Motor Yacht vs Sailing Boat: How to Choose Your Charter

We have two yachts: a Jeanneau Prestige 38S motor yacht and a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449 sailing yacht. Both are well maintained, both come with a professional skipper, and both will give you a great day on the Ionian. But they suit different kinds of trips.

The Jeanneau Prestige 38S (Motor Yacht)

The Prestige 38S is 11.7 metres of comfort. Twin 320HP diesel engines, air conditioning, two cabins, one bathroom, a full galley, and a wide cockpit with sun loungers. It cruises at 18-20 knots and reaches top speeds of 30+ knots.

Best for: day trips, families with young children, groups who want to cover more ground in less time, anyone who values air conditioning and a stable platform. The motor yacht barely rocks at anchor, making it comfortable for people who are cautious about boats.

Speed advantage: Porto Katsiki in 45 minutes. Ithaca in 90 minutes. You spend less time travelling and more time swimming.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449 (Sailing Yacht)

The Sun Odyssey 449 is 13.76 metres of sailing performance. Four cabins, two bathrooms, a 55HP engine for calm days, and a full sail plan for when the wind cooperates. It is a proper ocean-going yacht that handles beautifully.

Best for: multi-day charters, couples seeking romance, groups who want the sailing experience (the sound of wind in the sails, the tilt of the hull), and anyone who values space. With four cabins, it sleeps eight comfortably.

Space advantage: 2 metres longer than the motor yacht, with significantly more interior space. Four separate sleeping cabins with doors that close. Two full bathrooms with showers. A salon that converts to a comfortable living area.

Quick Comparison

Day trip with family? Motor yacht. Multi-day island hopping? Sailing yacht. Want to visit distant beaches fast? Motor yacht. Want to actually sail? Sailing yacht. Sensitive to motion? Motor yacht (more stable). Want the quietest experience? Sailing yacht with sails up (no engine noise).

Can I Try Both?

Yes. Some guests book a day trip on the motor yacht first, then return for a multi-day charter on the sailing yacht. It is a good way to experience both vessels and see which style of boating suits you.

Still Not Sure?

Tell us about your group and what you want from the trip, and we will recommend the right yacht. There is no wrong choice. Both boats, both routes, both experiences are worth it.