New Year, New Yacht: Is Sail Or Power Your Perfect Moorings Ownership Fit?

January 6, 2026 6 min

Choosing the right yacht is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an owner, and for many buyers, the first question is also the biggest: sail or power?

Whether you’re an old salt refining an established yachting lifestyle or exploring yacht ownership for the first time, clarity begins with understanding how you want to use your yacht. It’s not simply about where you go, but how your days unfold onboard, the pace at which you move between destinations, and the type of experience that feels most natural for you and those you travel with.

At The Moorings, ownership is never one-size-fits-all. Sailing yachts and power catamarans each offer a distinct way to explore the world. Sailing delivers a timeless, wind-driven experience rooted in seamanship and connection to the sea. Power cats offer range, flexibility, and effortless movement between destinations.

Choosing between sail and power is one of the most important decisions in your ownership journey, and the right choice isn’t defined by performance specifications. It’s defined by lifestyle.

With professionally managed yachts, global cruising access, and a proven ownership structure, The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program makes both paths simple and seamless. Here is our guide to choosing the right yacht that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle, travel goals, and vision for time well spent on the water for 2026 and beyond.

The Moorings Ownership Advantage

Before comparing sail and power, it’s worth starting with what unites them. Moorings Yacht Ownership offers a turnkey, professionally managed ownership experience designed to remove the traditional complexities of yacht ownership. From maintenance and operations to charter management and global base access, Moorings Yacht Ownership is structured to maximize your time on the water and minimize everything else.

Whether choosing sail or power with The Moorings, owners benefit from:

Professional yacht management and maintenance
Up to 12 weeks of personal-use time per year
Guaranteed monthly income regardless of charter activity
A proven, transparent ownership structure
Access to iconic cruising destinations worldwide
A globally recognized brand with decades of experience

The difference simply comes down to how you want to spend your time on the water. Choose a sailing catamaran for the classic, hands-on experience of mastering the ocean, or choose a power cat for speed and flexibility between destinations. Either way, Moorings Yacht Ownership gives you the support, access, and freedom to make every trip simple, enjoyable, and entirely your own.

Sailing Yacht Ownership: For Those Who Love the Journey

Sailing isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s the joy in the experience itself. Harnessing the wind, trimming the sails, and moving with the rhythm of the sea creates a connection to the water that’s both timeless and deeply rewarding.

Owners who choose sailing often appreciate the quiet, wind-powered cruising and the sense of accomplishment that comes from navigating longer passages at a relaxed pace. It’s a style of ownership that values tradition, seamanship, and skill-building, where the journey is just as important as the destination.

Sailing Yachts Are Ideal For Owners Who:

Enjoy being actively involved in every aspect of sailing
Prefer slower, scenic passages that encourage exploration
Value fuel efficiency and a more sustainable cruising style
See the journey itself as equally important as the destination

Owner Insight:

Some Moorings destinations are just truly made for sailing. The British Virgin Islands stand out with consistent trade winds and short, scenic hops between stunning anchorages, perfect for relaxed cruising for sailors of all skill levels. In Greece, longer, sporty passages between islands reward experienced sailors, offering a pace and perspective only possible under sail. For these destinations, sailing isn’t just a way to get from island to island; it’s the best way to truly experience the rhythm, beauty, and character of the region.

Power Yachts: For Flexibility, Comfort, and Effortless Exploration

Power yachts offer a different kind of adventure, one built around speed, comfort, and effortless exploration. For owners who want to see more, go further, and enjoy every moment aboard with minimal planning, Moorings power yachts provide the perfect balance of freedom and convenience.

Owners are drawn to the flexibility and control that power cats offer. With the ability to cruise regardless of wind conditions, spontaneous itineraries become the norm. Linger longer in a favorite harbor, hop quickly between destinations, or entertain friends and family in spacious, well-appointed cabins. The combination of intuitive handling, ample onboard comfort, and smart design makes every journey smooth, enjoyable, and accessible to owners of all experience levels.

Power Cats Are Ideal For Owners Who:

Value time efficiency and flexible cruising schedules
Prefer predictable travel plans without worrying about wind conditions
Enjoy hosting and socializing while on the water
Appreciate intuitive handling with a minimal learning curve

Owner Insight:

Power yachts are especially popular with first-time owners who want immediate confidence, ease of use, and a seamless entry into yachting.

Lifestyle First: How You Travel Matters Most

The best yacht ownership decisions come from clarity and understanding how you want to spend your time on the water. It’s not about sail or power, it’s about your lifestyle, your priorities, and the experiences you value most.

When choosing a yacht, consider your personal cruising style and ask yourself:

Do I enjoy being actively involved in sailing, or do I prefer relaxed cruising?
Am I drawn to long passages or shorter, destination-focused trips?
Will I be traveling primarily with family, friends, or as a couple?
Do I value flexibility and speed, or rhythm and tradition?

There’s no wrong answer, only the approach that aligns with your vision of life on the water.

Destination preferences can also help guide your choice. Sailing yachts excel in regions with steady winds and classic passages, like the British Virgin Islands, Greece, and Belize.

Whilst power catamarans shine in itineraries that cover more ground efficiently, enhancing the journey, such as the Exumas, Grenadines, and Sicily, offering comfort and convenience across spread-out destinations. Both ownership styles give access to the same world-class Moorings destinations; the only difference is how you experience them.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sail vs. Power Yacht Ownership

Deciding between a sailing and a power yacht raises plenty of questions, especially for first-time owners. Here are answers to some of the most common questions first-time owners ask:

Is a Sailing Yacht or Power Cat more expensive to own?

Ownership costs depend on yacht size, usage, and program type. Moorings Yacht Ownership is designed to provide transparency and predictability, making both sail and power yachts manageable and straightforward to budget for.

Which is easier to own and operate as a first-time owner—sail or power?

It depends on the experience you’re seeking. Sailing yachts reward those who enjoy learning and hands-on engagement, while power yachts offer intuitive handling, immediate comfort, and a lower learning curve. With Moorings’ professional training, maintenance, and global support network, first-time owners can feel confident and enjoy every voyage, no matter which style they choose.

Can I switch between sail and power ownership later?

Absolutely. Many owners evolve their preferences over time, and Moorings specialists can help you plan future yacht purchases to align with changing lifestyle goals.

Which yacht type earns better charter income?

In our ownership program, charter income is guaranteed on a monthly basis, independent of how often a specific yacht is booked. This model has proven resilient over time, continuing to deliver consistent owner income through hurricanes and broader market disruptions, including global pandemics. In our recent blog, two-time Moorings Yacht Owners share firsthand how they navigated both major hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining in the program.

Do I need prior experience to own a yacht with The Moorings?

Not at all. The Moorings supports owners of all experience levels, including first-time buyers, with professional training, maintenance, and global resources to ensure every voyage is safe and enjoyable.

For answers to more common questions on the minds of first-time Moorings owners, take a look at our Yacht Ownership Q & A Livestream.

New Year, New Yacht: Choose the Experience That Fits You

Choosing between sail and power isn’t about specifications—it’s about how you want to spend your time on the water. Whether you imagine quiet, wind-driven passages or effortless cruising between iconic destinations, The Moorings Yacht Ownership program makes it simple to turn that vision into reality.

In 2026, yacht ownership is about more than just simply owning a boat; it’s about designing a lifestyle that reflects your priorities, passions, and pace of travel.

With professionally managed yachts, global cruising access, and dedicated support from our Yacht Ownership Specialists, every voyage—whether under sail or power—is seamless, enjoyable, and entirely your own.

Speak with a Moorings Yacht Ownership Specialist to discover the option that best aligns with your lifestyle, cruising goals, and vision for a life well lived on the water.

Hanrie Bosch

Guest blogger, Hanrie Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.

See All Hanrie’s Articles