yacht

an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing travel in a yacht

A yacht was originally defined as a light, fast sailing vessel used to convey important persons. In later parlance, the definition came to mean any vessel, other than a dinghy, propelled by sail, power or both and used for pleasure cruising and/or yacht racing.A sailing yacht can vary in overall length (LOA in yachting parlance) from about 6 m (20 feet) to well over 30 m (98 feet) or more. However, most privately owned yachts fall on the range of about 7 m to 14 m (about 23-46 ft); the cost of building and keeping a yacht rises quickly at greater lengths. Monohull yachts are typically fitted with a fixed or adjustable keel below the waterline to counterbalance the overturning force of wind on the vessel's sails. By contrast, Multihull yachts (a catamaran is an example of this type of vessel) use two or more hull (watercraft)hulls widely separated from each other to provide a stable base that resists overturning. Until the 1950s almost all yachts were made of boards of wood (steel was also used for bigger yachts) but nowadays there is a much wider range of materials. Most common is fibreglass, but also steel, aluminium and even ferrocement are used. Wood is still used (traditional board based methods as well as modern technologies based on plywood, Veneer (wood)veneers and epoxy-glues etc ), but wood is mostly used when building individual boats, less often in industrial boat building. Modern yachts have efficient sail-plans that allow them to sail into the wind. This capability is the result of a sail plan and hull design (typically a sloop rig) that utilizes Bernoulli's principle to generate Lift (force)lift. Sailing yachts fall into three basic catergories- 'Weekender', 'Cruiser' and 'Racer'. Weekender yachts are small, sub-9.5 metre (30 feet) vessels. They often have twin-keels or lifting keels. This allows them to operate in shallow waters, and if needed 'dry out'- become beached as the tide falls, the hull shape (or twin-keel layout) allows the boat to sit upright when there is no water. Such boats are designed to undetake short journeys, rarely lasting more than 2-3 days (hence their name). Of course, in coastal areas long trips may be undertaken in a series of short hops. Weekenders usually only have a simple cabin, often consisting of a single 'saloon', with bedspace for 2-3 people, and clever use of ergonomics to allow both galley (kitchen) space, seating and space for navigation equipment. There is limited space for large stores of water/food. Weekenders tend to be slower vessels due to their small sail area, and due to their small size they can be overwhelmed by heavy seas. Most are single-mast 'Bermudan sloop' rigged vessels, with a single fore-sail (of the 'jib' or 'Genoa') type and a single Mainsail. Some are 'gaff' rigged. The smallest of this type--generally called ''pocket yachts'' or ''pocket cruisers'' can be trailed on special trailers behind vehicles to transport them by road. 'Cruisers' are by the far the most common in private useage, making up most of the 7 m to 14 m (about 23-46 ft) range. These vessels can be quite complex in design, as designers try to find a balance between docile handling qualities, interior space, good light-wing performance and on-board comfort. The huge range of such craft, from dozens of builders worldwide make it hard to determine a specific description. However, most favour a teardrop-planform hull, with a wide, flat bottom and deep single-fin keel to give good stability. Most are single-mast 'Bermudan sloop' rigged vessels, with a single fore-sail (of the 'jib' or 'Genoa') type and a single Mainsail. Spinnaker sails, with huge areas, are often supplied for lightwind use. These types are often chosen as family vessels, especially those in the 8-12 metre (32-40 feet) range. Such a vessel will usually have many rooms below deck. Typically there will be 3 double-berth cabins, a single large saloon (galley, seating and navigation area) and a 'head' (toilet/showeroom). The interior will be finished in wood panelling, with plenty of storage space. Cruisers are quite capable of taking on long-range passages of many thousands of miles, so have large freshwater tanks. Such boats have a cruising speed of around 4-10 mph. This basic design is typical of the standard types produced by the major yacht-builders. Most of the large luxury yachts (30m+, 50 feet+) are also cruiser, but their design varies greatly as they usually are 'one off' designs to the specifc needs of the buyer. Racing yachts tend to have long (around 20m, 50 feet) but very narrow hulls. This allows them to support a tall mast with a great sail area, whilst keeping the drag of a wide hull to a minimum. Speeds of up to 40 mph can be obtained in good condtions. Dedicated racing yachts sacrifice crew comfort for speed, having basic accommodation to reduce weight. Depending on the type of race, such a yacht may be crewed by as many as 15 people. At the other extreme there are 'single handed' races, where one person alone must control the yacht. Yacht races may be over a simple course of only a few miles, or epic trans-global contests such as the BT Global Challenge. Ocean racing yachts have very good sea-handling qualities, as they must be able to maintain good speeds in all but the heaviest conditions. However, the limits of their hull design mean that once conditions increase in severity above a certain level the long, narrow hull can become unstable and the tall rigging can break. This is why many races that fall into bad weather can suffer from many yachts capsizing or becoming de-masted. The motive force being the wind, sailing is more economical and environmentally friendly than any other means of propulsion. Motor yachts depend upon mechanical means for propulsion, typically an internal combustion engine that burns fossil fuels. These are more expensive to operate than sailing vessels due to fuel costs and the large engines typically used. A more economical hybrid type of vessel is a motor sailing yacht that can use either sail or motor propulsion (or both) as conditions dictate. Nearly all 'pure' sailing yachts are also equipped with a low-power internal-combustion engine for use in conditions of calm and for when entering or leaving difficult anchorages. Vessels less than 25ft in length generally carry a petrol outboard-motor of between 10 and 40 horsepower. Larger vessels have in-board diesel engines, of between 20 and 100 horsepower depending on size. In the common 7 m to 14 m (about 23-46 ft) class, engine of 20-40 horsepower are the most common In recent years, small/medium-sized private yachts have evolved from fairly simple vessels with basic accommodation to sophisticated and luxurious boats. This is largely due to reduced hull-building costs brought about by the introduction of fibre-glass hulls, and increased automation and 'production line' techniques to yacht building, especially in Europe. In recent years the amount of electric equipment has been used on yachts. Even 20 years ago, it was not common for a 7m (25ft) yacht to have electric lighting. Now all but the smallest, most basic yachts have electric lighting, radio and navigation aids such as GPS. Yachts around 10m (about 33 feet) bring in comforts such as hot water, pressurised water systems, refridgerators etc. Aids such as RADAR, echo-sounding and autopilot are common. This means that the auxillary engine now also performs the vital function of powering an alternator to provide electrical power and to recharge the yacht's on-board batteries. For yachts engaged on long-range cruising wind- and solar-powered generators can perform the same function. On the biggest, 30m+ luxury yachts, every modern convenience, from air conditioning to television systems is found. Sailing yachts of this size are often highly automated, with computer-controlled electric winches controlling the sails. Such complexity requires dedicated power-generation systems. Modern yachts are descendants of working vessels used for fishing and commerce. Famous examples of these types of vessels are fishing schooners such as ''Bluenose'' and square rigged tea clippers of the 19th century such as ''Flying Cloud''. Tall ships are the modern descendants of the tradition of these commercial vessels. Yachting for pleasure was formerly the province of the wealthy due to expense and the manpower required (because the boats were big), but today has become the pastime of many worldwide. King Charles II of England is mentioned as enjoying the sport in the diaries of Samuel Pepys. In Britain, the sport of yachting became widely popular in the late Victorian (1837-1901) period. Queen Victoria and her family maintained a fleet of sail- and steam-yachts at her residence on the Isle of Wight. The town of Cowes on the island is still seen by many as the world home of yachting, hosting the famous Cowes Week sailing festival in the summer. Like most other yachting festivals, this consists mainly of organised yacht racing by both dedicated racing yachts and a series of 'class' events catering for the wide variety of non-dedicated yachts. Popular yachting spots:

Auckland, New Zealand

Fremantle, Western AustraliaFremantle, Western Australia

Cowes, Isle of Wight

Hamble, Hampshire, England

Tollesbury, Essex, England

The French Riviera

Ft. Lauderdale,Florida

San Francisco Bay, California

Newport Beach, California

Newport, Rhode Island

West Coast of ScotlandWest Coast of Scotland

Hong Kong

See also -

catamaran

dinghy sailing

List of motor yachts by length

marina

sailing ship

yacht racing

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Stormforce Coaching
RYA sailing and powerboat training centre based in Southampton.
http://www.stormforce.biz/

M & M Srl Ship And Yacht Broker
Ship and yacht broker. Yacht charter, yacht brokerage.
http://www.mmsyb.com/

TRABA YACHTING
Traba gives the best advice for a satisfiying cruise in Mediterranean & Greek Islands with gulet cruise. We will help and advice you the best gulet alternatives that you would choose from the basic catagory to the luxury one. Choose the experience and the quality. Since 1983
http://www.bodrumtraba.com/

boatsanbbits.com.au
boatsandbits is designed to provide boaties and all those who enjoy the water with a market place where they are able to buy or sell boats and marine bits and pieces. boatsandbits is run by boaties for boaties.
http://boatsandbits.com.au/

charter yacht greece sailing boat with crew greek islands
Rent a cabin or the whole 66 feet wooden sailing yacht with crew for sail the greek islands
http://www.voiliergrece.com/

charter boats on Adriatic
Enjoy the beatiful Adriatic Sea in Croatia with our charter boats. We have our base in Marina Hramina, on island Murter. Spend your holidays by exploring the very near Kornati National Park!
http://www.zunipro.com/

Adventure Yachting
Mit unserer Internet-Segelschule machen Sie Ihre Kurse direkt im Netz. Zusätzlich bieten wir Jobs und Stellen, und wir haben viele Törns im Angebot.
http://www.adventure-yachting.de/

Bowmansunion.com
Extreme Sailing™ this site is dedicated to the sport of sailing and the art of doing the bow. Sailboat racing is our passion. Sailing and everything sailors might think of If you live for the wind then look no further
http://www.bowmansunion.com/

Aegeotissa Yachts & charters
Greek yacht cruises to Aegean & Ionian sea. Private charters, cabin sales, bare boats
http://www.aegeotissa.gr/

Open Shipping Market
On line marketing of shipping , yachting , offshore , fishing and sea food , human resourses, tanker ,dry cargo , vessel,yacht,
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St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition - SCYE
Industry only World Class Event. Charter Yacht Exhibition held in the Caribbean during December on the island St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.
http://www.scye.com/

Koutsoukellis Yachting
Koutsoukellis Yachting is the oldest yacht broker house in Greece. We operate since 1955. Meet your Yachting Expert in Greece.
http://www.yachts.gr/

Yachtcharter Pinnwand für Informationen, Nachrichten
Yachtcharter Pinnwand für Informationen und Nachrichten aus der Welt des Wassersports.
http://www.yachtcharterpinnwand.de/

Looking for Phuket villa rentals with beach frontage? House Phuket Kata Beach on Phuket island, Thailand is one of the best luxury villas for rent in Phuket
Looking for Phuket villa rentals with beach frontage? House Phuket Kata Beach on Phuket island, Thailand is one of the best luxury villas for rent in Phuket. Stay at a luxury holiday villa located on the western most tip of the southern headland of Kata Beach
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Sailing and Yacht Charter Holidays Greece
Useful information, tips and advice for anyone planning a sailing holiday in Greece year, including charter advice, weather news, sailing conditions and Greek island bases.
http://www.sailing-yacht-charter-greece.com/

Kärntner Yacht Club Ossiacher See (KYCO) - Segeln Kärnten Segelclub Ossiachersee Regatta-Segeln Österreich
Der Kärntner Yacht Club Ossiacher See (KYCO) ist der Segelclub am Ossiachersee (Österreich). Der Yachtclub informiert über das Regatta-Segeln am Ossiachersee in Kärnten, bietet eine Bootsbörse, Links zum Thema Segeln u.v.m.
http://www.kyco.at/

Turkish Turquoise Coast Guide
Turkish Turquoise Coast Guide: hotels, yacht charters, rent a car,restaurants, real estate, excursions, Turkish food, Turkish news, travel tips for the south west Mediterranean coasts of Turkey: Bodrum,Fethiye,Marmaris,Dalyan,Dalaman,Gokova
http://www.turkuaz-guide.net/

Almiyachts.com introducing charter sailing vacations
All the information you are ever likely to need for your sailing vacation. Bareboats, flotillas, luxury crewed vessels, sailing cruises and a brokerage section. Yacht charter agencies, boats' photos, info and charter price, and an extensive Greek islands' port directory.
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RYA Sailing Courses, Gibraltar, Barcelona; Costa Brava Sailing Holidays, Balearic Cruises
Trafalgar Sailing Barcelona Spain, RYA approved training centre for RYA Sailing Courses, Costa Brava Sailing Holidays - yacht charter, bareboat rental, cruising the Med; Costa Brava & Balearic Islands, Villa rental
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Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association
The CDSOA, Inc. is a national non-profit organization of Cape Dory and Robinhood boat owners incorporated in the State of Maryland. We have members from Washington State to Florida and are always looking for new Cape Dory and Robinhood owners to join us. We offer a strong national alliance of Cape Dory boats and have a system in place to charter local area fleets. Though the emphasis of the organization is on Cape Dory sailboats, we welcome Cape Dory powerboat owners to join as Associate members and to participate in all of our activities. All members receive our bi-monthly newsletter Masthead and a number of marine businesses extend discounts to our members as well. We also have CDSOA logo items available from our Chandlery. The CDSOA regularly organizes meetings and rendezvous events, both on and off the water, in each of our regions.
http://www.capedory.org/

Yacht Charter Mallorca
Yacht Charter Mallorca, Charter Segel un Motoryachten in Mallorca Spanien
http://www.mallorca-bootcharter.de/

Naucat
Nautical catalogue, News, Boat Shop, Yellow Pages of East Adriatic, Charter
http://www.naucat.com/

Crewed Yacht Charters in British Columbia
Crewed yacht charters in British Columbia for whale watching, glaciers, fishing, and bears in British Columbia.
http://www.yachtcharters.org/

Traditional sailing, Yacht Charter, The Netherlands
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Sailing Yacht Charter Greece
Sailing vacations in Greece & Greek islands, bareboat yacht charter, skippered & crewed sailing yachts, flotilla sailing holidays, luxury motor sailors, scheduled cruises, berth charter cruises & sailing courses.
http://www.odysseysailing.gr

All States Marine Surveyors
New Jersey based: Pre-Purchase, Condition & Valuation, Insurance and Damage Surveys. NJ NY PA DE MD. Certified and Accredited ABYC NFPA USSA ACMS SBYD
http://www.allstatesmarinesurveyors.com/

Sunreef Yachts - Luxury Yacht Building and Charter
We focus on sailing multihulls, monohulls and motor boats. We take on a challenge to create high quality, customized yachts. Sunreef Yachts specializes in boats made of either aluminum or composite that are in the range 60 to 150 feet or longer. We also deal with charter yachts and brokerage.
http://www.sunreef-yachts.com/

Easy Yacht
Easy yacht is a young and dynamic company which is capable of resolving your every maritime problem. From buying a new or used boat to a number of services which make your cruising in and around Italy or your voyage around the world comfortable and safe. We are able to give you assistance for the handling of your boat from getting through the nautical bureaucracy, to maintenance, to laying-up including specialized artisan work, mechanical help and such. We can also provide competent crews to make your cruises trouble free; provisioning of food and beverages; plus organisation of courses for the attainment of nautical licenses. We also handle transfer of boats to and from Italy, plus transfer of boats to any foreign ports our team of experts will help you handle assessments, insurance and leasing of any and all maritime necessities.
http://www.easyyachtsbroker.com/

Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association is a association of yacht brokers who pledge to maintain and uphold a certain standard and code of ethic to their clients when dealing with the purchase and sale of nautical vessels. The NYBA is a non-profit organization which participates in communinity outreach programs that help youth and adults learn to love the water and boating. We also participate in a National Campaign titled Grow Boating. The NYBA is also responsible for holding meetings and educational conferences for Brokers to earn their necessary 10 points a year to maintain their Certified Professional Yacht Brokers title.
http://www.nwyachtbrokers.com/

Brilliant Boat Accessories and Equipment!
Aronowitsch & Lyth AB. We have those clever gadgets that you really need!
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Tihama Yacht Charter
Sail the Ionian aboard this beautiful, skippered Swan '47. Eat, have fun, relax and sail on a world class sailing yacht.
http://www.tihamayachtcharter.com/

IYT Recreational + Professional Yacht Crew Courses
IYT Yachtmaster Professional training courses, MCA & USCG approved, STCW95 compliant, for sail and power yachts in Spain and worldwide through other IYT schools. IYT Yachtmaster Professional Coastal. IYT Yachtmaster Professional Offshore. IYT Yachtmaster Professional Ocean. STCW'95 safety courses. VHF radio and GMDSS courses. IYT International Bareboat courses, from beginner to expert. Personalised tailor made courses available. IYT International Crew. IYT International Bareboat Flotilla Skipper. IYT International Bareboat Captain.
http://www.ima-yachtmaster.com/

Boats, yachts and sailboats for sale, new and used - Yacht Council
Search boats for sale, yachts for sale, sailboats for sale, new and used motor or sail and yacht brokers. Find your sport fisherman, sailboat, cruiser yacht, mega yacht, used boat, luxury yacht, motor boat among the best-qualified yacht brokers worldwide. Information on boat manufacturers, marine wearther, boat shows and fishing tournaments.
http://www.yachtcouncil.com/

restaurant Captain Resto
very nice resurant on the calvi port
http://www.captainresto.com/

Lega Navale Italiana Porto Pino
Sailing and yachting in the beautiful sea of the Sardinia (Italy)
http://www.leganavaleportopino.it/

YachtWorld
Search for a boat to buy, charter or for marine businesses and services. Includes forums and resources.
http://www.yachtworld.com/

Segelmagazin Die Yacht
Die Online Ausgabe des größten deutschen Segelmagazins mit täglichen Online News.
http://www.yacht.de/

Yacht Surveyor Online 
Includes over 100 articles on buying, owning and maintaining boats, based on experience in surveying over 4000 boats of all types around Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com

Yacht Club Burgees Around The World
Many yacht club burgees, and a search engine for yacht clubs.
http://www.burgees.com

Seattle Yacht Club
An exclusive yacht club that was formed in 1892. Home of the SYC offers annual event calendar, history, commodore's message, monthly caledars, powerboat committee, photo albums, news and rowing reports.
http://www.seattleyachtclub.org/