How to charter a Lagoon catamaran: the shipyard’s guide, point by point

There are a thousand and one reasons to look into chartering a Lagoon catamaran, and the shipyard itself has put them in writing: its official website devotes a full guide to renting, from why to charter and how to book to what drives the price or which crew to sail with. Here are its key points, section by section.

Chartering, the first step towards ownership

If you are considering a purchase, Lagoon puts it plainly: spending a few days on board is an essential step. Chartering lets you try the model you have in mind in real conditions — or compare several —, assess performance and comfort both under way and at anchor, and check on the water the safety, the spaces, the manoeuvres and life aboard with family, friends or as a couple. And if after those days you decide to order your catamaran, you can configure the new boat exactly to your taste.

The guide adds an interesting nuance: many owners keep chartering Lagoons even after buying their own. It is their way of changing model whenever they wish, trying more recent boats or exploring new sailing areas with different itineraries and crews.

Where and how to book

Numerous specialised companies charter Lagoon catamarans all year round and all over the world; some models can even be handled without a licence. To fine-tune the offer, the professional will ask about your sailing area and programme; the duration (one or several weeks, a month); the type of catamaran — sail, such as the Lagoon 43, 46 or 51; power, such as the SIXTY 7 and SEVENTY 8; or from the Heritage line, such as the Lagoon 380, 42, 450 and SEVENTY 7 —; the cabins and berths you need; the sailing mode (with a skipper, a hostess or a full professional crew) and additional services, from water sports equipment to provisioning. The shipyard’s advice: depending on the destination and the time of year, book several months in advance.

With a skipper, a full crew or on your own?

Chartering with a skipper is ideal for enthusiasts and beginners who lack the skills to act as captain: the skipper sets the itinerary, handles the manoeuvres and ensures safe sailing. But it also appeals to experienced sailors who prefer to hand over the responsibilities of the boat and enjoy the trip to the full — and a skipper who knows the region inside out is also the best guide to the destination. For a high-end cruise there is the full-crew charter, hostess and chef included, especially on the larger models such as the SIXTY 5; some boats are in fact only available this way. And anyone with the required skills can, of course, charter bareboat.

What determines the price

The guide lists six factors: size and capacity (a 40-foot Lagoon is more affordable than a Lagoon 60); the age of the boat versus new models such as the Lagoon 38; the destination (Croatia, Greece or Martinique, in high demand, cost more than areas like Sweden); the season, high or low; the duration, with daily rates decreasing on longer periods; and additional services, from skipper or crew to diving equipment or provisioning. One final tip from the shipyard: always check what the advertised rate includes — insurance, provisioning, fuel, crew.

A Lagoon’s strong points, according to Lagoon

The shipyard sums up the case for its fleet like this: stability and safety for sailing with friends or family, children included; generous decks that are easy to move around; a practical, ergonomic helm station; a cockpit designed for relaxing and socialising; a bright saloon with a panoramic view of the sea; spacious, well-ventilated double cabins and plenty of storage. On the equipment side: a galley with fridge and freezer, air conditioning, solar panels and autopilot. In the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Pacific or the Indian Ocean, everything is designed — says the guide — to deliver exceptional moments.

Under sail — with models such as the Lagoon 43 or the 55 — the promise is the ideal balance between speed and stability; under power — SIXTY 7, SEVENTY 8 — cruising day by day in total freedom, without depending on the wind. In both cases: boats that are easy to handle, long range, optimised fuel consumption and a shallow draught that allows unforgettable anchorages in shallow water, close to the beaches. All with the house’s elegance: interiors by renowned designers, clean lines and noble materials.

And the other way round: chartering out your boat to make it pay

The guide comes full circle with owners: few use their boat 365 days a year, and many choose to charter it out when they are not on board. It can be managed personally, through a specialised platform or via a charter company’s management programme. The advantages Lagoon cites: offsetting the purchase cost with the income generated, easing running costs — insurance, maintenance, mooring — and having the boat sail more often, even all year round.

At Nowtica we share this guide’s starting point: sail first, decide later. If a charter has won you over — or you want to take the step directly — we are with you for everything that comes next: configuring your new Lagoon to your taste, working out the financing or finding a pre-owned unit.