Classic & Vintage Yacht Charters
Step aboard a piece of maritime history. J-Class racers, golden age schooners, and vintage motor yachts — the most beautiful vessels ever built.
The Romance of Yachting Heritage
There is something irreplaceable about a classic yacht. The creak of teak decks, the snap of canvas sails, the gleam of polished brass — these vessels carry the soul of yachting's golden age. Many have been painstakingly restored over decades, their original character preserved while modern safety and comfort systems are discreetly integrated. Chartering a classic yacht is not just a holiday — it is a journey through maritime history.
Eras of Classic Yachting
From J-Class legends to modern interpretations of the classic style.
J-Class (1930s)
The aristocrats of sailing. Originally built for the America's Cup, J-Class yachts are among the most beautiful vessels ever created. Towering rigs, sweeping sheer lines, and extraordinary craftsmanship. Only a handful exist, and chartering one is a rare privilege.
Notable vessels: Velsheda, Shamrock V, Endeavour, Ranger, Topaz
Golden Age Schooners (1900–1950)
Gaff-rigged and staysail schooners from the first half of the 20th century. These vessels combine romantic aesthetics with genuine ocean-going capability. Many have been meticulously restored to better-than-new condition.
Notable vessels: Eleonora, Shenandoah, Mariette of 1915, Puritan
Classic Motor Yachts (1920–1960)
Elegant displacement motor yachts from the golden age of yachting. Mahogany panelling, brass fittings, and lines that modern naval architects still study. Many were built for royalty, industrialists, and Hollywood stars.
Notable vessels: Shemara, Haida 1929, Nahlin, Talitha
Spirit of Tradition (Modern Classics)
New-build yachts designed in the classic style but with modern engineering, safety systems, and comfort. The best of both worlds — timeless aesthetics with contemporary performance and amenities.
Notable vessels: Aquarius, Vijonara, Huckleberry, Marie
What to Expect on Board
Classic yachts offer a fundamentally different charter experience. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more intimate, and the connection to the sea more profound.
Classic Yacht Regattas
Time your charter to coincide with one of the world's great classic yacht regattas — a spectacle of maritime heritage.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez, France · September/October
The world's most glamorous classic yacht regatta. Modern and classic yachts race side by side in the Bay of Saint-Tropez.
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
Antigua, Caribbean · April
The Caribbean's premier classic yacht event. Four days of racing in the trade winds, followed by legendary parties ashore.
Régates Royales de Cannes
Cannes, France · September
One of the oldest regattas in the Mediterranean. Classic yachts race against the stunning backdrop of the Côte d'Azur.
Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge
Various Mediterranean · May–September
A circuit of classic yacht regattas across the Mediterranean, from Antibes to Imperia to Mahón.
Monaco Classic Week
Monaco · September (biennial)
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, this biennial event celebrates the heritage of classic yachting in one of the world's most prestigious harbours.
Superyacht Cup Palma
Palma de Mallorca · June
While not exclusively classic, this regatta attracts many classic and spirit-of-tradition superyachts to the beautiful Bay of Palma.