| Yachts are of course built in different sizes and | | | | between 25 and 45 ft in length. They are very |
| styles and therefore are labelled under different | | | | popular and come in widely differing designs. This |
| names or classifications. The categories in which | | | | type of craft are often used for family sailings and |
| vessels are placed is determined by the construction | | | | below deck have several cabins, shower and galley. |
| and design of the vessel. There are several societies | | | | Larger yachts, 50ft and more are also classed as |
| determining the status of yachts and they come | | | | cruising. These yachts are customised for the |
| under the umbrella of the International Association of | | | | purchaser and may contain luxury interiors. Cruising |
| Classification Societies. | | | | yachts are capable of making long journeys across |
| The varying categories or types of vessel are useful | | | | the ocean and can have a top speed in excess of six |
| comparative tool for a buyer when purchasing a | | | | knots. |
| yacht. They let him know the standard that he can | | | | The ultimate class for the yacht owner is the luxury |
| expect as well as the extra costs such as insurance | | | | sailing yacht. These yachts can exceed 82ft in length, |
| premiums which, just like cars, are calculated | | | | and the emergence of fibreglass hulls, which are |
| according to the type. | | | | cheaper to produce, has led to owners being able to |
| Sailing and motorised yachts come under several | | | | order and buy even more luxurious craft. |
| different labels. Day sailing yachts are under 20ftin | | | | The larger 130 ft sailing yachts are often packed with |
| length and can be listed as dinghies. As they are | | | | luxury from air conditioning to television and electric |
| rarely used for night time sailings they do not have | | | | lighting. They may also have a global positioning |
| cabins, but a covered section at the front of the | | | | system, radar, autopilot and echo sounding systems |
| craft can be used for storage. | | | | on board. |
| Weekender yachts are under 30ft long and can sail in | | | | For the sportsman, racing yachts are also available. |
| shallow waters, allowing them to be safely beached | | | | They can carry large crews, up to 15 for sea racing |
| at low tide. They are quite capable of undertaking | | | | and up to 30 for inshore events, as well as being able |
| short voyages, anything up to three days. There is | | | | to hit speeds of 35 knots. |
| added comfort for the crew with the provision of | | | | Motor yacht classifications are similar to those of the |
| single cabin, allowing two or three to sleep there. | | | | sailing variety, from the day cruiser with only basic |
| For those seeking more from their vessel, the next | | | | facilities, to the luxury yacht packed with top class |
| classification is the cruising yacht. The cruising yacht is | | | | amenities. |