The idea of sailing on a yacht through beautiful waters on a warm day sounds lovely, but many people assume this is something that can never happen for them. Perhaps you don't even know what exactly a yacht is or how to tell a yacht from a similar-looking boat.
When you imagine a yacht, you might imagine a luxurious vessel that only a few people ever experience, but this isn't exactly the case. Yachts come in many models, styles, and prices, and they are used by people worldwide. If you've ever wondered what sets a yacht apart from other kinds of boats, this article is here to help.
The yacht and boating professionals at TheYachtMarket have put together this guide to help educate you on the basics of yachts and the common types of these vessels. You'll also learn some of the reasons people enjoy yachting and why you should consider it as your next hobby.
Where Did the Word "Yacht" Come From?
The origins of the word yacht are actually Dutch, as the name comes from the Dutch word "jaght." This word meant hunter, so it was used to describe ships back in the 1600s that were lightweight enough to hunt down other ships. At this time, yachts were sailing boats, as engine-ran boats weren't invented yet.
Later on, when King Charles the Second from England took a "jacht," this type of fast sailing ship started to become associated with carrying rich or powerful people, such as royalty.
What Kind of Yachts Are There Today?
There are two main kinds of yachts today. Like hundreds of years ago, some yachts are of the sailing variety and are powered without a motor. On the other hand, there are also motor-powered yachts.
Beyond these two broad categories, there are also many sizes, makes, and models of yachts. Often, yachts are further categorized by their size. For example, a yacht that’s less than 12 meters is called a cruiser or cabin cruiser. On the other hand, a superyacht is usually over 24 meters long. Finally, there are mega yachts which are any yacht that's over 50 meters in length. In fact, some yachts are well over 222 meters.
Are All Yachts Luxury?
While yachts might have been associated with royalty early on, yachts don't have to be completely luxurious And, they aren't just a hobby for the ultra-rich. If they are on this side of things, then they will be referred to as a luxury yacht. But, as with other kinds of boats, there is a range.
Some yachts are more simplistic in their features, while others are decked out and made of more expensive materials.
What's the Difference Between a Ship, a Boat, and a Yacht?
It isn't easy to define the three. Overall, most yachts today are meant for recreation. However, some can carry many passengers while others only have room for a few.
A ship is usually a larger boat that isn't owned by an individual but instead used to move cargo or to hold hundreds of people, like on a cruise. And ships will usually require an entire crew to operate. Boats are generally smaller, and they don't need any crew members. Yachts, on the other hand, vary. Some require a crew, while others only need one or two people to operate the craft.
Plus, there's also the fact that "boat' is often a catchall term used to describe anything that floats, has a motor, or goes on the water.
So, What Exactly Is a Yacht?
When it comes to yachts, there isn't a straightforward definition to go by. Unfortunately, this can make a bit confusing when trying to explain what a yacht is, but some of the distinctions don't actually matter that much when you're on the water.
Generally, people in the industry think of yachts as a seacraft used only for recreation. Of course, there are other smaller boats, such as a wake boat, that are also used for this purpose. But yachts are generally a bit different than your average motorboat because they are usually big enough to have a cabin, galley, and head.
So, if you're trying to figure out if the sea vessel you're looking at is a yacht or something else, the best way to know for sure is to ask or look it up. Generally, if it's a craft used for recreation or relations and also has sleeping quarters and a kitchen, it's considered a yacht.
What Are Some Reasons to Get into Yachting?
For most people, yachts are a way to relax and get away from it all, but there are many things you can do on a yacht. Some people enjoy going on chartered yachts, especially if they don't want to own one themselves. For these, you can get on board a yacht with an existing or hired crew and enjoy seeing new places and sights.
Many other people have yachts that they use for themselves. And just like with any other type of recreational motorboat, you can have all kinds of adventures on a yacht. These are just some of the activities that people who have yachts like to do while enjoying their sea vessel:
- Deep sea fishing
- Entertaining family and friends with food
- Partying with others on a large yacht
- Traveling along the coast or deeper into the ocean to explore and see new areas
So, whether you like to sit on the deck of the boat and watch the water or want to get together with a bunch of friends, a yacht is an excellent way to enjoy time off, no matter how you like to vacation. And, you don't have to be able to afford a large, luxury yacht to enjoy the experience, as many yachts are more affordable.
For more information on what makes a yacht and how to find a yacht for purchase or rent, reach out to TheYachtMarket.