Step aboard a classic yacht charter, and you get into a place where time moves slower, and comfort is in the little things. These are not normal ships, theyโre moving works of art, carefully fixed up or kept neat to keep the feeling of sea traditionอ.
Whether you’re seeking the elegance of a classic motor yacht or the romance of a sailing vessel, our fleet offers both. From the warm glow of polished teak to the gleam of brass fittings and graceful lines that cut through the water, each yacht offers something modern builds simply cannot: character.
Yet behind the vintage faรงade lies every comfort a modern traveller expects. Think state-of-the-art navigation, gourmet dining, climate-controlled cabins, and attentive crew service, all blended seamlessly with heritage design. From romantic escapes to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, a classic yacht is more than a charter. Itโs an experience that lingers long after the voyage ends.
Explore our curated selection of classic yachts below or contact us to begin your journey.
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Why Choose a Classic Yacht Charter?
A classic yacht charter is more than a vacation. Itโs an invitation to step into maritime history and experience timeless luxury.
These vessels are floating icons of elegance, lovingly restored or preserved to reflect the craftsmanship of a bygone era. With gleaming teak decks, brass accents, and elegant lines, each yacht tells a story – of transatlantic crossings, Mediterranean summers, and private escapes once reserved for royalty and artists.
But donโt let their vintage appearance fool you, these yachts are equipped with every modern amenity, offering comfort, performance, and style in perfect harmony.
What Makes a Classic Yacht Charter Unique?
- Authentic Craftsmanship
Hand-built interiors, teak paneling, and heritage fittings bring historic elegance to life. - Unmatched Character
Unlike mass-produced vessels, each classic motor yacht or sailing yacht offers unique charm and a personal story. - Perfect for Milestone Events
Celebrate birthdays, honeymoons, or anniversaries aboard a yacht as unforgettable as the moment itself. - True Exclusivity
With only a handful of seaworthy classic yachts in the global charter fleet, availability is rare, and your experience, one of a kind.
This is not just luxury. This is living history, reimagined for todayโs discerning traveller.
Classic Motor & Sailing Yachts for Charter
Classic yachts come in two distinct but equally enchanting styles. Whether youโre drawn to the wind-in-your-hair thrill of a sailing yacht or the smooth, stylish cruise of a classic motor boat, thereโs a vessel to suit your spirit of adventure.
Classic Sailing Yachts
Elegant, timeless, and born for the open sea, classic sailing yachts evoke the romance of true seamanship. These vessels often feature gaff or Marconi rigs, sweeping teak decks, and majestic sails that catch both wind and wonder. Guests savour the sense of connection to the ocean as they glide quietly from harbour to harbour.
Built by legends like Camper & Nicholson or William Fife, many of these yachts have participated in regattas and classic sailing events. Ideal for romantic voyages, family adventures, or group charters with a flair for nostalgia.
Classic Motor Yachts
For those who seek glamour and comfort, classic motor yachts offer a lavish escape. Expect expansive saloons, richly panelled interiors, and a cruising experience thatโs smooth, stable, and ultra-relaxing. Whether moored in Monte Carlo or anchored in a secluded cove, these yachts make a statement.
Our selection of classic motor boats provides a unique way to explore coastal waters in style. Each classic motor boat combines vintage lines with smooth cruising and modern comfort, making them perfect for longer charters or stylish weekend escapes.
Destinations for Classic Yacht Charters
Your choice of destination is as meaningful as the yacht itself. Whether you seek glittering coastlines or serene northern waters, our curated destinations enhance every element of your classic yacht charter experience.
Mittelmeer
Die Mittelmeer remains the crown jewel of yacht charter destinations. With its sun-soaked coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and deep-rooted history, itโs an ideal match for a classic motor yacht or elegant sailing vessel. Cruise the chic shores of the French Riviera, explore the colourful Amalfi Coast, or drop anchor near the whitewashed villages of the Kykladen. Each port offers a unique mix of culture, cuisine, and charm, perfect for leisurely exploration aboard a vintage yacht.
Karibik
For a more tropical rhythm, the Karibik delivers in spades. Sail between islands like Antigua, St. Lucia, and the Grenadinen. Discover hidden coves, snorkel vibrant reefs, and enjoy barefoot luxury in serene anchorages. A classic motor boat offers the ideal platform for island-hopping in comfort and style.
Northern Europe
Uncover a different kind of beauty in Northern Europe – think dramatic fjords, quaint harbours, and storied cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm. Cruising aboard a classic yacht in these waters brings old-world elegance to a region rich in tradition and natural wonder.
Our Featured Classic Yachts
Onboard Amenities and Services on classic yachts
Behind the polished wood and vintage details, our classic yachts for charter are fully outfitted with the amenities of a five-star hotel โ and the personalized service of a private villa.
Each yacht is crewed by experienced professionals who anticipate your every need, ensuring your journey is as seamless as it is spectacular.
Expect an array of thoughtfully curated amenities:
- Expert crew, including an experienced captain, skilled stewards, and a dedicated private chef
- Fine dining experiences, with menus tailored to your preferences using fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Modern technology, including stabilisers, navigation systems, Wi-Fi, and audio-visual entertainment
- Water sports gear, such as tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, and more
- Sumptuous cabins, featuring plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and climate control for restful nights
These classic motor yachts may carry the grace of the past, but your onboard experience is thoroughly present-day elegant, seamless, and effortlessly indulgent.
Client Testimonials
Thereโs no better way to understand the magic of a classic yacht charter than hearing from those whoโve lived it. Our clients value authenticity, discretion, and unforgettable experiences, and our team takes pride in exceeding expectations at every stage of the journey.
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These stories are just a glimpse of what awaits. Each charter is personal, and our team is here to make yours seamless from start to finish.
How to Book Your Classic Yacht Charter
Chartering a classic yacht with Von der Heyden Yachting is a seamless, personalised process designed to match the elegance of the experience itself. From your first enquiry to the final toast on deck, weโre here to make everything effortless.
Step 1 โ Browse Our Fleet
Begin by exploring our handpicked selection of classic motor yachts and sailing yachts online. You can filter by destination, yacht size, guest capacity, or style, or simply get in touch and let our specialists recommend yachts that suit your preferences and travel vision.
Step 2 โ Connect with a Charter Expert
Our experienced charter consultants are just a message or call away. We’ll take the time to understand your travel dates, ideal itinerary, guest list, and any personal touches youโd like to includeโfrom milestone celebrations to culinary themes or wellness experiences.
Step 3 โ Customise Your Charter
Weโll then craft a bespoke proposal outlining your itinerary, dining options, onboard amenities, and costs. Youโll have full visibility and flexibility to make adjustments until itโs just right.
Step 4 โ Confirm & Prepare to Sail
Once you confirm, we take care of the rest, contracts, provisioning, and special requests. Your yacht will be readied to your exact standards, leaving you free to simply look forward to the voyage.
Booking a classic yacht should feel like sailing itself, calm, smooth, and unforgettable.
Sample Itinerary: 7-Day Classic Yacht Charter
Every classic yacht charter is tailored to your desires, but hereโs a glimpse of what your Mediterranean escape might look like aboard a vintage sailing or motor yacht.
Day 1 โ Monaco: The Grand Embarkation
Arrive at Port Hercule to a champagne welcome. As the sun dips below the horizon, cruise past the Monte Carlo skyline and enjoy your first gourmet dinner under the stars.
Day 2 โ Saint-Tropez: Glamour and Grace
Anchor in the bay of Pampelonne, take a morning swim, then explore Saint-Tropezโs boutique shops and historic port. Return to cocktails and live jazz on deck.
Day 3 โ Portofino: Italian Romance
Sail across to Ligurian waters and arrive in postcard-perfect Portofino. Stroll cobbled alleys, enjoy a seaside aperitivo, and dine aboard surrounded by candlelight and serenity.
Day 4 โ Elba: Napoleonโs Island
Dive into crystal waters, hike to historic fortresses, or explore Napoleonโs villa with a private guide. Beach barbecue lunch followed by a peaceful sail to your next anchorage.
Day 5 โ Corsica: Wild Beauty
Wake up in a quiet cove, enjoy paddleboarding or snorkelling, then discover Bonifacioโs clifftop citadel. A sunset dinner on deck features Corsican wine and local seafood.
Day 6 โ Antibes: The Artistโs Riviera
Drop anchor in this charming town where Picasso once painted. Visit the local market, browse galleries, or simply soak in the sun on deck.
Day 7 โ Return to Monaco
Enjoy a final alfresco breakfast before disembarking. Leave with a handcrafted photo album and memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs about Classic Yacht Charters
A classic yacht is typically a vessel built before the 1970s, or a faithful replica styled with vintage aesthetics. These yachts emphasize traditional craftsmanship โ teak decks, wooden hulls, brass detailing โ while offering modern comfort and performance.
Yes. While the exteriors preserve their timeless charm, interiors are upgraded to include:
- Climate control
- Stabilisatoren
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Modern galley kitchens and entertainment systems
Youโll enjoy historic beauty with todayโs convenience.
Yes โ particularly on classic sailing yachts. Captains often welcome guest participation, from hoisting sails to taking the helm. Itโs a great hands-on way to connect with maritime tradition.
Typically included:
- Yacht rental and crew
- Water toys and standard onboard amenities
- Meals (as agreed)
Light fuel use and basic port fees
Optional extras like alcohol, shore excursions, and special provisioning can be pre-arranged.
Due to limited availability, we recommend booking 6โ12 months in advance, especially for high season in the Mediterranean (JuneโSeptember) or Caribbean (DecemberโApril).
Absolutely. We customize each charter to your preferences โ from cultural excursions to culinary experiences. Weather or port access may affect timing, but your experience remains seamless.
Conclusion
A classic yacht charter offers more than just a getaway. Itโs an immersion in history, artistry, and the rarest kind of luxury. Whether sailing the Greek islands, cruising the Cรดte dโAzur, or island-hopping in the Caribbean, youโll travel in true style, surrounded by heritage and hosted by experts.
At Von der Heyden Yachting, we pride ourselves on delivering refined experiences with warmth, precision, and discretion. Our hand-selected fleet and attentive team ensure that every detail of your journey is just as memorable as the destination.
Ready to Begin Your Classic Yacht Charter?
Let us help you find the perfect vintage yacht for charter, tailored to your tastes, timeline, and destinations of choice.
Chartering a classic yacht is not just about where you go, but how you feel while getting there. Experience the past โ luxuriously reimagined.