In this guide
- How do 24 m, 40 m and 60 m yachts compare?
- Why does 24 metres matter on a charter yacht?
- 20–30 metres: the private, informal choice
- 30–50 metres: the classic superyacht
- 50 metres and above: the large superyacht
- What does each size cost per guest?
- Guests, crew and price by length band
- Why does the price climb so fast with size?
- Which harbours can each size reach?
- Does a bigger yacht move less in open water?
- Why do bigger yachts anchor further out?
- Which size should you choose?
- Common mistakes
- What to send for a size recommendation
Bigger is not always better. A larger yacht anchors further out, fits in fewer harbours and costs more to run, and the price climbs faster than the length: per guest, a 60-metre yacht costs several times what a 40-metre one does, for the same 12 people. The first line that changes the experience is 24 metres, where the safety code, the crew and the French anchoring rules all change. Below are the three main size bands, with the numbers, and how to choose between them.
How do 24 m, 40 m and 60 m yachts compare?
Crew, facilities and price step up with each band while the guest limit stays at 12 at most: below 30 metres you get 2–5 crew and a typical base rate of about €30,000 (18–24 m) to €55,000 (27–33 m) a week; from 30 to 50 metres, 6–12 crew and about €105,000–180,000; above 55 metres, about €400,000, with 15–20 crew at 60–70 metres.
| 20–30 m | 30–50 m | 50 m and above | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical crew (YachtBuyer) | 2–5 (24–30 m) | 6–10 (30–40 m), 8–12 (40–50 m) | 15–20 (60–70 m), 25–35 (80–100 m) |
| Typical weekly rate (Ahoy Club, base, EUR) | ~€30,000 (18–24 m); ~€55,000 (27–33 m) | ~€105,000 (37–43 m); ~€180,000 (46–55 m) | ~€400,000 (55–75 m), up to ~€990,000 |
| Guests (charter licence) | Often fewer than 12 | Up to 12 | Up to 12 (a few take more) |
| Character | Private, informal, close to the water | Full superyacht service, beach club, more toys | Resort-level: spa, gym, cinema, several tenders |
The weekly rates are the “typical” figures Ahoy Club publishes for the yachts it lists in euros, across all destinations (for example 126 of the 171 yachts it lists at 37–43 m; consulted in November 2026). They are live figures that change as listings change, and they are base rates: fuel, food, drinks and berths are paid on top through the APA (Ahoy Club puts it at around 30–40%), plus VAT where it applies and a crew tip. The final rate for a specific yacht and week is the one the agency confirms. Our guide to how much a luxury yacht charter costs breaks down the full bill.
Why does 24 metres matter on a charter yacht?
Twenty-four metres is where three things change at once: the safety code the yacht is built to, the French anchoring rules and the crew on board.
- Safety code. YachtCharterFleet explains that Part A of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code applies to commercial yachts of 24 metres and over in load line length carrying up to 12 passengers. Part A is the updated version of the Large Yacht Code; smaller commercial vessels fall outside it.
- Anchoring in France. A 2019 framework order of the French Mediterranean maritime prefecture leaves the zones and length thresholds to an order for each stretch of coast. On the Riviera, a yacht of 24 metres or more (20 metres or more between the Var and Monaco) may anchor only seaward of a limit line; inside it, it may only lie on licensed buoys. In practice, from 24 metres your captain will anchor further from the beach. The French Riviera guide has the detail.
- Crew. YachtBuyer notes that yachts above 24 metres usually have a professional captain and crew. Crew numbers then jump at about 30 metres: from 2–5 at 24–30 metres to 6–10 at 30–40 metres.
20–30 metres: the private, informal choice
Expect 2–5 crew, a typical base rate of about €30,000 a week for 18–24 m and €55,000 for 27–33 m, and on many yachts a licence for fewer than 12 guests. It suits couples, families and friends who want an informal week close to the water.
What you get
A yacht in this range feels like a large private boat rather than a floating hotel. You will usually have a main saloon, a flybridge or upper deck and a swim platform. Cabins are fewer and more compact than on larger yachts, and many charter licences in this range are for fewer than 12 guests: check the number for each yacht.
Crew and service
YachtBuyer’s estimate is 2–5 crew for 24–30 metres; Ahoy Club describes the crew of a yacht of around 20 metres as a captain, a deckhand and often a chef or host. YachtBuyer’s case study of a 30-metre yacht uses five: a captain, a stewardess, an engineer and two deckhands. Service is personal and informal; the crew double up on roles.
Price
Ahoy Club gives a typical weekly rate of about €30,000 for 18–24 m yachts (listings run from about €3,800 to €96,000) and about €55,000 for 27–33 m (from around €16,100 to €155,000). The spread depends on age, builder, season and region.
Pros
- The lowest cost per week.
- Easy to find a berth, including in small harbours.
- Can anchor closer to the beach than larger yachts.
- Below 24 metres, fewer French anchoring limits apply, but between the Var and Monaco the limit line applies from 20 metres.
Cons
- Less space: fewer quiet corners for a group that needs room.
- Limited tender and toys: often one tender and a few water toys.
- More motion in open water than a larger yacht.
- Fewer crew means the service is good but simpler.
Who it suits
Couples, families of four to eight, groups of friends who want an informal week, and first charters on a moderate budget. Areas with short distances and sheltered waters, such as Ibiza and Formentera or Croatia, suit this size well.
30–50 metres: the classic superyacht
From about 40 metres most yachts take the full 12 guests (at 30 metres Ahoy Club describes yachts for about ten), with 6–10 crew at 30–40 metres and 8–12 at 40–50, for a typical base rate of about €105,000 (37–43 m) to €180,000 (46–55 m) a week. At 40 metres Ahoy Club describes a dedicated chef and beach clubs; a crew close to one per guest comes at around 50 metres.
What you get
This is the classic superyacht range, and a natural fit for groups of 10–12. A main saloon and a separate upper saloon, a sundeck, usually a beach club or large swim platform, and on the larger yachts a jacuzzi, a gym or a cinema. At 40 metres Ahoy Club describes twelve guests in five or six cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite.
Crew and service
YachtBuyer gives 6–10 crew for 30–40 metres and 8–12 for 40–50 metres. That means a dedicated chef, a chief stewardess with an interior team, deckhands to run the tenders and toys, and an engineer. Its 50-metre case study uses nine crew. Ahoy Club speaks of one-to-one service from about 50 metres, with crews of ten to thirteen.
Price
Ahoy Club gives a typical weekly rate of about €105,000 for 37–43 m yachts (range around €3,500 to €285,000) and about €180,000 for 46–55 m (range around €11,000 to €440,000).
Pros
- Space for 12 guests without anyone feeling crowded.
- Full crew and a proper chef.
- More tenders and toys: jet skis, seabobs, paddle boards and a larger tender are common (see our guide to yacht water toys).
- More comfortable in open water and better able to handle longer passages.
Cons
- Higher APA: more fuel, more berthing fees.
- From 24 metres, or 20 metres between the Var and Monaco, the French anchoring orders apply.
- A berth in the busiest ports can cost several thousand euros a night, according to Ahoy Club for 40-metre yachts.
Who it suits
Families and groups of 8–12, multi-generation trips, corporate groups, and anyone who wants the full superyacht experience. It works almost anywhere in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
50 metres and above: the large superyacht
Above 50 metres the guest count usually stays at 12, but a 60–70-metre yacht carries 15–20 crew and a 55–75-metre yacht has a typical base rate of about €400,000 a week. What you pay for is space per guest and facilities: spa, gym, cinema, several tenders.
What you get
Above 50 metres, the yacht becomes a small resort. Large guest cabins, often a spa or massage room, a gym, a cinema, a pool or large jacuzzi, a big beach club with direct sea access, several tenders and a full range of toys. Some carry a helipad. The guest count usually stays at 12; what grows is the space per guest and the number of experiences on board.
Crew and service
YachtBuyer gives 15–20 crew for 60–70 metres and 25–35 for 80–100 metres. Its 80-metre case study uses 25 crew. Ahoy Club says spas, dive centres and crews beyond twenty are normal at this size, and YachtBuyer’s 80-metre crew includes a purser. The crew is often larger than the number of guests.
Price
Ahoy Club gives a typical weekly rate of about €400,000 for 55–75 m yachts, with a range from around €100,000 to €990,000. At the top of that band, rates approach €1 million a week. With APA at 30–40% and VAT in Mediterranean countries, the total for a week can be well above the base rate.
Pros
- The most space, privacy and on-board facilities.
- Generally less motion in open water than a smaller yacht.
- Toys and tenders for every member of the group.
- A crew able to organise almost anything on board.
Cons
- The highest cost, and an APA that grows with fuel and harbour fees.
- Fewer harbours can take the yacht: check the berth for each port and date; where there is none, you anchor off and use the tender.
- Anchoring restrictions in France and in protected areas elsewhere weigh more as the yacht grows.
- Less spontaneity: a large yacht’s movements are planned further ahead.
Who it suits
Groups who want maximum privacy and facilities, families with several generations and many interests, corporate events, and anyone who wants a complete resort experience at sea.
What does each size cost per guest?
Per guest and per week, the base rate goes from about €5,000 on an 18–24-metre yacht with six guests to about €33,300 on a 55–75-metre yacht with 12. The table uses Ahoy Club’s typical weekly rates and a full group (fewer guests on the smallest yachts, which rarely take 12):
| Typical yacht | Typical base rate per week | Guests | Base rate per guest per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–24 m | ~€30,000 | 6 | ~€5,000 |
| 27–33 m | ~€55,000 | 10 | ~€5,500 |
| 37–43 m | ~€105,000 | 12 | ~€8,750 |
| 46–55 m | ~€180,000 | 12 | ~€15,000 |
| 55–75 m | ~€400,000 | 12 | ~€33,300 |
The guest numbers in the first two rows follow Ahoy Club: cabins for six to eight guests at 18–24 m (the table takes six) and enough yacht for ten guests at 30 metres. With eight guests, a 27–33 m yacht works out at about €6,875 each. Each yacht’s licence sets the real figure. Add APA, VAT and tip on top. The jump from 40 to 60 metres is much bigger than the jump from 25 to 40, and what it pays for is space, crew and facilities.
Guests, crew and price by length band
From about €40,000 a week under 30 metres to about €1.7 million at 80 metres and over, according to the average weekly rates by length band that BOAT International published for the yachts listed on its platform. The table puts those averages next to the guest limit and YachtBuyer’s crew estimates for the same bands:
| Length | Guests (charter licence) | Typical crew (YachtBuyer) | Average weekly charter fee (BOAT International, 2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 m | 4-12, depending on the licence | 2-5 (24-30 m) | about €40,000 |
| 30-40 m | up to 12 | 6-10 | about €71,000 |
| 40-50 m | up to 12 | 8-12 | no average published; BOAT notes that over 40 metres rates “move into the €100,000 per week range” |
| 50-60 m | 12 | no band published | about €220,000 |
| 60-70 m | 12 | 15-20 | about €445,000 |
| 70-80 m | 12 | no band published | no average published |
| 80 m and over | 12 (36 if passenger-coded) | 25-35 (80-100 m); 30 or more above 100 m | about €1.7 million |
Guest numbers follow the 12-guest rule (YachtCharterFleet: from 4 up to 12 guests, depending on the size of the yacht); crew numbers are YachtBuyer’s estimates. Both are indicative: the actual figures are on each yacht’s specification sheet. BOAT’s averages are from 2022 and are base rates, so they sit next to Ahoy Club’s more recent figures above as a second reference, not a quote. Inside each band the spread is wide: BOAT notes that three different 30-metre yachts may vary in cost by as much as €75,000, and gives high-season premiums of a few thousand euros a week on 30-40 m yachts and tens of thousands on 60-80 m yachts.
Why does the price climb so fast with size?
Crew is one reason. YachtBuyer’s 2026 salary tables give a captain’s base salary of roughly US$118,000–147,000 a year on a 25-metre yacht, US$156,000–246,000 on a 40-metre yacht and US$235,000–393,000 on a 60-metre yacht. Its case studies put the annual crew payroll at around US$390,000 for a 30-metre yacht with five crew, around US$942,000 for a 50-metre yacht with nine, and around US$2.25 million for an 80-metre yacht with 25. From 30 to 80 metres, the length grows about 2.7 times and the payroll in these case studies almost six times (a calculation from YachtBuyer’s figures).
So the extra metres are only worth it if you will use what they bring. If the group spends the week swimming and at lunch ashore, a 40-metre yacht with an excellent crew may give you the same week as a 60-metre one for a fraction of the cost.
Which harbours can each size reach?
The bigger the yacht, the fewer the harbours and anchorages it fits. Ahoy Club describes an 18–24-metre yacht as nimble enough for tight anchorages the big yachts skip, such as Portofino’s harbour rather than the outer roadstead, and says a berth in the busiest ports can cost several thousand euros a night for a 40-metre yacht. Whether there is a berth depends on the harbour, the yacht and the dates, so check it for each yacht.
If an evening in a particular harbour matters to you, say so when you send your request. The specialist and the agency will check it with the yachts on offer, and the captain will request the berth well in advance. Destination pages such as French Riviera and Monaco explain how the busiest harbours work.
Does a bigger yacht move less in open water?
Generally, yes: larger yachts move less. This matters most on itineraries with long open-water legs, such as the Côte d’Azur to Corsica, the Cyclades in a summer northerly, or crossings between Caribbean islands in the trade winds. On a smaller yacht the captain will plan around the weather, leave early, shorten a leg or wait a day. On a larger one, more passages are comfortable, though not all. In both cases, ask whether the yacht has zero-speed stabilisers.
Why do bigger yachts anchor further out?
Ahoy Club notes that an 18–24-metre yacht is nimble enough for tight anchorages the big yachts skip. On top of that, environmental rules are tightening:
- In France, the framework order of 2019 is applied coast by coast: on the Riviera, a yacht of 24 metres or more (20 metres or more between the Var and Monaco) may anchor only seaward of a limit line. The rule is enforced, and the captain is responsible.
- In the Balearic Islands, Posidonia is also protected, so the captain will look for sand or a mooring buoy.
The practical effect: on a 60-metre yacht, the tender is your daily shuttle to the beach, and the crew will set up a beach picnic or a swim spot rather than anchoring in the bay itself.
Which size should you choose?
Our own guide, in line with the sections above: for couples and families of up to eight, 20–30 metres; for eight to twelve, 30–50 metres; above 50 metres when space, privacy and facilities matter more than cost. To refine it, answer three questions:
- How many people are staying on board, and how do they pair up? Twelve guests is the usual maximum whatever the size. If you are eight, you do not need a 60-metre yacht to have space: Ahoy Club describes a 30-metre yacht as enough for ten guests.
- How do you want to spend the days? If the plan is mostly anchored in bays and swimming, a smaller yacht closer to the beach can be better. If you want long passages, lots of toys and a full spa, go larger.
- What is your total budget, including extras? Add 30–40% APA, VAT where it applies and a crew tip to the base rate before comparing. Our guide to choosing a charter yacht goes through layout, crew and toys.
Treat it as a starting point; the right yacht depends on the layout, the crew and the itinerary as much as the length.
Common mistakes
Most of them come from looking at the length and the base rate and nothing else.
- Choosing by length alone. Two 40-metre yachts can have very different volume, layout and crew. Ask for the deck plan.
- Forgetting the guest licence. A big yacht with eight cabins can still be limited to 12 guests on charter.
- Ignoring the APA. Fuel and harbour fees grow with size; the base rate is not the bill.
- Assuming you will berth in the famous harbour. Check the berth for that yacht and those dates; where there is none, you anchor off.
- Over-sizing for a small group. Space you do not use adds no value; a well-run smaller yacht with a great crew can give the better week.
What to send for a size recommendation
To suggest a size, a charter specialist needs the number of guests staying on board and how they pair up, the area and dates, how you want to spend the days (anchored in bays or making long passages) and your total budget including extras. If an evening in a particular harbour matters, mention it too. With that you receive options in the sizes that fit, with the base rate and the expected extras. The charter itself is contracted with the yacht’s owner through a licensed charter agency, normally under the MYBA agreement, with the full price and VAT set out before you sign. Example yachts are on the yachts page. Send your request.
