| Think of a super yacht and it is likely that you will | | | | some topping over £300,000 per week of |
| picture a huge sailing vessel that is luxuriously fitted | | | | charter. Up to a third of this cost can be for fuel, |
| as well as being hugely expensive. And it is fair to | | | | food and costs for berthing. A bonus for the crew |
| say that you would not be far wrong with that | | | | can also add to this figure. |
| assumption. | | | | On a typical super yacht there are often three |
| Super yachts generally are are over 150 foot long. | | | | decks, a lower deck, main deck and an upper deck. |
| And as far as cost is concerned, a 2005 Sunseeker | | | | Many of the larger vessels even have four of five |
| Predator was recently on sale for a staggering | | | | decks. There may also be a sun deck. It will also |
| £1.75m. Such is the opulence of the super | | | | have cabin provision for guests, as well as quarters |
| yacht, it is sometimes called a luxury yacht. Which | | | | for the crew and a separate cabin for the captain. |
| has to be a huge understatement! | | | | The cabins will also have en-suite bathrooms or |
| The popularity of the super yacht grew in the early | | | | showers. |
| 1900s when luxurious motor yachts such as the 325 | | | | Because of the size of this type of craft it will have |
| foot Christina O and the Savarona, then the largest | | | | room for an open air swimming pool, salon, sauna, |
| yacht in the world at 408 feet, were constructed. | | | | steam room, cinema, disco, dining room, medical |
| The economic downturn of the 1920s and 30s led to | | | | centre galley, gym and jacuzzi. Added to the luxury |
| a drop in demand for these huge vessels, but | | | | will be a secondary dining room, private sitting rooms |
| subsequently the market for such luxurious craft has | | | | and library. |
| revived. | | | | An up scaled addition to this class of vessel are |
| Such is the size of a super yacht, it is not the type | | | | "mega" or "giga" yachts with some breathtaking |
| of vessel that can be sailed only by the owner and | | | | additions. These can incorporate helicopter hangars, |
| his friends and family. They have to be staffed by | | | | indoor swimming pools and even miniature |
| professional crews, even when for purely personal | | | | submarines. In short, the term "super yacht" is no |
| use. Also many crafts of this type are used for | | | | misnomer, in terms of these crafts size, facilities and |
| charter purposes. They can command huge fees, | | | | luxury. |