Yacht
A yacht (/jɒt/) is a sailing or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing.[2][3][4] There is no standard definition, though the term generally applies to vessels with a cabin intended for overnight use. To be termed a yacht, as opposed to a boat, such a pleasure vessel is likely to be at least 33 feet (10 m) in length and may have been judged to have good aesthetic qualities.[1]
For other uses, see Yacht (disambiguation).
The Commercial Yacht Code classifies yachts 79 ft (24 m) and over as large.[5] Such yachts typically require a hired crew[1] and have higher construction standards.[5] Further classifications for large yachts are commercial: carrying no more than 12 passengers; private: solely for the pleasure of the owner and guests, or by flag, the country under which it is registered.[6] A superyacht (sometimes megayacht) generally refers to any yacht (sail or power) longer than 131 ft (40 m).[7]
Racing yachts are designed to emphasize performance over comfort.[8] Charter yachts are run as a business for profit.[7] As of 2020, there were more than 15,000 yachts of sufficient size to require a professional crew.[9]
The Recreational Craft Directive requires that all vessels sold in the European Union and United Kingdom satisfy one of four design categories, based on the wind force and seas that they are designed to encounter:[19]
The Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2) of Great Britain and its dominions defines a large yacht as one that is 24 metres (79 ft) or more at the waterline and is in commercial use for sport or pleasure, while not carrying cargo or more than 12 passengers and carrying a professional crew. The code regulates the equipping of such vessels, both at sea and in port—including such matters as crew duty times and the presence of a helicopter on board. The code has different levels of standard for vessels above and below 500 gross tons.[20] Such yachts may be considered superyachts and are more commonly at 40 metres (130 ft) or more in length.[21] Other countries have standards similar to LY2.[6]
Whereas commercial large yachts may carry no more than 12 passengers, private yachts are solely for the pleasure of the owner and guests do not carry the passenger restriction. Yachts may be identified by flag—the country under which a yacht is registered.[6] An industry publication categorizes superyachts by size,[22] by speed,[23] as "explorer" yachts,[24] as sailing yachts,[25] and classic yachts.[26]
Originally, all yachts were made of wood, using a wooden keel and ribs, clad with planks. These materials were supplanted with iron or steel in steam yachts.[12] In the 1960s fiberglass became a prevalent material. These materials and others continue in use.[27] Whereas yachts of 79 feet (24 m) and below may be constructed of fiberglass, larger yachts are more likely to be constructed of steel, aluminum or composite fiber-reinforced plastic.[28]