What is the difference between cruising speed and maximum speed?

Answer

Cruising speed is the speed at which a yacht normally operates efficiently and comfortably for sustained periods. Maximum speed is the highest speed the yacht is designed or capable of achieving under appropriate conditions.

For charter planning, cruising speed is usually more useful than maximum speed because it provides a better indication of how quickly the yacht can realistically move between destinations.

Operating at higher speeds can also increase fuel consumption significantly.

Analysis

A yacht advertised with a high maximum speed may not necessarily be the most efficient yacht for a cruising-intensive charter. Range, cruising speed and fuel consumption should be considered together.

Broker Comment

If you are trying to cover several destinations, we'll look at the yacht's practical cruising performance rather than simply quoting its maximum speed.