| In modern times, yachting is considered both a | | | | South Pacific. Safe cruising across long distances |
| relaxing and interesting hobby, one could use it in | | | | entails a large degree of self-sufficiency and a wide |
| weekend sailing getaways or for competitive racing. | | | | range of skills beyond handling the boat. The skill of |
| A yacht applies to two rather different classes of | | | | long-haul sailing involves the knowledge of navigation, |
| sea vessels, whether it is sailing yachts and power | | | | meteorology, mechanical and electrical systems, radio, |
| yachts. Usually, yachts were distinguished from | | | | first aid, sea survival, nutrition, and these are essential |
| working ships mainly by purpose, since yachts were | | | | and can be life saving when cruising to distant shores. |
| swift and are the comfortable means of sea | | | | In recent times, small- to medium-sized private |
| transport of the wealthy and powerful. | | | | yachts have advanced from being fairly simple |
| However, it was not until the dominance of | | | | vessels with rudimentary accommodation into |
| steamboats and other types of motor boats that | | | | sophisticated and luxurious boats that have the |
| sailing vessels came to be viewed as luxury items. | | | | modern comforts of home. This is chiefly due to |
| Modern use of the yachting term applies to nearly all | | | | reduced hull-building costs brought about by the |
| sailing boats other than sailing dinghies, and is utilized | | | | introduction of fiberglass hulls, increased automation |
| for either yacht racing or pleasure cruising. | | | | and production-line techniques for yacht building, |
| Owning a yacht can be a very exciting and | | | | especially in Europe and in the United States. |
| pleasurable one. The excitement of being in a vessel, | | | | In recent years, the extent of electric equipment |
| whether it be a sailing dinghy or a cruising yacht and | | | | used on yachts has been further enhanced. As early |
| going into a sea excursion or just island-hopping with | | | | as 20 years ago, it was not common for a 25-foot |
| friends and family can be a truly priceless experience. | | | | (7 m) yacht to have electric lighting, and now all but |
| These days, yacht racing and dinghy racing are | | | | the smallest, most basic yachts have electric lighting, |
| familiar participant sports around the world, principally | | | | radio, and navigation aids such as GPS, or Global |
| where favorable wind conditions and access to | | | | Positioning Systems. |
| logically sized bodies of water are available and within | | | | Yachts with lengths of around 33 feet or 10 meters |
| reach. | | | | have added luxuries such as hot water, pressurized |
| Competitive yacht racing would also be a perfect | | | | water systems, refrigerators, etc. Navigational aids |
| way to enhance ones' sailing skills, as well as soaking | | | | such as radar, echo-sounding and autopilot are |
| in the fun and competition. Most yachting today is | | | | frequently added. The addition of modern sailing |
| conducted in salt water, but smaller craft can be, and | | | | equipment and technology has not only made |
| are also raced on lakes and even large rivers. | | | | yachting a pleasurable or competitive hobby, but has |
| Cruising in a yacht also evokes a sense of adventure | | | | also enhanced the safety of both sailors and their |
| and thrill, and it could be a trip to the other side of | | | | crews. |
| the bay or across the oceans to the islands of the | | | | |