily engine-powered | ✅ Primarily wind-powered |
| Crew | ✅ Full crew (captain, chef, service) | ✅ Optional, fewer crew |
| Ideal Group Size | 6–12 guests | 2–8 guests |
| Per-Person Cost | Often more economical for large groups | Higher for small groups |
| Experience Level | No sailing skills needed | Bareboat requires certification/experience |
🌍 Where Can You Charter a Gulet?
Although gulets are traditionally associated with Turkey, they are now available in multiple Mediterranean countries — and Gulet Broker proudly offers a curated selection across four unique regions.
📍 Turkey – The Birthplace of Gulets
Sail from Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, or Göcek. Calm bays, warm hospitality, rich history, and traditional craftsmanship make Turkey the most authentic gulet destination.
📍 Croatia – Adriatic Elegance
Embark from Split, Dubrovnik, or Trogir. With medieval towns, crystal-clear waters, and over 1,000 islands, Croatia is perfect for relaxed coastal exploration.
📍 Greece – Myth Meets Luxury
Cruise through the Cyclades, Dodecanese, or Ionian islands. From Santorini to Mykonos, gulet charters in Greece offer unforgettable cultural and natural beauty.
📍 Italy – The Sophisticated Escape
Sail past the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Sardinia. Italian gulet charters combine luxury, fine cuisine, and spectacular scenery — ideal for romantic or gourmet getaways.
✅ View our handpicked Gulet Fleet to explore available yachts by destination, size, and category.
🧭 Which Yacht Is Best for You?
| Choose a Gulet If You Want: | Choose a Sailing Yacht If You Want: |
|---|---|
| Maximum space and comfort | Authentic sailing adventure |
| Full crew service and zero responsibilities | Hands-on sailing or bareboat freedom |
| Group socializing and family comfort | Smaller group intimacy |
| A stable, smooth ride | Performance, speed, and dynamic experience |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need sailing experience to book a gulet? No — gulets are always fully crewed. You just relax.
Are meals included? On gulets, yes — standard menus are often included. Dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated. For sailing yachts, this varies by charter type.
How early should I book? 3–6 months in advance is ideal, especially during peak season (June–August).
What if the weather is bad? Gulet captains adjust routes for safety and comfort. Sailing yachts may change course or reduce sail depending on conditions.
🌊 Ready to Charter Your Ideal Yacht?
Whether you prefer the relaxed elegance of a gulet or the wind-driven excitement of a sailing yacht, we’re here to match you with the perfect vessel for your journey.
✅ Explore our fleet and destinations ✅ Get a personalized offer ✅ Travel with expert local crews
📩 Contact us now to start planning:
🌐 www.guletbroker.com 📞 WhatsApp: +90 542 830 08 63 📬 info@guletbroker.com
