For many sailors, a monohull is the real thing. It heels to the breeze, points high upwind and connects you to the sea in a way no other boat quite matches. A monohull charter in Greece is also the most affordable way to spend a week exploring the islands. Here is what to expect, which models to look for, and who a keelboat suits best.
What is a monohull, and why choose one?
A monohull is a single-hulled sailing yacht with a weighted keel that keeps it upright and helps it sail efficiently to windward. Compared with a catamaran it is narrower and more affordable, both to charter and to run, and it offers the pure sailing feel that many people come to Greece for. If you are weighing the two, our catamaran vs monohull comparison lays out every difference.
Popular monohull models
Charter monohulls in Greece come from the leading European yards. Each has a slightly different balance of comfort and performance.
- Beneteau Oceanis (for example the Oceanis 40.1, 46.1 and 55): easy, comfortable cruisers with bright interiors and forgiving handling.
- Hanse (for example the Hanse 418, 458 and 588): self-tacking jibs and clean deck layouts make them simple to sail shorthanded.
- Dufour (for example the Dufour 390, 430, 460 and 530 Grand Large): sporty, well-finished yachts with lively performance.
- Sun Odyssey, Bavaria and Elan: dependable all-rounders that make great value family cruisers.
How a monohull sails
Under sail a monohull heels, which feels dramatic at first and quickly becomes part of the fun. It points closer to the wind than a catamaran and tacks quickly, so you can work upwind to a destination rather than motoring. In the steady Aegean breeze a good monohull is a joy to helm, and even in lighter Ionian air it keeps moving nicely. At anchor it rolls a little more than a catamaran, so choosing a well-sheltered bay matters.
What a monohull charter costs
Monohulls are the most budget-friendly way to charter in Greece. They cost less per week than a catamaran of similar length and take up less space in marinas, so running costs are lower too. For a couple or a small crew, a monohull stretches the holiday fund a long way. See our full yacht charter cost guide for numbers and what is included.
Do you need a licence?
To charter a monohull bareboat in Greece you need a recognised sailing qualification and a second competent crew member. If you do not hold a licence, you can still enjoy the same yacht with a professional skipper on board. Our guide to the sailing licence and requirements explains exactly what is accepted.
Where to sail a monohull
Monohulls are happy everywhere in Greece. Keen sailors love the reliable wind of the Cyclades from our Lavrion base, while the calm, short hops of the Ionian from Lefkas are perfect for a relaxed week or a first charter. From Rhodes you can reach the historic Dodecanese, and from Corfu the pretty northern Ionian.
Who is a monohull best for?
- Couples who want an intimate, affordable week afloat.
- Keen sailors who value upwind performance and the feel of the boat.
- Smaller crews who do not need the extra space of a catamaran.
- Budget-minded groups who want the lowest cost per week.
Comfort features to look for
Modern monohulls are far more comfortable than their reputation suggests. When comparing yachts, look for a deep, shaded cockpit with a sprayhood and bimini, a swim platform that folds down at the stern, and a well-planned galley. Bow thrusters make mooring stern-to much easier, an electric windlass takes the effort out of anchoring, and a good sound system and cockpit fridge add to the fun. On larger models such as the Hanse 588 or Dufour 530, you also gain generous cabins and en-suite heads.
Sailing shorthanded
Many couples and small crews sail a monohull with just two capable people on board. Self-tacking jibs, all lines led to the cockpit, and electric winches make this straightforward on modern yachts. Hanse in particular is designed around easy shorthanded sailing. If you are new to a bigger boat, take a skipper for the first day to learn the systems, then continue on your own with confidence.
Best monohull itineraries
A monohull is at its best when there is wind to sail. From Lavrion, the Cyclades deliver reliable summer breezes and exhilarating reaches between islands. From Lefkas or Corfu, the Ionian offers gentler conditions and short hops that suit a relaxed pace. Keen sailors often plan a week that mixes lively passages with quiet nights at anchor, getting the most from the way a keelboat sails.
Monohull sizes and who they suit
Monohulls span a wide range, and the right length depends on your crew and ambitions.
- 36 to 41 feet (Dufour 390, Oceanis 40.1, Hanse 418): nimble and economical, perfect for couples and small families.
- 42 to 46 feet (Dufour 430 and 460, Oceanis 46.1, Hanse 458): the most popular family and group size, with three or four cabins.
- 50 feet and up (Oceanis 55, Dufour 530, Hanse 588, First Yacht 53): spacious performance cruisers for larger crews or those who want extra comfort.
What to check before you book
When comparing monohulls, look beyond the length. A newer yacht usually sails and handles better and has fewer niggles. Check for a bow thruster if you are nervous about mooring, the number of heads for your crew, and whether there is air conditioning for summer nights. Ask about the sail wardrobe too, as a well-kept mainsail and a decent headsail make a real difference to how the boat performs. A short handover briefing at the base will get you familiar with the systems before you set off.
Living aboard a monohull
Life on a monohull is cosy and sociable. The saloon and cockpit become the heart of the boat, where the crew gathers to eat, plan and relax, and everything is close at hand. Below decks, the galley is well equipped for cooking simple meals, and the cabins, while more compact than a catamaran’s, are comfortable and private once you settle in. At anchor you swim from the transom, dine in the cockpit under the stars, and fall asleep to the gentle motion of the sea. Many sailors find this closeness to the water and to each other is exactly what a sailing holiday should feel like, and it is part of the enduring appeal of the classic keelboat.
Frequently asked questions
Is a monohull harder to sail than a catamaran?
Not really. A monohull heels and behaves a little differently, but modern charter yachts are easy to handle. A short briefing or a skipper for the first day is all most crews need.
How many people can a monohull sleep?
A 40 to 46 foot monohull typically sleeps six to eight guests in three or four cabins. Larger yachts of 50 feet and up carry more.
Will I get seasick on a monohull?
Most people adjust within a day. Choosing sheltered anchorages, sailing in the calmer Ionian and picking the right season all help. If seasickness is a real concern, a catamaran is steadier.
Which monohull is best for a first charter?
A comfortable cruiser in the 40 to 46 foot range, such as a Beneteau Oceanis or a Hanse, is forgiving and easy to live aboard, making it a great first yacht.
Fancy the classic sailing feel? Explore our monohull fleet in Greece or send us your plans and we will suggest the perfect sailing yacht.
