yacht boat facts

25 Interesting Facts About Sailing You Probably Don't Know

Sailing is a very popular sport, and it has had a large influence on modern life. I've came across lots of interesting facts about sailing, and list them here.

With such a rich history there are many interesting stories to tell. It has shaped our language and the way we see the world today. Our society and free trade is built on the tradition of sailing.

So in this post I've listed all sorts of interesting sailing facts that I came across while researching the articles on this website. Most of them are beyond the obvious. Surely, the trade winds are named after the trade they facilitate? No, it's actually the other way around.

On this page:

1. sailboats are slow (but efficient), 2. trade is named after the trade winds, not the other way around, 3. sailing gives you access to places that are off-limits to tourists, 4. the ideal wind speed for sailing is between 8-12 knots, 5. historical sailboats are often misrepresented, 6. you can operate a 100' sailboat alone, 7. the youngest person to circumnavigate the world was 16-year old laura dekker, 8. feeling blue is originally a sailing term, 9. one of the best laser radial sailors is from the netherlands, 10. sailing has been a part of the olympics from 1896 onwards, 11. 'sonofagun' actually refers to your birthplace, 12. the average salinity of oceans is 3.5% - but it varies greatly, 13. the world-record sailing speed is 65.45 knots (75 mph), 14. you can sail for nearly 22,229 miles in a straight line, 15. the first person to circumnavigate the world alone was joshua slocum (1898), 16. the new york yacht club has one of the longest winning streaks in sports history, 17. the largest sailing yacht in the world is nearly 470' or 143 m long - or not, 18. sailing around the world westward is more difficult than eastward, 19. 'he's a loose cannon' ..., 20. the most popular sail rig is based off a moorish lateen rig, 21. the only 5-masted tall ship sunk because of its speed, 22. the smallest boat to sail around the world was 21 feet, 23. sailboats can sail faster than the speed of the wind, 24. the sailing flags originate from the dutch war efforts against the british, 25. the mightiest pirate was a female chinese prostitute.

The average sailboat cruises at about 4-6 knots, (4-7 mph or 7-11 km/h) and has a top speed of 9 knots (10 mph or 17 km/h). It's just not that fast. That isn't to say there aren't any quick boats: they can be incredibly fast. Especially the multihulls, which have to displace a lot less water. They can go up to 50 knots (almost 60 mph or 93 km/h).

Most sailboats are slow is because they are small (under 20') - and the hull speed is directly related to the length of the boat. Longer sailboats are faster.

So how is a sailboat able to go around the world in under 75 days? Well, they go on all day and night. Also, traveling on water allows you to go in straight lines more often than on land.

Want to know how far a sailboat can sail in a day ? Check out my other article on the average sailing distance in different conditions (new tab).

Our ancestors found that the Atlantic had very reliable wind roads. These roads were called trade winds, trade being the Middle English word for 'track' or 'path'. The trade winds were so important for the English fleet and economy that the name 'trade' became generally accepted to mean (foreign) commerce'.

If you want to learn how the trade winds work , I recommend to read my post on the Atlantic Crossing .

Did you know that there are a lot of small island that are off-limits to tourists? Some of these islands are real hidden gems, with exotic species, wonderful landscape, and authentic villages. There are no flights or cruises going there - but you can get there by boat.

It can be quite the experience to sign in to the island in a 40-year old ledger, with under 200 names in there.

The easiest wind to maneuver small and mid-sized boats is between 8-12 knots, while still being able to reach good speeds.

Anything between 5-8 knots is ideal for beginners that are trying to learn to sail. Anything under 5 knots gets tediously slow.

If you like to learn more about wind speeds, I really go into detail in my previous post Ideal Wind Speed for Sailing .

When we think of old skool sailboats (of the late Middle Ages for example), we often thing of large galleons and first rates. However, due to a flaw in the design of the hull, the ship builders weren't able to build large ships until the Renaissance.

The extended beams, running across the entire length of the ship, were too weak, so they would rot out. Large experimental ships would find an early sea grave when they split into two and sunk.

So the huge floating multi-level buildings with 100 cannons only started to be made in the Napoleonic era, when they figured out you could use cross beams to reinforce the hull.

People often ask me what the biggest boat is they can operate. You can actually operate a 100' sailboat by yourself - if you rig it the right way.

World-record holder François Gabart operated the 100-foot Trimaran MACIF by himself. However, it's not easy and you have to be experienced and mentally tough. Most sailors seem to stay under 35 foot.

Sailing alone is also called short-handed sailing, and you need a short-hand sailing rig. Typically this means lot's of automated systems, and all the sheets running to your cockpit, allowing you to operate the sails while steering at the same time.

The hardest part of sailing by yourself may actually be the docking. Some marinas even offer a special service to help you with that, lending a helping hand. If you are inclined to sail alone (or don't have any friends), you should definitely consider switching to a marina that provides this service.

Sailing a bigger boat does have its advantages . They are more stable, for example. Find out all about boat size for single sailors in What’s the Largest Boat One Person Can Operate? (new tab)

16-year old Laura Dekker (NED) is the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the world solo, after Jessica Watson (AUS) did it just before her 17th birthday. Dekker was 16 and 123 days.

She almost didn't make it because of interference of the Dutch government, who didn't think it was a good idea for a teenager to sail the world. She proved them wrong in all sorts of ways.

The youngest circumnavigation isn't recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, because they don't want to encourage 14-year olds to sail around the world alone.

If a ship lost its captain during a voyage, the sailors would sail blue flags, indicating their loss. So if you're feeling blue, you're actually referring to the blue flags that used to sign the ship's crew is in mourning.

Marit Bouwmeester is one of the most successful laser radial sailors in the world. She's a 4-time world champion and 1-time Olympic champion (2011, 2014, 2016, 2017), and came in second in 2010, 2012, 2015. She's recently won the World Cup in Enoshima, Japan.

Why does this matter? Well, she's from my neighborhood, and a friend of mine is one of her BFFs, which is pretty cool.

Sailing has been a part of all modern Olympic games, except for the 1904 Summer Games, which were held in Louisiana.

This makes it one of the longest running Olympic disciplines around. So if people ask you: 'is sailing a sport?', simply answer with: 'the International Olympic Committee has believed it to be, for over 120 years'.

It was a gender-mixed discipline for the most part, until 1988, making it one of the only sports where women and man join in open competition.

Great Britain currently holds the most Olympic medals.

In lesser days, women needed to be smuggled onboard. Then, when the passage took longer than expected, they naturally needed to give birth every now and then. On sea, women typically gave birth between the cannons on the gundeck. If the child wasn't claimed by one of passengers or sailors, it was entered in the ship's log as being the 'sonofagun'.

While 3.5% is the average, some seas are just very, very salty. Saline water - aka saltwater - increases metal and aluminum corrosion, so the saltier the sea, the more maintenance you'll need to do.

The Mediterranean is the saltiest sea on Earth, at roughly 3.8% salinity. The Southern Ocean and the Northern Pacific are among the least saline: 3.4% and 3.3%. The Caribbean are quite saline: between 3.6 - 3.7%.

So better sail to the poles, and stay away from the Mediterranean or Caribbean: your boat will last a lot longer. (I know, it's the worst advice.)

If you want to know more about saltwater sailing , for example how to prepare your boat, I encourage you to check out my post on saltwater boats here (new tab).

Paul Larsen (AUS) is the fastest sailor of all time. He holds the world-record sailing speed for 500 meters (also called outright), and the record for fastest nautical mile.

• Outright: 65.45 knots, which equals 121.1 km/h or 75.2 mph
• Nautical mile: 55.32 knots, which equals 102.45 km/h or 63.66 mph
• Fastest 24-hour: Pascal Bidégorry, 908 nm at 37.84 knots, which equals 70 km/h or 43.55 mph

Ok, it's mostly a theory of amateur cartographer David Cooke, who discovered the Cook Passage in 2015. It's a straight line running around the Earth from Port Renfrew, B.C to Quebec, without ever touching land. While critics claim it's impossible to navigate in a perfect straight line, it doesn't really matter. It's a cool theory, and it's the longest you can (theoretically) sail straight without touching land.

Making the world again a little smaller, Joshua Slocum was the first man to sail around the world by himself in 1898.

It took the world 69 years to catch up: the second attempt was by Sir Francis Chichester in 1967.

Slocum, a Nova-Scotian-born American, wrote a book about his journey in 1900, Sailing Alone Around the World, which became an international best-seller.

If you're interested, you can get his book for free on the Gutenberg project here .

The New York Yacht Club won the America's Cup 25 times for 132 years in a row, from 1851 to 1983. In 1987 challenger Royal Perth Yacht Club ended the streak. Since then, the NYYC hasn't won the cup a single time.

World Cup wins:

• United States New York Yacht Club: 25
• New Zealand Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron: 3
• United States San Diego Yacht Club: 3
• Switzerland Société Nautique de Genève: 2
• United States Golden Gate Yacht Club: 2
• Australia Royal Perth Yacht Club: 1

It's called Sailing Yacht A. BUT: it's actually classified as a sail-assisted motor yacht. It has however three huge Bermuda-rigged masts.

Some say Yacht A isn't technically speaking a sailing yacht. I agree. The second largest yacht is actually the longest REAL sailing yacht. Meet the Black Pearl . She truly is a great yacht, designed to cross oceans under just sail power. At 348' (106 m) it's gigantic, and it's one of the most advanced yachts in the world.

It's made in the Netherlands (I'm secretly promoting the Netherlands here), at the Oceanco shipyard.

So which of these, do you reckon, is the largest?

Most word-record contenders choose to sail eastward, thanks to the stronger and more predictable winds and currents eastward on the southern hemisphere. There are just 5 world records using the westward route, and since 2010 no one set a record by taking a right turn.

In comparison, more than 20 records have been set taking the eastward route.

• The fastest eastward circumnavigation: 40 days and 23 hours
• The fastest westaward circumnavigation: 122 days and 14 hours

However, most recreational skippers tend to sail westward on the trade winds, because they prefer the tropical seas.

Most people need around 3.5 years to sail around the world . Learn more on the routes and different paces in my article How Long Does it Take to Sail Around the World? (new tab)

... is originally a sailing term. The cannons on a ship could weigh up to 3,400 pounds (or 1,500 kg). You can imagine that a loose one could do quite the damage. So loose cannons are dangerous - and should be avoided at all cost. Hence the saying.

The Bermuda sloop is a fore-and-aft single-masted sailboat rig that was developed in the 17th century by a Dutch-born Bermudian. It was inspired by the Moorish lateen rig. They got to know this rig in the Spanish-Dutch independence war, where the Spanish used the boats.

It replaced the gaff rig thanks to it's superior maneuverability.

Want to know everything about sail types and rigs? I've written a killer guide on it, explaining precisely what kind of sail you're dealing with, and what it's used for. I think it's a great post, one of the best on this blog actually. Read it here (new tab).

In 1902, the first ever full-rigged five master was built: the Preußen. It was the only 5-masted full-rigged ship ever built, until the Swedish sail cruise liner Royal Clipper was launched in 2000.

(To be clear: there were other five masters, but none of them was a tall ship.)

It sailed between Germany and Chile and was capable of transporting large amounts of goods at high speeds. Its hull length was 433' (132 m). She carried 47 sails (which is a lot).

In 1910, just 8 years after her launch, she sunk in the English Channel due to damage from a collision with a small cross-channel steamer, 'Brighton'. The Brighton underestimated Preußens speed, at 16 knots.

Legend has it the skipper said: "a sailboat can't go that fast" - after which the two collided.

She's an impressive sight:

Alessandro Di Benedetto, who is also called the Crazy Italian, has a special world record on his name. He circumnavigated the world in the smallest sailboat: a 21' (6.5 m). It took him 268 days and 19 hours, which is not very fast.

But it's an impressive accomplishment, especially seen the fact that he's been dismasted around Cape Horn. To deal with his dismating, he made a junk rig that got him all the way back to France, finishing his world-record attempt successfully.

Most boats can't go faster than the speed of the wind. But some racing yachts and most multihulls can. The reason is two-fold.

The reason it's possible is that boats generate their own wind, allowing them to 'surf their own wave' so to speak, increasing their speed.

Secondly, keelboats have a displacement hull: they push the water forward, which means they have to deal with resistance, and this resistance increases when the speed increases.

But this isn't a problem with the rise of multihulls. Multihulls use flat beds instead of a keel, which means the hulls are floating on top of the water surface. This allows them to go much faster, since they don't have to deal with water resistance.

Want to know how to calculate the hull speed of any boat ? If you're like me and like to nerd out about these kinds of things, I definitely recommend to go check out my article on the average speed of sailboats (opens in new tab).

During the Anglo-Dutch wars (1652-1674) the British wanted to replace the Dutch as the dominant naval power. The Dutch admiral De Ruyter and Grand Pensionary DeWitt came up with a flag signaling system to outmaneuver the British. It was a success.

To be fair, this is more of fun trivial knowledge, and not so much a sailing fact. Consider it a bonus fact:

Ching Shih (which literally means 'widow of Zheng') was the mightiest pirate that ever lived. She had over 300 junks under her command. The ships were manned by between 20,000 - 40,000 men, women, and children. She fought major naval powers, such as the British Empire, Portuguese, and the Qing dynasty.

She's without doubt the most successful pirate ever. Unlike many others, she wasn't executed, but actually died as a free woman in her own home. Quite the story.

read your 25 facts. excellent, interesting, short to the point, really unknown and enlightning facts that made me curious and search more info. thanks!

Shawn Buckles

Hi Miki, thanks and great to hear you’ve enjoyed the article. You’re welcome!

Wayne Hughes

Hi Miki, Tonight we have our local small sailing club Annual Prizegiving - I am the MC - Sincere Thanks for your research and article as they will give interesting facts to be sprinkled throughout the evening.

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club - Sydney, Australia - 115 years old this year

Ray Bradley

Very interesting reading,with some humour thrown in. Thankyou

I JUST WANTED TO SAY I WAS DOING MY HOMEWORK AND I was sooo happy to find out I got good grades thank to this website I give it a 👍🏻

Leave a comment

You may also like, 13 reasons why sailing is better than powerboating.

Want to know why sailing trumps powerboating? In this article I'll give you 13 clear-cut reasons why it's the case - and why I'll never go back.

9 Practical Tips & Locations for Sailing the Mediterranean

Own your first boat within a year on any budget.

A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content.

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to:

Crew Content

Essential Guides

Ocean Mapping

• Jul 6, 2022

Whether you are superyacht crew, a member of the superyacht industry or just a superyacht fan, we bet these are some of the facts about the industry you didn’t know about!

1. there are currently 5,396 superyachts over 30m / 98ft in length operating in the world.

According to the SuperYacht Times ‘The State of Yachting 2022’ report, as of the end of 2021, there were 5,396 yachts over 30m / 98ft in operation. In addition, there are also around 92 superyachts out of service, while about 202 superyachts have been completely lost since 1945.

2. 95m / 312ft superyacht Kismet was used on set of a “Six Underground” Michael Bay movie featuring Ryan Renolds, Melanie Laurent and Dave Franco

Kismet has been filmed in the 2019 Michael Bay’s action movie ‘Six Underground’. Shooting in Taranto, Italy, the streaming company invested USD 150 million on the realisation of the action film, that starred Ryan Reynolds, Melanie Laurent, Dave Franco, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Adria Arjona and Corey Hawkins.

A party scene with around eighty guests and several other scenes were shot on board. Some of the explosions were also actually shot on board Kismet. And, according to cinematographer Bojan Bazelli, the filmmakers needed to be extra-mindful during the shootout scenes not to damage the teak floors which they had to protect in case they burned down.

3. The fastest superyacht in the world is M/Y Foners, reaching a thrilling 70.10 knots

The 41.5m / 136ft Foners has raced to the top spot as the world’s fastest superyacht, reaching the speed of astounding 70.10 knots. She’s been difficult to catch up with, having maintained her position for over 20 years since her delivery in 2000.

Her speed is produced by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled with three Rolls Royce 6,700hp gas turbines that drive three KaMeWa water jets.

4. Motor yachts make up 84% of the global fleet and sailing yachts make up 16%.

5. working on board a superyacht is more than just a career.

Yachting is a career that, for its obvious perks, attracts many people. Travelling the world, earning great salary, working with state-of-the-art equipment, meeting incredible people and making lifelong friends are just some of the great things about yachting.

Unlike other careers though, yachting is an all-encompassing life adventure. Yacht crew generally live on board yachts full-time and go wherever the yacht goes. This means that one day you might be in Spain, the other day in France, and it could be a while before you can go back home to see your friends and family. It's a unique lifestyle with lots of perks but not necessarily a great match for everyone. If you are a hardworking and adventurous individual though, it could be just what you're looking for!

6. To be able to keep the 22 tonnes of exterior glass that make Oceanico’s yacht DAR, German glass maker TILSE had to develop a special sealant and glue that had to be approved by Lloyd’s

The most obvious feature of the 90m / 295ft superyacht DAR is the seamless black glass that encloses the superstructure. Oceanco’s task was to enhance the views from inside while keeping the outside from looking in. Even with lights on, it is impossible to make out what is behind the glass from the outside.

To be able to keep the 22 tonnes of exterior glass, German glass maker TILSE had to develop a special sealant and glue that had to be approved by Lloyd’s.

7. Clients from the United States own the largest share of superyachts over 40m / 130ft, owning 23% of the total world fleet

American buyers have had the largest share of superyachts over 40m in length at the end of 2021, with a share of 23%, followed by Russian owners with 9% of the fleet, and United Kingdom and Greece with 6% each. Turkey and Italy close out the list of top owning countries with 5% each.

Clients from the United States have purchased the most new-build yachts over 40 metres in the past 10 years, having acquired 18% of all of these yachts.

8. At 107m / 350ft Black Pearl is one of the largest and most ecological sailing yachts in the world

Black Pearl is a yacht of superlatives. With her three 70m carbon masts she can set 2,900 square metres of sail on the world’s largest Dynarig system. The masts have a folding system that allows the yacht to pass safely through the Panama Canal.

According to her manufacturer, Oceanco, she can cross the Atlantic without burning even a later of fossil fuel. This is thanks to her innovative propulsion system that harvests kinetic energy under sail.

Under sail, the boat’s propellers turn backwards, generating up to 480kW of power for use and storage on board. This allows the boat to operate silently for extended periods.

9. Explorer yachts are gaining popularity with its built segment growth of 33%

According to the Global Order Book published by BOAT International, there is a recorded 33% rise in expedition yacht build. Explorer yachts are built to be able to cruise in the most remote areas of the world, which allows the owners and guests to discover new regions.

Clients are curious. They want to explore, see and experience remote and unique regions of the world such as the Polar Areas, French Polynesia, Fiji, Galapagos, etc.

10. German superyacht yard Lürssen is set out to build the first yacht without a combustion engine

In April 2021, Lürssen announced that it had sold its first yacht with hydrogen fuel cells fuelled by methanol. Delivery of the yacht is scheduled for 2025 and the technology will allow the owner to spend more than 15 nights at anchor or cruise of more than 1,000 nautical miles, both completely emissions-free.

“I think it’s a clear signal that owners who already invest substantial amounts in building yachts are willing to invest that extra bit of money to go and dare say make that quantum leap of furthering propulsion technology and power technology on a yacht and this will be a game-changer especially since it has a lot of practical use," said Lürssen managing partner, Peter Lürssen.

Are you looking for a job onboard a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW through a free registration and let us connect you with the next step in your career.

Each of our recruiters is specialised in recruitment for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview onboard a yacht. They will also advise qualified crew how to best present their CV and prepare for a yacht job interview .

Are you looking for yacht crew for your yacht?

Get in touch with us so our recruiters can connect you with suitable, available and interested candidates, each of which will be checked, certified, pre-interviewed and ensured to be a perfect fit to your existing crew.

You can get in touch with us today by clicking here .

Most read articles

Tips & Tricks

How many crew members are needed on a yacht?

How to Find A Caribbean Yacht Job

Yacht Job Offers

Open yacht crew jobs in March 2023

How to Become A Yacht Purser: Interview with Purser Trainer Angela Wallace

YACHT CREW GUIDES

IS YACHTING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME?

Essential yacht guides

Mandatory certificates

What you need to know about B1/B2 visa

How to prepare for a yacht interview?

Read more latest news

YPI CREW Will be Attending the Superyacht Technology Network Conference in Barcelona

Is a career in the yachting industry a good fit for me?

Webinar Friday, 15th March: How to Start Your Yachting Career as a Superyacht Stew?

10 superyacht facts you probably didn’t know about

TIPS & TRICKS

HOW TO WRITE A MEMORABLE YACHTING CV

YACHT CREW SALARY GUIDE

Error 404 — page not found, we’re sorry, we couldn’t find what you were looking for.

Please return to the YPI CREW homepage

Let’s get started. Call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us.

Our mission, vision and values, mlc 2006 compliance, essential guides, yacht crew positions.

Chief Officer

Second Officer

Third Officer

Chief Engineer

Interior Crew

Head of Service

Head of Housekeeping

Specialist Positions

Spa Manager

Spa Therapist

Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor

Hairdresser

Mandatory Certificates

B1/b2 visa information, how to write a memorable cv, how to prepare for an interview, yachting seasons, yacht crew salary guide, is yachting the right choice for me, cv templates, ocean mapping, crew content.

+33 (0)4 92 90 46 10

[email protected]

Your source for the latest news on yachts, boats and more. Read through our articles to find out how to compare boats and find the right fit for you!

10 interesting fun facts about boats that you did not know

Aug 05, 2020

less than a min

Boats are very interesting vessels. Here are some fun facts about boats that you might not have heard about.

• Good luck and back luck omens are different on a boat than on dry land. For instance, whistling on a boat is expected to bring upon strong winds and is therefore considered bad luck. Bananas on a boat are also seen as bad luck especially on fishing boats. It is thought that fish do not bite on a hook if there are bananas close by. Finding a cat on a boat on the other hand is considered good luck, even if it is a black cat. Cats eat rats and keep the boat clean and safe.
• The youngest person to sail around the world is Laura Dekker. She is a 14-year old that went off to sail around the world in 2012 and finished her trip 518 days later when she was 16.
• A party yacht has tripped over once as all the passengers moved to one side to have a better look at a nudist beach in Texas.
• A 2004 study has confirmed that joining a cruise ship after retirement is cheaper than retiring to a retirement home.
• The difference between a boat and a ship lies in its weight. If a vessel is over 500 tones then it is called a ship. A ship can also carry a boat.
• The first ship to reach America only had 40 people on board, including Christopher Columbus. It was the size of a bus and it did not exceed 70 feet.
• According to evidence found by several archeologists, boats have been used over 900.000 years ago.
• Americans own about 18 million boats today. Some of them are used for recreational purposes while others are commercial boats.
• Boats have a life expectancy. After that, they are not deemed safe or stable anymore. Usually, cargo ships that sail in the oceans can have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Sailboats are meant to be used for 30-40 years even if they are made of softer materials such as plywood or fiberglass.
• Vasa is a Swedish warship that is known for sinking in 1628 and being recovered in 1961. After spending centuries in the water, this boat was still completely intact and in good shape. It is actually the only vessel left from the 17th century. This boat now lies in the Vasa Museum of Stockholm which was built as a tribute to this ship. It is now one of Sweden’s most popular attractions. It receives almost 30 million tourists.

Explore TheBoatAPP to learn more interesting information about boats and their features. Discover how to maintain, manage, and preserve a boat through the complete database of TheBoatAPP. Become a boat master in no time!

You might like these too

Electric and Hybrid Boats – The Future of Sailing lg ...

Aug 23, 2022

Boat navigation light types and functions lg ...

How Long does it Take to Sail Around the World lg ...

Oct 04, 2021

What are some Fun Things to Bring on a Boat lg ...

Oct 01, 2021

The Proper Term for the Forward End of a Boat lg ...

Sep 30, 2021

Regular Boat Maintenance Tasks You Should Always Do lg ...

Sep 17, 2021

Yachts vs. Boats: What are the Differences?

Table of Contents

Many people use the words “boat” and “yacht” interchangeably, and some lean on the latter to make their ride sound more impressive. But what are the key differences between boats and yachts?

First, let’s look at some broad definitions of a boat, a yacht, and other related vessels.

• “Boat” can refer to just about any kind of vessel— towboat , fishing boat , center console , houseboat , and so on.
• “Dinghy” designates a small boat with a human or wind means of propulsion including a rowing dinghy or sailing dinghy. It also refers to a tender to a bigger boat or yacht.
• “Ship” is a large commercial boat, often used for distance travel and transport of goods or passengers – cruise ship, container ship, etc.
• “Yacht” is typically a larger boat with luxury amenities used as a recreational vessel— motor yacht , sailing yacht .
• “Superyacht” is a large yacht and is often also called a mega yacht . The delineation used to be at 80-feet but again, with today’s size creep, anything under 100 feet would just simply be called a yacht.

So, yacht or boat? Let’s dive deeper into the elements that differentiate a boat from a yacht.

Own a Boat or a Yacht? Learn How to Offset the Cost of Ownership by Listing on Boatsetter

Size of the Vessel

Some place a hard line at 35 feet. Below that, you have a boat and above, it’s a yacht. However, that’s an artificial differentiator.

Just 30 years ago, a 30-foot boat was considered large and could have been a yacht but as recreational boats grow longer, the term yacht has been pushed up the scale.

That said, a well-kept 40-foot boat designed for recreation can technically still be called a yacht (although larger vessels are likely to cost more, price isn’t a good indicator of yacht status primarily because it fluctuates with brand, age, and amenities).

Check out local yacht rentals near you to understand how size plays a difference.

What it’s Used For

A yacht is a vessel designed for recreational purposes. It generally operates on open waters (rather than small lakes or rivers) and has accommodations for overnight guests.

A cruise ship, on the other hand, accommodates a large number of passengers in a commercial setting whereas a yacht carries a smaller number (of paying or non-paying) passengers for private recreation.

Onboard Technology

Advanced technology for navigation, communications, and system operation as well as redundant systems for safety can be found on a yacht that is likely to venture farther.

Again, there are caveats because today’s towboats that are fun day boats also feature technology such as GPS and digital switching that integrates many electrical and electronic features.

Propulsion Types

This is a tricky one. “Yacht” comes from the Dutch word “jaght” which referred to a sailing vessel that was used by the navy to capture pirate ships and later for recreation by the affluent.

Today, a yacht can be a large sailing vessel or a motor yacht. All larger yachts will have a motor for propulsion whether they have sails or not. Sailboats by design have smaller motors so trying to put a horsepower minimum on yacht propulsion is simply inaccurate.

Some define a yacht as having multiple crews to operate the vessel and tend to passengers or guests. The larger the yacht, the more crew will be required to navigate, maintain and service the vessel. That said, a couple who owns a 50-footer can call their boat a yacht although it’s owner-operated.

Luxury and Amenities

This is perhaps the best measure of a yacht. If the vessel offers accommodations, a galley , a head , and is luxurious in its presentation, it’s most likely a yacht.

That said, there are lots of center console fishing boats and towboats that are pretty nicely equipped these days and they wouldn’t be called a yacht.

All yachts are boats, but not all boats are yachts—and the lines are blurry. The word yacht elicits images of posh seafaring experiences while a boat evokes ideas of fun and perhaps work. Do some research to learn what size and type of boat or yacht is best for you .

To a degree, the point at which a boat becomes a yacht is in the ear of the beholder but if you focus on size, amenities, and the type of use, you’ll be able to discern the difference. Then all that remains is to find a way to spend time and have fun on any kind of vessel.

Browse All Available Boat & Yacht Rentals Across the Globe

Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

Browse by experience

Explore articles

6 Ways Captains Help Boat Owners Get The Most Out Of Boat Rentals.

Peer-to-peer Boat Rental Trend Spreads To Puerto Rico

5 Gifts a Water Enthusiast Will Love

Guide for Boating in New Jersey

Time for a bigger boat? Check out what the Palm Beach International Boat Show has to offer

Whether you're the son of a son of a sailor or even just love that song and want to know more, the granddaddy of all boating events is happening this weekend along the West Palm Beach waterfront.

That's right, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is back for four glorious days along Flagler Drive.

This will be the 42nd annual event, and organizers promise it will be bigger and better than ever.

There will be $1.2 billion worth of Bond-worthy super yachts, cruisers, sportfishing boats, center consoles and even inflatables to see and tour, along with attractions and activities highlighting the latest in boat engines, motors and accessories. There will also be the latest fishing gear and even fishing seminars.

Yes, it's a big event, but don't be intimidated. In fact, here are seven fun facts about the show:

How many boats can this boat show boast?

There will be more than 800 boats on display along the floating docks in the Intracoastal Waterway.

What is the biggest boat at the boat show?

With a length of 236 feet (and 38 feet wide), Casino Royale takes the title for largest boat this year. This gorgeous yacht, designed for her exterior lines by Francesco Paszkowski with interior by Paszkowski’s interior lead designer Margherita Casprini, is also one of the most technically advanced yachts in her category. Casino Royale is powered by twin Caterpillar 3516B main engines and has an impressive top speed of 17.5 knots. You can put your checkbooks away for this one, however, as she is only on display and not for sale.

This boat is the boat show's most epensive

Built in 2022 and 196-feet long, Come Together is listed for $59,950,000. This expedition yacht was delivered by the Dutch shipyard Amels and features interior styling by British designer Winch Design. It can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins along with 14 crew members.

Are spectators allowed to go on the boats?

To go onboard the yachts and superyachts, visitors must make an appointment with the brokers. For the smaller boats, however, spectators can come onboard if they are interested in buying.

What is the smallest boat?

The smallest boat being displayed on the water is a runabout boat that is 22-feet-6-inches long, and 5-feet-11 wide. It is manufactured by Hermes.

Eating inside the boat show

The show will have dozens of food concessions featuring almost anything you could be craving, from Greek gyros to woodfired picanha, authentic street tacos and hand-crafted burgers. On a seafood diet? Enjoy fresh stone crab claws, calamari, oysters, and much more! Vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten-free? No problem; they have options for you as well.

And libations at the boat show?

Of course there will be drinks. To be precise, there will be four bars for general admission guests, including two floating cocktail barges: the Goslings Island Bar and the Anheuser-Busch Barge. In addition there will be multiple bars in the Windward VIP Club.

What: Palm Beach International Boat Show

Where: Downtown West Palm Beach along Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard south to Lakeview Avenue

When: noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24

Cost: Adult one-day tickets $33, adult two-day tickets $60; child (ages 6 to 15) one-day tickets $17.

Information: pbboatshow.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .

• Privacy Policies

7 Interesting Facts About Yachts You Didn’t Know About

• 19th November 2022 12th December 2022

If you’re in the market for a luxury yacht, you might be interested to learn some interesting facts about these vessels. Did you know that yachts can come in all shapes and sizes? Or that they can be used for more than just recreation? In this blog post, we will share seven interesting facts about yachts that you may not have known before. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Yachts can come in all shapes and sizes

No two yachts are alike! Yachts can range in size from just a few feet long to over 400 feet long. And, they come in all sorts of shapes and designs. Some yachts are sleek and modern, while others are more traditional in style. There is sure to be a yacht out there that is perfect for you. For example, Sunseeker yachts are known for their modern and sleek designs, while Riva yachts are known for their classic and elegant style.

2. Yachts can be used for more than recreation

While many people think of yachts as simply recreational vehicles , they can actually be used for a variety of purposes. For instance, some business owners use yachts as floating office space or as a place to entertain clients. Additionally, many celebrities and other public figures use yachts as a way to escape the paparazzi and enjoy some privacy. And, of course, yachts can also be used for rescue missions and other important tasks.

3. There are companies specializing in transporting Yachts

While you may think that transporting a yacht would be a difficult and expensive task, there are actually companies specializing in yacht transport. According to the team at Cross Chartering Yacht Transport , these companies have the experience and the equipment necessary to safely transport your yacht to its destination. Additionally, many of these companies offer door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics.

4. Yachts can be powered by a variety of methods

Yachts can be powered by gas or diesel engines a 12v100ah LiFePO4 battery or they can be solar-powered. Solar-powered yachts are becoming increasingly popular, as they are more environmentally friendly than traditional gas or diesel engines. Additionally, solar power is often cheaper than other forms of energy, so it can save you money in the long run. For instance, the Eco yacht by Aqua is a solar-powered vessel that can travel up to 7 knots without using any fossil fuels.

5. Yachts require a lot of maintenance

Owning a yacht is a lot of work! These vessels require regular maintenance and upkeep. For instance, you will need to clean the hull and deck, as well as the interior of the yacht. Additionally, you will need to service the engines and other mechanical components on a regular basis. Of course, you can always hire someone to do all of this work for you, but it is important to be aware that it is a lot of work nonetheless. For instance, the team at Ocean Alexander Yacht Maintenance provides full-service yacht care, so you can rest assured that your vessel is in good hands.

6. Yachts can be a great investment

If you’re looking for a solid investment, you may want to consider purchasing a yacht. While the initial cost of a yacht can be quite high, these vessels often appreciate value over time. Additionally, if you rent out your yacht when you’re not using it, you can generate some extra income. Just be sure to do your research before making any decisions, as there are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a yacht. For instance, you’ll need to decide what size and type of yacht you want, as well as where you’re going to keep it.

7. There are many different types of yachts

There are several different types of yachts, including motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans, and more. Each type of yacht has its own unique features and benefits. For instance, motor yachts are typically faster than sailing yachts, but they can be more expensive to operate. Sailing yachts, on the other hand, are typically slower than motor yachts but can be cheaper to operate. Ultimately, the type of yacht you choose should depend on your specific needs and preferences.

We hope you found these seven facts about yachts interesting! As you can see, there is a lot to learn about these vessels. If you’re considering purchasing a yacht, be sure to do your research so that you can find the perfect one for you. And, if you’re not in the market for a yacht, we hope you now have a better understanding of these fascinating vessels.

More Posts You May Like

• Planning a Disney World Holiday To Orlando Florida For The Future
• Where Can I Cruise in 2024?
• Turkey’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions You Can’t-Miss Out

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

8 Lesser-Known Facts About Yachts [Video]

Anyone who is interested in yachts can tell you that there’s a whole lot to know about them. In fact, there are plenty of things that you likely already know and some that you probably don’t. That’s why we’re going to take a look at 8 facts that you may not know about yachts (but might want to).

What Are the Parts of a Yacht Called?

There are actually several different parts of a yacht, which are each referred to by specific names. In fact, you don’t refer to the front or back of any type of boat. There are seaworthy terms for everything.

What is the front part of a yacht called?

The front of a boat or yacht is referred to as the bow. This is pronounced like ‘taking a bow’ rather than ‘bow and arrows.’

What is the back of a yacht called?

The back of a yacht is referred to as the aft. This is pronounced as in ‘shaft.’ To refer to the back of the hull itself you would call it a ‘stern.’

What is the inside of a yacht called?

The inside of the yacht is made up of several different sections. These include the berth or sleeping area, the bridge where all of the controls are located, and the cabin, where there are private living areas. There is also the galley or kitchen and the head or bathroom.

What is a bunny pad on a yacht?

A bunny pad is not an official part of a yacht, but it is what some consider the area on the deck for sunbathing and relaxing.

There are a number of additional parts on a yacht, such as a deck, the hull, which is the part of the yacht framework that sits on the water, and the keel, which is a portion of the yacht from front to back on the hull. It is the foundation of the yacht. Port and starboard are used to refer to the left and right sides of the yacht respectively.

What is the Draft on a Yacht?

The draft of your yacht is the amount of distance between the waterline and the deepest portion of the yacht. It means the minimum amount of water that can be used in order for the yacht to actually float without hitting the bottom.

A yacht that is 40 feet in length will generally have a draft of 3-4 feet, which means it must be in the water at least that deep in order to float. You may also hear that a yacht ‘draws 24 inches’ which means it needs at least 24 inches in order to float.

How Many Bedrooms Are on a Yacht?

The total number of bedrooms on a yacht will depend on the overall size of the yacht. Some are much larger than others and the configuration of the yacht will vary as well. In general, there are enough cabins for up to 12 guests and for similar numbers of crew members.

What this means is that there may not be individual cabins for a total of 12 guests and 12 crew, but there will be enough sleeping quarters for them all to have a bed or place to sleep. The number of individual rooms will depend on the configuration of the yacht in question.

Why Are Yachts Limited to 12 Guests?

A yacht is not necessarily restricted to 12 people, however the rules governing its use change once they hold over 12 people. At that point, the yacht is considered a passenger ship, which means that they are required to follow additional regulations by the SOLAS convention.

If a yacht of any type has over 12 passengers it will be considered as a passenger ship. This does not matter if it is being used as a private yacht or one for rent or even who the individuals are that are on the yacht at the time. There will be many additional rules to follow in order to operate with a larger quantity of passengers and most yacht owners do not want to be bound by them.

Can You Drive a Yacht by Yourself?

You are able to drive a yacht yourself, however, it will depend on where you are and what you are doing with the yacht for whether you will need any type of license. If you are expecting to be paid to drive the yacht you will need a captain’s license.

If you’re looking to operate your yacht without a crew it’s generally acceptable under 75 feet. Once your yacht is longer than this it has a great deal more work and needs to it. At that point, it is advised that you have a full crew available to assist in driving the yacht where you want to go.

How Many Crew Are Needed for a Yacht?

You do not necessarily need a crew for a yacht if you have a smaller one. In fact, yachts that are under 75 feet may not require a crew at all or you may be able to handle everything necessary by yourself or with family and friends who are sailing with you.

If your yacht is larger than 75 feet you will generally need a more experienced crew , though you may be able to manage with family and friends if they are more experienced.

Why Don’t You Wear Shoes on a Yacht?

A yacht generally has specialized floors which means your outdoor shoes can be damaging to the deck of the yacht. Even if your yacht does not have teak floors regular outdoor shoes can leave scuff marks that definitely do not look good on the yacht floor!

Is Yacht an English Word?

The word ‘yacht’ is actually a Dutch word and comes from ‘jacht’ or ‘hunt.’ This is because the original yachts were actually quick and light and were used to pursue pirates by the Dutch Republic navy.

If you’re looking to start sailing a yacht or even sailing on one, there are plenty of things that you should know about it. Hopefully, now you feel a little more comfortable with everything that a yacht is and what it can do.

https://www.hmy.com/the-anatomy-of-a-yacht/

https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/boat-draft

https://www.boatbookings.com/blog/2008/10/24/why-are-only-a-maximum-of-12-people-allowed-on-most-boats/

Related Articles

If you are referring to any type of water vessel you may hear it referred…

Anyone who is looking to get into owning their own boat dealership absolutely needs to…

Picking out a name for your boat is meant to be fun and it’s definitely…

Recent Content

Ski-Doo MXZ 700 Specs and Review [Video]

The MXZ 700 was a very popular high-performance trail snowmobile manufactured in the early 2000s. It was built on the innovative ZX chassis, which housed the extremely reliable 698cc...

‘99-‘02 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Specs and Review [Video]

The ’99-’02 MXZ 600 was a high-performance trail Ski-Doo marketed around the Millennium. It was built on the ZX chassis, which featured different rear suspensions depending on the year...

12 Sensational Facts about Super Yachts

We’ve all seen the photos of these marine beauties – enormous boats owned or chartered by the mega rich floating on turquoise waters all across the globe! It takes something special to take a simple boat to super yacht status, and these opulent floating dreams are one of the ultimate displays of wealth and luxury. Here are some fun facts about super yachts that might just fascinate you.

1. What’s the biggest super yacht in the world?

The world’s ‘most super’ yacht is the Azzam . It’s the biggest of them all when it comes to sheer number of guests, and it’s around 590 feet long. It also cost an impressive $600 million to bring to life, over the course of four years. It was owned by the late, former UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

2. These are more than just boats alone!

Super yachts are often regarded as being so ‘super’ thanks to the sheer variety of extras they come packed with. For example, did you know that some super yachts arrive with helipads, cinemas, gyms and pools? What’s wrong with just taking a cruise, honestly?

3. Running a super yacht is a costly business!

Super yachts on their own cost a pretty penny, but underneath all of that glamour and pizzazz, there’s running fees! It’s though that $3 billion a year is shelled out, overall, just to keep these beauties running. In fact, you can expect to spend approximately 10% of the total value of a super yacht just to keep it running per year.

The Black Pearl

4. But, they won’t stay pricey forever.

It’s a misconception that super yachts gain value over time. In fact, they are very likely to dip in price – luxury tastes change over the years, and as such, super yacht values will depreciate. Better buy in fast, then!

5. Old boats don’t come cheap…

Much of the depreciation you’ll expect from your super yacht arises thanks to rising costs. For example, did you know that the older your boat, the more it’ll cost to keep it on the water and running?

6. America is big on super yachts!

The US owns more super yachts than any other country in the world, and up until 2022, when Russian assets were seized due to curtailment during the Ukraine War, Russia was close behind in second.

7. Building one of these beauties takes time and money.

Building super yachts isn’t cheap, either. In fact, you can estimate the average cost by multiplying each meter of boat by a million dollars!

8. You’ll need lots of help to run a super yacht!

Given the size and complexity of super yachts, it’s reasonable to expect these boats to possess some form of crew on board. In fact, it’s likely you will find at least five people – up to ten in some cases – helping to run various areas of the ship.

9. Could super yachts pose a threat?

There are even some super yachts that come with weapons attached. For example, the Radiant is a super yacht that possesses guns designed to deafen enemies! It’s even got the potential to sink opposing ships if need be!

The Moonrise super-yacht, off the coast of Split, Croatia

10. An orchestra at sea?

Speaking of super yachts that have impressive toys and extra features, the Al Said outstrips many thanks to its incredible concert hall! It’s said that up to 50 members of an orchestra could comfortably play in here.

11. Floating artworks!

Many billionaires use super yachts purely to store expensive artworks – meaning that they are effectively galleries of the sea!

12. Scrapping super yachts makes very little.

Believe it or not, you won’t be able to make money from scrap when it comes to super yachts. They tend to lack steel in their build, meaning they don’t hold that much value when trading on after they’ve been used up.

FAQs about Super Yachts

How many super yachts exist.

There are said to be less than 9,000 super yachts in existence - they are a rare and expensive breed, indeed!

How much does it cost to rent a super yacht?

It’s thought that catamarans measuring more than 80 feet in length, and classed as super yachts, cost at least $40,000 per night to hire!

How much fuel do super yachts consume?

Super yachts consume a huge amount of fuel per hour - up to 130 gallons every 60 minutes if you’re constantly running the engine!

Do you know any interesting facts about super yachts? Share them in the comments below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit

Related 'Art & Design' Facts

12 Crazy Facts about Chrysler

Exploring the Legacy of Vintage Corgi Matchbox Cars

9 Dynamic Facts about Delta Airlines

Share these facts, there are 1000s of interesting and fun facts to learn about our planet..

Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country…

Latest Facts

36 Ultimate Facts about the 1940s

22 Fierce Facts about the 1950s

54 Ultimate Facts about the 1960s

17 Ultimate Facts about the 1970s

39 Ultimate Facts about the 1980s

• Fact of the Day
• In This Year
• On This Day
• Super Yachts

Facts About Boats

If you have ever been on a boat you already know how much fun it is.

Boats have been around for thousands of years and play an important role in our lives.

We depend on these “water-vehicles” for many things.

Read on to discover all about boats.

We will be exploring the history of the boat, the different types of boats and so much more.

So grab your lifejacket and lets dive right in.

Quick Navigation

The History of Boats

Believe it or not, the first known boat dates back around 8,000 years ago.

Although boats have been around a long time, the Ancient Egyptians were the first to be credited for it.

They made them from the papyrus plant. These boats were long and thin and were used for short trips or fishing along the Nile.

As time went on, the Egyptians became more knowledgeable about the construction of boats.

In fact, these early people learned how to make many different types of these water-vehicles.

Wooden Boats:  these boats were made from the acacia tree and also from cedar they imported from Lebanon.

The Egyptians then added a sail to make traveling faster and easier.

Cargo Ships: As time went on, they learned how to construct bigger boats. These were so sturdy they could hold 500 tons of rocks!

Funeral Boats : these small model boats were used in funerals.

The boat would be buried with a person to help carry them to the afterlife. Some Pharaohs actually had full-size boats buried with them in their tombs.

Ponder This:  the early Egyptians didn’t have any nails. How did they keep their boats from falling apart? Find the answer in More Freaky Factoids.

It’s All About the Buoyancy

We know that boats float, but did you ever wonder how it happens?

The science behind this wonder is really quite simple. It’s called, Buoyancy.

Buoyancy is an invisible upward force. This force goes to work when an object is placed in the water (or any liquid).

If the object is very dense (like a stone) then the force cannot hold it up and it sinks.

The object must be less dense than the water.

When people first started making boats, they realized they needed to hollow them out.

This makes them less dense and allows the water to exert enough force to keep it afloat.

Ponder This:  which boat do you think will move faster, a flat-bottom or a v-shaped bottom?

Types of Boats

Since humans learned how to navigate through the water, they began to build many types of boats. Read on to see how many different boats we use today.

• Cargo ships
• Cruise ships
• Motor boats

Ponder This:  a megayacht is a type of luxury boat owned by a person or even a company. These boats can reach tremendous lengths. How long do you think the biggest megayacht is?

What NOT to Do On a Boat

Since people don’t float all that well, there are some things you should never do on a boat. Check out our safety rules for fun boating.

• Lean over the side as far as you can. This includes having someone hold onto your ankles so you can touch the water.
• Use your Nana’s underwear as a sail. She won’t be happy.
• Spit into the wind as you are zooming along.
• Yell, “man overboard” while flailing your arms with a shocked look on your face.
• Don’t yell “shark” either.
• Do cartwheels
• Rock back and forth as hard as you can, no matter how much your sister screams. It’s not a carnival ride.

Ponder This:  what is the one thing you should ALWAYS do in a boat?

More Freaky Factoids

We haven’t floated over all the fun just yet. Here are the answers to your ponder these questions and more freaky facts. Check it out.

Boat Facts for Kids

• The back part of a boat is called, the stern?
• The front of the boat is a bow?
• The tall pole on a sailboat is called, the mast?
• The body of a boat is the hull?
• The right, forward-facing side of a boat is called starboard?
• The left side of a boat is the port?
• The person in charge of the boat is called, Captain?
• You should always wear a lifejacket in a boat? Even if you are a great swimmer,
• Lifejacket are specially designed vests will keep you afloat.
• The Egyptians used short planks in the construction of their early boats? These were hooked together then tied tightly with ropes.
• A V-shaped bottom boat will move faster than a flat-bottomed? This is because a flat surface has more contact with the water. This creates more drag on the boat, which makes it slow and harder to move.
• Megayachts can reach lengths of 150 meters long (492 feet)?

Now that you have learned all these fascinating facts, you can float over to your friends and family to share your new-found knowledge.

You might just become known as “the captain of the best boat facts ever.”

Boating Stats & Numbers: 137 Interesting Facts (Explained)

Everyone has their own opinions about boats and boating, but what do the numbers say?

Here are 137 facts you should know about boating:

Table of Contents

Each year, the US Coast Guard reports boating accident data.

The numbers below are from the year 2018.

Accidents and Collisions:

1. There were 1,028 reported collisions with recreational vessels.  Within these collisions, 40 deaths were reported, and 661 injuries were reported.

2. There were 470 boat collisions with fixed objects.  Within these collisions, 62 deaths were reported, and 296 injuries were reported.

3. A total of 443 vessels were reported to have been swamped.  This resulted in 68 fatalities and 97 injuries.

4. A total of 367 boats were reported to have been grounded.  This caused 16 deaths and 236 injuries.

5. A total of 274 people were reported to have fallen overboard.  This resulted in 159 deaths and 120 injuries.

6. 311 fatalities and 1,277 injuries were reported on motorboats.

7.  42 fatalities and 634 injuries were reported on personal watercraft.

8. 128 fatalities and 120 injuries were reported on canoes and kayaks.

9. 33 deaths and 193 injuries were reported on motorboats with cabins.

10. 35 deaths and 129 injuries were reported on pontoon boats. See more Pontoon boat statistics here .

11.  449 boating deaths involved drowning.

12.  97 boating deaths involved trauma.

13. 16 boating deaths involved a cardiac arrest.

14. 14 boating deaths involved hypothermia.

15. 8 boating deaths involved carbon monoxide poisoning.

16. Operator inattention is said to have caused 654 boating accidents.  Within these accidents, 50 resulted in death, and 437 resulted in injuries.

17. Improper lookout is said to have caused 440 boating accidents.  Within these accidents, 27 resulted in death, and 316 resulted in injuries.

18. Operator inexperience is said to have caused 387 accidents.  Within these accidents, 40 resulted in death, and 213 resulted in injuries.

19. Machinery failure resulted in 321 boating accidents.  Within these accidents, 9 resulted in death, and 86 resulted in injuries.

20. Excessive speed was said to have caused 276 boating accidents.  Within these accidents, 25 resulted in death, and 231 resulted in injuries.

21. Alcohol use is said to have been the cause of 254 boating accidents.  Within these accidents, 101 resulted in death, and 204 resulted in injuries.

22. The force of a wake is said to have caused 209 boating accidents.  Of these accidents, 10 resulted in death, and 153 resulted in injuries.

23. Foul weather caused 205 boating accidents.  Of these accidents, 40 resulted in death, and 96 resulted in injuries.

24. Violations of the rules of navigation caused 184 boating accidents.  Of these accidents, 19 resulted in death, and 144 resulted in injuries.

25. Hazardous waters caused 169 boating accidents.  Of these accidents, 61 resulted in death, and 70 resulted in injuries.

26. The total boating fatality rate is 5.3 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vehicles.

27.  Boating accidents caused $46 million dollars of property damage.

28.  77% of boating fatalities are the result of drowning.

29.  Of the people who died from drowning, 84% of them were not wearing life jackets.

30. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.  It has lead to 19% of the fatalities involved in boating accidents.

31.  Half of all boating accident fatalities involve an open motorboat.

32.  A person with a nationally approved boating safety education certificate is 82% less likely to be involved in a fatal boating accident.

33. 13.5% of boating fatalities occur on a kayak.

34. 7% of boating fatalities occur on a canoe.

35.  Over 25% of fatal boating accidents occur between 2:31 AM and 4:30 AM.

36.  175 machinery and equipment failure accidents were the result of engine failure.  Of those accidents, 8 resulted in death, and 46 resulted in injury.

37.  2,313 accidents occurred while the vessel was cruising.  Of these accidents, 182 resulted in death, and 1,261 resulted in injury.

38. 605 accidents occurred while the vessel was tied to a dock.  Of these accidents, 9 resulted in death, and 37 resulted in injury.

39.  163 accidents occurred while the vessel was attempting to dock or undock.  Of these accidents, 7 resulted in death, and 34 resulted in injury.

40.  211 accidents occurred while the vessel was at anchor.  Of these accidents, 27 resulted in death, and 71 resulted in injury.

41. 1,903 accidents occurred in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, dams, or gravel pits.  Of these accidents, 299 resulted in death, and 1,277 resulted in injury.

42. 966 accidents occurred in rivers, streams, creeks, swamps, or bayous.  Of these accidents, 204 resulted in death, and 592 resulted in injury.

43. 829 accidents occurred in bays, inlets, marinas, sounds, harbors, channels, canals, sloughs, or coves.  Of these accidents, 78 resulted in death, and 428 resulted in injury.

44.  347 accidents occurred in the ocean or the gulf.  Of these accidents, 22 resulted in death, and 42 resulted in injury.

45.  The month of July is the month of the year when the highest number of accidents were reported.  It had almost twice as many accidents and fatalities as the second-highest month, which was June.

46.  The month of January had the fewest boating accidents.  Only 81 accidents were reported in January compared to 1,016 in July.

47.  Most boating accidents occur on Saturday and Sunday.

48.  The fewest number of boat accidents occur on Thursday.

49.  Boats built prior to 2005 were more likely to be involved in an accident when compared to newer boats.

50.  Boats between 15′ and 26′ were more likely to be involved in an accident.

These are sobering statistics, but they’re also useful.

With this information, we can conclude that boaters can dramatically reduce their chances of getting in a fatal boating accident simply by abstaining from alcohol and wearing a life jacket.

More Details on Safe Boating

As you can see by the numbers, boating is a safe activity, and you’re unlikely to become injured or die while doing so.

However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t risks involved in boating.

The people who have lost their loved ones in boating accidents take little solace in the fact that it doesn’t happen very often. Fortunately, the statistics above can help you to reduce your chances of becoming involved in a deadly boating accident.

As we mentioned earlier, wearing your life jacket and abstaining from alcohol will go a long way towards keeping you safe while boating.  However, there are other steps you can take to increase your safety as well.

For starters, think about getting a nationally approved boating safety certificate.  The education you’ll get while studying for the certificate will help you learn what you need to stay safe while operating a boat.

Also, carefully consider who you choose to be a lookout for you while boating.  Many boating fatalities are caused due to the lookout being inexperienced or inattentive.

Consider the timing of your boat trip as well.  Boating on a Thursday is much riskier than boating on a Saturday or Sunday.  It’s also less crowded, so you’ll get to spend less time at the dock and more time on the water.

US Boat Sales and Registration Statistics

1.  There were 11,852,969 recreational vessels registered in the year 2018.

2.  Retail expenditures in the boating industry account for 42 billion dollars a year.

3. In 2019, 280,000 new boats were sold in the United States.

4.  Wake sport boats experienced a 6% increase in sales in 2019 versus 2018.

5.  Freshwater fishing boats are the most popular boats in the United States.

6.  The sale of new freshwater fishing boats was down 7% in 2019 versus 2018.

7.  Florida sells more boats than any other state in the US.

8. 975,000 pre-owned boats were sold in 2019.

9.  62% of boat owners have an income that is lower than $100,000.00 a year.

10.  Recreational boaters spend more money annually than any other recreational outdoor industry.

11.  Hawaii is ranked last in registered boat ownership.  This is both in terms of absolute numbers and per capita numbers.

12.  12.16% of 18-29-year-olds went boating in 2018.

13. 12.51% of 30-49-year-olds went boating in 2018.

14. 9.14% of 50-64-year-olds went boating in 2018.

15.  Florida has more boating accidents than any other state.

16. It costs between $50 to $200 a foot to store a boat inside. (per season)

17. It costs between $20 to $50 a foot to store a boat outside . (per season)

18.  35,519 people are employed by US marinas.

19. There are about 11,500 marinas in the US.

20. The boat marina market is said to be worth about $5 billion dollars.

21.  Florida’s boating industry brings in about $23.3 billion a year.

22.  California’s boating industry brings in about $13 billion a year.

23. New York’s boating industry brings in about 8.4 billion a year.

24. The boating industry in the state of Texas brings in $7.7 billion a year.

25. Michigan’s boating industry brings in about $7.4 billion a year.

26. Washington’s boating industry brings in about $6.9 billion a year.

27. New Jersey’s boating industry brings in about $6.6 billion a year.

28. Tennessee’s boating industry brings in about $6 billion a year.

29. North Carolina’s boating industry brings in about $5.5 billion a year.

30. Missouri’s boating industry brings in about $4.5 billion a year.

31.  95% of the boats sold in the United States are made in the United States.

32. US boat exports go mostly to Canada, Mexico, and South America.

33. Boat shows often account for over half of boat dealer sales.

34. Recessions hurt the boating industry much harder than most other industries.

35.  Economic booms help the boating industry more than they help most other industries.

36. Most boats in the US are towable and have lengths that are shorter than 26 feet.

A Deeper Look at These Numbers

With so many rivers, lakes, and miles of coastline, it should come as no surprise that the US has a large and flourishing boat industry.

It also shouldn’t come as a surprise that Florida is the top boat seller in the United States. Florida has many miles of coastline and easy access to both US and foreign markets.

In contrast, only 1 in 93 people in Hawaii own a registered watercraft compared to 1 in 25 on average in the United States.

After doing some research, I found that it is hard for boat owners to find places to store their boats.  For this reason, owning a boat is cost-prohibitive, and most Hawaiians simply opt not to own one.

US Boat Sales and Taxes

1. Delaware and Rhode Island do not charge a sales tax on boats.

2. New York only charges sales tax on boats for the first $230,000.00.

3. North Carolina caps its sales tax at $1,500.00.

4. If you buy a boat in Delaware or Rhode Island, your state may charge you a use tax when you bring it home.

5. Some states charge a personal property tax on your boat each, and every year you own it.

6.  Some states allow you to deduct the mortgage interest on your boat from your taxes.

7.  Some boats are considered a business expense.

Dissecting the Numbers

Doing research first could save you a lot of money on boat ownership.

This is especially true in the United States, where tax laws can be vastly different within the same country. However, this doesn’t mean it is any easier to buy a boat in another country. 

Many countries have their own VAT taxes, and there are often import and export taxes to deal with.

World Wide Boating Stats

1. Belgium had 28,022 registered boats in 2014.  This number was almost 25% higher than it was in 2007.

2. Brazil has over 560 marinas and 4,660 miles of coastline.

3. Canadian boat sales amounted to about 2.3 billion CAD in 2016.

4. Canadian preowned boat sales were at 63,505 boats in 2016.

5. 50,731 boats were exported to the Caribbean in 2016.

6. The Chinese government is promoting boating as a leisure activity for its people.

7. China is said to have about 19,000 yachts and 149 yacht clubs.

8. Columbia has a registry of 7,336 boats and 26 marine docks and marinas in the Caribbean Sea.

9. The Croatian boat market is said to be about $150 million annually.

10. Croatia has 139 nautical ports.

11. The Czech Republic has 16,800 registered boats

12. People in the Czech Republic spend about $83 million dollars on boating each year.

13. There are said to be over 57,000 leisure boats in Denmark’s harbors.

14. In 2016 Finland was the home of 1.16 million leisure boats.  554,000 of these were motorboats, 419,000 were rowing boats, and 16,200 were sailing vessels.

15. About 1.8 million Germans own German boat licenses.

16.  Italy is the second-largest boat producer in the world – second only to the United States.

17.  Italy is said to have over a half a million boats within its country of only 61 million people.

18.  The Republic of Korea issues 15,059 boat licenses in 2015.

19. The number of newly registered boats in Korea was 4,029.  This was 3 times higher than the number of registered boats in 2011.

20. Mexico has 172,265 registered boats.

21.  The Netherlands currently has 507,800 boats.

22.  At least 25% of Norway’s population has regular access to a boat.

23.  Over half of the population of Norway uses a boat each year.

24.  In the last 40 years, over a million sailing patents were issued in Poland.

25.  Poland has about 27,000 registered boats.

26. More than 60% of recreational vessels exported from the European Union were made in the country of Poland.

27.  Spain has over 8,000 registered boats.

28.  14% of Swedish citizens own at least one boat.

29. There were 16,550 boats sold in Sweden in 2015.

30. There are about 822,000 boats in Sweden.

31.  Taiwan produces more yachts than any other country in Asia.

32.  Around 2.5 million Australians live in a household that owns a boat.

33.  The global market for leisure boats is likely to reach $51.37 billion US dollars by 2025.

34.  The global rental market for boats is projected to be about $26 billion US dollars.

A Deeper Look at These Stats

It seems that whether a country boats or not is often more closely linked to the strength of their economy and the history of their boating culture.

Many states with vast coastlines do not seem to have many boats while other countries with smaller boating opportunities, but bigger pockets seem to have large numbers of boaters.

Of course, some of these statistics could also be skewed based on the accuracy and reporting of their boating data.  For example, some countries may have low compliance when it comes to registering boats.

Interesting Boat Facts and Statistics

3. The most expensive yacht ever built cost $1.5 billion to build.

4. The longest superyacht in the world is 590 feet long.

5. There are currently more than 10,000 mega yachts in the world.

6. The most popular boat name in the United States in 2019 was “Aquaholic.”

7. The most popular boat name in 2018 in the United States was the name “Grace.”

8. Depictions of sailboats go back as far as 5500 BC.

9.  Archeological evidence suggests that ships were used over 120,000 years ago.

10. The USS Enterprise was the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found these boat statistics and facts useful.

Whether you’re looking to join the boating industry or just looking to go boating, these numbers should prove useful to you.

Have fun, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the water.

USCGBoating.org

hawaiibusiness.com

statista.com

HistoryofShips.net

PRNewsWire.com

IBISWorld.com

Click to share...

Robb Report

8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Kokomo,' the Lightning-Fast 192-Foot Sailing Superyacht

Posted: March 15, 2024 | Last updated: March 15, 2024

2.-SY-Kokomo_Sailing_1-064

The 192-foot Kokomo was the second largest sloop in the world when it launched from New Zealand’s Alloy Yachts shipyard in 2010. It remains the largest fast-cruising sloop available for charter. The yacht’s commissioning owner Lang Walker (who died in January 2024) was a seasoned sailor who gave all three of his yachts the same name.

The first was a 131-foot sloop, which Walker replaced five years later with a 171-footer. The same day he took delivery of his 171-foot sloop, he placed an order for the third and final 192-foot Kokomo, which he planned to use for racing and cruising around the world. He also kept the same design team for all three yachts, with exterior and naval architecture by Ed Dubois and interior by UK’s RWD.

The reference to the yacht’s name has had different explanations over the years, ranging from the pseudonym of a composer whose music Walker played as a child to a nod to the Beach Boys’s song from their 1988 album Still Cruisin’, which references a fictional utopian island called Kokomo. The island fantasy was brought to life in 2011 when Walker acquired a private island in Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef and named it Kokomo.

Here are eight unknown facts about one of the most game-changing sailing yachts on the water.

You’re Going to Need a Bigger Boom

When Kokomo was launched, she was the second-largest sloop in the world and carried the largest set of sails made by Doyle Sails in New Zealand. The 23,971-square-foot asymmetric spinnaker is half the size of a professional football field, while the 9,688-square-foot mainsail needs a crane to lift it. Because of the gargantuan size of the sails, the designers entered a new era of spar and winch design, having to “reinvent” the deck equipment—winches, mast, boom, rigging and sails—to cope with the 31.6-ton load on the genoa sheet and 32-ton load on the main sheet clew. The 244-foot carbon mast is the largest ever made by Southern Spars.

A Hidden Lifting Keel

The yacht’s 130-ton lifting keel is one of its most impressive features, though it’s largely left to the imagination. The interior layout is carefully designed so that the keel structure remains hidden. Dubois Naval Architects positioned the keel box to come above the main deck, serving as a partial separation between the bridge and the main salon (see inset). Kokomo was only the second yacht to be fitted with a lifting a keel, the first being 246-foot M5 (ex-Mirabella V), the world’s largest single-masted sailing yacht. This innovative design shortens Kokomo’s 28.5-foot draft when the keel is fully extended, to just 15 feet for shallow waters.

Now You See It, Now You Don’t

Kokomo might be big on technology, but never at the expense of design. The wheelhouse has fold-down computer screens that conceal the navigation equipment when not in use, converting to beautiful carbon counter tops. This design sleight of hand transforms a highly technical area into a tony lounge. It’s a theme that extends to the foredeck, where the yacht’s two tenders are concealed in dedicated lockers. There’s also a fully retractable tender crane that launches the tenders from either side of the boat but disappears out of sight when guests are using the Jacuzzi. “The designated deck lockers were an advanced feature at the time of her launch,” says Wynne, adding that another bonus is that diesel tanks are fully available. “The tenders can be fueled onboard before launching.”

It Takes Just A Few Good Sailors

Kokomo can accommodate up to 10 crew in total, but theoretically it only takes two to sail—a helm person and a sail trimmer. That sounds almost impossible given the size and complexity of yacht. But all sails are controlled by joystick on the flybridge. And when the boat is in full-on racing mode, there are control stations on both sides, providing visibility of the sails. Thanks to the hydraulics system, the mainsail can be hoisted and lowered on a wireless remote control. Of course, maneuvers like stowing the massive genoa can never be automated. That’s a job for a half-dozen good sailors.

Art On Board

The hallway that leads to the owner’s cabin is lined with a mosaic tapestry made from sea glass woven together with wire. Backlit to create an unusual effect, it’s just one of the eclectic works of art that decorates the interior. The main salon also has a stunning and colorful work of glass art as another example.

Interior Matters

Kokomo is not all tech features. The yacht’s modern interiors combine dark wood floors and calming cream furnishings start in the main salon and continue across the five guest cabins. Penned by British studio Redman Whiteley Dixon, the design carefully wraps around the lifting keel without sacrificing or impeding on any interior guest space. The yacht accommodates up to 10 guests in a master suite, VIP, one double cabin and two twins. There are other accommodations for up to 10 crew. On the foredeck, the Jacuzzi brings another element of outdoor entertainment, bolstered by a sunken cockpit.

World Traveler

The mandate issued by Walker was to create a yacht that was a “quantum leap forward” from his previous yachts, with superior sailing characteristics and guest comfort. The mast’s height is too tall to sail through the Panama or Suez Canals, which meant it would have to be designed to sail around Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope to reach the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The maiden voyage took the yacht from the New Zealand shipyard to Australia, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. It also spent time at Walker’s private island (pictured above), also named Kokomo. The vessel has since spent many years exploring the Caribbean and Med. It’s based in both regions during the respective cruising seasons, with charters available through Cecil Wright.

More for You

Donald Trump Sues George Stephanopoulos for Defamation Following Viral ABC News Interview

Key Republican Line Of Attack Is Thoroughly Dismantled In New Ad

Hillary Clinton: ‘Half a billion dollars’ later, only Trump can say he was better off 4 years ago

Arizona lawmaker says she plans to have an abortion after learning her pregnancy isn't viable

Safety board say cruise ship at centre of horror rescue should never have left harbor

The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Tuna Salad

Hear what Putin said about US court cases involving Trump after reelection win in Russia

Stuart Varney: NY AG Letitia James undermined the rule of law to 'get' Trump

Republican Accidentally Concedes Election Before Polls Close

Common Blood Pressure Drug Increases Lifespan, Slows Aging in Animals

Air Force fires two medical commanders at Joint Base Charleston

Steve Jobs adopted a no ‘bozos’ policy and said the best managers are those who never wanted the job—here are his 3 best management tips

Elon Musk aligns with Trump in anti-Biden crusade

Opinion: My city silenced me, but the Supreme Court will listen this week

Russian Vessel Hit by Explosion, Catches Fire in 'NATO Lake'

Meet Europeans who moved to the US and say there’s no going back

What's up with Trump and Chubb? Insurance giant balks at underwriting fraud-case bond days after blowback from E. Jean Carroll bond

First-Time Paddlefish Angler Snags Massive World Record at Lake of the Ozarks

Top former US generals say failures of Biden administration in planning drove chaotic fall of Kabul

Maddow Blog | GOP’s Tuberville: ‘We are losing our kids to a Satanic cult’

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

The 10 Most-Exciting Yacht Debuts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

Besides the debut of smaller vessels, more than 60 yachts over 100 feet will be at palm beach this week. it promises to be a banner event., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

• This 1967 Shelby GT500 Has Been Reimagined to Perfection. Now It’s up for Grabs.
• One of Ferrari’s Earliest Formula 1 Cars Is Now Up for Grabs
• Aston Martin Unveils Its Fastest Vantage Road Car Ever. Here’s What We Know.
• Share This Article

For superyacht shoppers, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, kicking off its four-day run this week, is set to break records with more than 60 yachts over 100 feet long on display. Last year was also a banner year for superyachts at the show. 

Headliners will include the likes of the 295-foot Corsair Nero ,  the 278-foot Victorious by AKYacht, the 230-foot Turquoise-built Talisman C , and 213-foot Benetti Triumph among brokerage yachts, and in new yachts, the 113-foot Ocean Alexander Puro 35 is making its world debut.  

There are so many gleaming white vessels over 100 feet, in fact, that the fleet will be split between the Palm Harbor Marina at the main show site on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront and the Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina two miles north. 

Now in its 42nd year, PBIBS will also showcase hundreds of models of dayboats, cruisers, and fishing boats, as well as marine accessories. Running from this Thursday through Sunday, the show coincides with the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art show, a fortuitous opportunity for yacht owners wanting to add new art to their collections.

Here are 10 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Corsair Yachts ‘Nero’

The undisputed star of this year’s Palm Beach show? That would be the 295-foot, classically styled superyacht Nero , built in 2007 and inspired by American financier J.P. Morgan’s legendary 1930s steamer Corsair IV . Nero ‘s attendance at PBIBS marks its return to the charter market after an extensive refit in 2021. Now better than new, the boat is being managed by Burgess. With weekly charter rates from $497,000, the vessel offers five-star accommodations for 12 guests in six cabins, with pampering from a crew of 20. Part of the refit included a full interior refresh by Italian interior designer Laura Pomponi, plus a major focus on wellness. That meant the construction of a new, state-of-the-art gym and spa, the assistance of a certified onboard trainer, a masseuse and beautician. After PBIBS, Nero will spend the winter in the Caribbean before returning to the Med for the summer season.

Ocean Alexander Puro 35P

Ocean Alexander is debuting the first of its new Puro superyacht series at PBIBS. The 113-foot Puro 35P comes from the drawing board of Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta and is a step back from the polarizing lines of OA’s recent Revolution and Explorer series with their bold, vertical bow designs. Aimed at long-distance cruising, the 35P can carry over 5,000 gallons of fuel and is powered by twin 2,000 hp MAN V12s for a 24-knot top speed. Twin 55kW Kohler generators can also keep the yacht powered at anchor for long periods. Other standout features include extensive glazing in the chiseled fiberglass hull, a forward deck plunge pool, and spacious accommodations for 10 guests. 

Think of it as the “starter” Sirena. Aimed at a younger demographic, the Turkish builder’s brand-new Sirena 48 is making its U.S. debut at PBIBS after a global reveal at last fall’s Cannes boat show. Such is its appeal that 27 hulls have already been sold, with 13 of the orders coming from North America. Looking like a scaled-down version of Sirena’s popular 58, its distinctive, trawler-style lines are from Argentinian designer Germán Frers. With more interior space than a typical 48-footer, the yacht offers three staterooms—plus a crew cabin—a spacious, light-filled salon, a large cockpit, an oversized flybridge, and a vast forward social area. Take your pick from twin 550 hp Cummins QSB, or 670 hp Volvo D11 turbo diesels. Or the builder is also offering hybrid power with twin 285 hp electric motors charged up by variable-speed generators that are good for a 30-mile battery-only range.

Feadship ‘Olympus’

Picture purchasing a classic 180-foot Feadship superyacht, and then getting a $10 million bill for a major refit. That was the case with Olympus , built by the Dutch masters at Feadship in 1996 to a design by Britain’s Andrew Winch and the celebrated naval architect Frits De Voogt. Sold in 2022, the new owner sent it to the Monaco Marine refit center in La Ciotat, France for a major makeover. It included overhauling the 2,600 hp Caterpillar engines and generators, repairs to the structure, substantial upgrades to the guest areas and crew quarters, and new paint throughout. With the work completed just last year, the vessel is said to be in mint condition. Offered jointly by brokers Fraser and Edmiston, Olympus has an asking price of $28.5 million. With accommodations for 16 guests in eight cabins, the boat’s highlights include two primary suites, tropical-spec air conditioning, and Palm Beach-chic decor.

Benetti ‘Triumph’

Italian yachting powerhouse Benetti is showing off its superyacht-building skills with the 213-foot Triumph . Delivered in 2021, this Giorgio M. Cassetta-designed steel-and-aluminum world girder features six decks, a 1,400-square-foot primary suite with outdoor terrace and adjoining lounge, a 750-square-foot beach club, and a touch-and-go helipad. What sets Triumph apart, however, is its lavish interior furnishings put together by the owner along with Benetti Interior Style and Monaco-based Green & Mingarelli Design. It includes pieces by French glassmaker Lalique, marble from Marfil, Statuario and Armani, furs, silk and wool carpets, plus a collection of cool black-and-white wildlife photographs by British fine art photographer David Yarrow. The pièce de résistance? That would be the owner’s Triumph Bonneville motorcycle displayed in the salon.

Fjord 39 XP/XL

Germany’s Fjord Yachts, part of the Hanse Group, has a new 39-foot day boat that it’s unveiling at the Palm Beach show. The 39 XP and XL keep all the bold design cues of the bigger Fjord 41 XP and XL, like a big, open cockpit, walkaround center console, vertical bow, mile-high windshield and stretched hardtop. As for the differences between the XP and XL, it’s all about power. The XL comes with a choice of twin 320hp Volvo D4 diesels, or bigger 440 hp D6 versions, both with Volvo stern drives. Likely more appealing to U.S. buyers will be the XP powered by twin 400 hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards giving a 50-knot top speed. Pricing starts at around $500,000.

Turquoise ‘Talisman C’

Chandeliers don’t come more dramatic than this. Cascading down the central spiral staircase of the Turkish-built, 231-foot superyacht Talisman C , this jaw-dropping piece of art comprises an array of multi-colored glass balls threaded on stainless-steel rods and illuminated by hanging fiber-optic strands. It’s the creation of Prague-based Crystal Caviar and is one of a number of glass installations on this sleek, low-profile superyacht. Built in 2011 by the Proteksan Turquoise shipyard, Talisman C was designed inside and out by London-based studio H2 Yacht Design, with naval architecture by Italy’s Hydro Tec. With cabins for 12 guests, one of its highlights is a huge primary suite, which boasts more crystal chandeliers and a private library. Twin 2,447 hp Caterpillar diesels give a top speed of 18 knots and a transatlantic range of 7,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. It’s listed with Burgess for $59.9 million. 

Sanlorenzo 44 ‘Kamakasa’

Delivered in 2020 and sold to a new buyer just last August, the 146-foot Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy Kamakasa will be for sale at PBIBS. The asking price, through the Italian Yacht Group, is $23.75 million. Lack of use might also be the issue here; the yacht’s twin 2,600 hp MTU V16 diesels have a mere 289 hours on the clock. Built in aluminum to a design by Rome-based Zuccon International Project, Kamakasa was the second hull in the Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy series. One of the top features is a primary suite that spans three levels and almost 1,600 square feet; it also comes with a private Jacuzzi, separate bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and a private study. The yacht’s lightweight construction and MTU power combine to deliver an impressive 20-knot top speed.

Bahama 41 GT2

As ultimate, reel-’em-in, fishing center consoles go, the Bahama 41 from West Palm Beach-based Bahama Boat Works is as hard-core as they come. But when owners kept asking for a little more comfort for the family, the builder responded. The result is the brand-new flagship 41 GT debuting at PBIBS. While the proven, wave-slicing hull stays the same, the cockpit layout is new. In place of the single bench seat, there are now three-across bucket seats with a second row behind. The wider console now has space for a pair of 22-inch Garmin screens, while the new extended hardtop features sun shades and even a rain shower. Outboard choices stay the same with either twin Mercury V12 600s, or four 400 hp Mercury V10s, good for a 65-knot-plus top speed. Pricing is from around $920,000.

Heesen ‘Book Ends’

Launched in 2022, this 164-foot Heesen is part of the Book Ends collection, owned by an American couple who have had more than 18 yachts with the same name. The exterior design of this Heesen was by Omega Architects, while Dutch studio Van Oossanen did the naval architecture. The yacht is part of Heesen’s fast cruising series, which is more efficient than other vessels its size, and can reach 23 knots at full speed with its MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines. The yacht is listed through Ocean Independence for 42 million Euro, or about $45.7 million.

Read More On:

• Ocean Alexander

More Marine

Open Space, Eco-Friendly Tech: What a Rising Class of Millennial Superyacht Owners Are Looking For

‘People Don’t Want to Be Inside’: How the Outdoors Became Yachtmakers’ Most Coveted Design Element

This New 220-Foot Custom Superyacht Is Topped With an Epic Jacuzzi

This Custom 112-Foot Trideck Superyacht Feels Bigger Than It Actually Is

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

‘Lady A’ Superyacht in Photos

More from our brands, weightwatchers ceo sima sistani talks modernizing weight loss management with prescription medication in oprah winfrey’s ‘shame, blame and the weight loss revolution’, draftkings claims ‘double agent’ shared docs at fanatics ceo home, music industry moves: iconoclast acquires assets, some catalog rights from tony bennett estate, artist charles gaines says ica miami suggested removing and altering artworks in his exhibition, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

• Español NEW

Boat facts for kids

A boat is a vehicle used to travel on water . It is smaller than a ship and can be lifted out of the water and carried on a ship. Some boats have sails , some are powered by rowing with oars , and some use motors .

These boats are usually made of wood . However, some parts are made of metals like steel and aluminium . Expensive boats may have parts from fiberglass or composite materials and some even have helicopter pads. There are some boats that can even go underwater. They are called submarines .

Parts and terminology

Building materials, image gallery, images for kids.

Dugouts are the oldest type of boats found by archaeologists, and boats have served as transportation since the earliest times. Circumstantial evidence, such as the early settlement of Australia over 40,000 years ago, findings in Crete dated 130,000 years ago, and findings in Flores dated to 900,000 years ago, suggest that boats have been used since prehistoric times. The earliest boats are thought to have been logboats, and the oldest boats found by archaeological excavation date from around 7,000–10,000 years ago. The oldest recovered boat in the world is the Pesse canoe , a dugout made from the hollowed tree trunk of a Pinus sylvestris and constructed somewhere between 8200 and 7600 BC. This canoe is exhibited in the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands. Other very old dugout boats have also been recovered. Rafts have operated for at least 8,000 years. A 7,000-year-old seagoing reed boat has been found in Kuwait . Boats were used between 4000 and 3000 BC in Sumer , ancient Egypt and in the Indian Ocean .

Boats played an important role in the commerce between the Indus Valley Civilization and Mesopotamia . Evidence of varying models of boats has also been discovered at various Indus Valley archaeological sites. Uru craft originate in Beypore, a village in south Calicut , Kerala , in southwestern India . This type of mammoth wooden ship was constructed using teak, without any iron, and had a transport capacity of 400 tonnes. The ancient Arabs and Greeks used such boats as trading vessels.

The historians Herodotus , Pliny the Elder and Strabo record the use of boats for commerce, travel, and military purposes.

Boats can be categorized into three main types:

• Unpowered or human-powered boats. Unpowered boats include rafts and floats meant for one-way downstream travel. Human-powered boats include canoes , kayaks , gondolas and boats propelled by poles like a punt .
• Sailboats , which are propelled solely by means of sails .
• Motorboats , which are propelled by mechanical means, such as engines.

Several key components make up the main structure of most boats. The hull is the main structural component of the boat and provides buoyancy. The gunnel, which make up the sides of the boat, offers protection from water and makes the boat harder to sink. The roughly horizontal, chambered structures spanning the hull of the boat are referred to as the deck. A ship often has several decks, but a boat is unlikely to have more than one, if any. Above the deck are the superstructures. The underside of a deck is the deck head.

An enclosed space on a boat is referred to as a cabin. Several structures make up a cabin, including a coach-roof, which is a lightweight structure which spans a raised cabin. The "floor" of a cabin is properly known as the sole, but is more likely to be called the floor (a floor is properly, a structural member which ties a frame to the keelson and keel). The vertical surfaces dividing the internal space are bulkheads.

The keel is a lengthwise structural member to which the frames are fixed (sometimes referred to as a "backbone").

The front (or fore end) of a boat is called the bow. Boats of earlier times often featured a figurehead protruding from the bow. The rear (or aft end) of the boat is called the stern. The right side (facing forward) is starboard and the left side is port.

Nearly every boat is given a name by the owner, and this is how the boat is referred to in the boating community, and in some cases, in legal or title paperwork. Boat names vary from whimsical to humorous to serious.

Until the mid-19th century most boats were made of natural materials, primarily wood, although reed , bark and animal skins were also used. Early boats include the bound-reed style of boat seen in Ancient Egypt, the birch bark canoe , the animal hide-covered kayak and coracle and the dugout canoe made from a single log.

Bill Streever describes a boat made by the native Inupiat people in Barrow, Alaska as "a skin boat, an umiaq , built from the stitched hides of bearded seals and used to hunt bowhead whales in the open-water leads during spring...".

By the mid-19th century, many boats had been built with iron or steel frames but still planked in wood. In 1855 ferro-cement boat construction was patented by the French, who coined the name "ferciment". This is a system by which a steel or iron wire framework is built in the shape of a boat's hull and covered (trowelled) over with cement. Reinforced with bulkheads and other internal structure, it is strong but heavy, easily repaired, and, if sealed properly, will not leak or corrode. These materials and methods were copied all over the world and have faded in and out of popularity to the present time.

As the forests of Britain and Europe continued to be over-harvested to supply the keels of larger wooden boats, and the Bessemer process ( patented in 1855) cheapened the cost of steel, steel ships and boats began to be more common. By the 1930s boats built entirely of steel from frames to plating were seen replacing wooden boats in many industrial uses, also for fishing fleets. Private recreational boats of steel are however uncommon. In 1895 WH Mullins produced steel boats of galvanized iron and by 1930 became the world's largest producer of pleasure boats. Mullins also offered boats in aluminum from 1895 through 1899 and once again in the 1920's In the mid-20th century aluminium gained popularity. Though much more expensive than steel, there are now aluminum alloys available that do not corrode in salt water, and an aluminium boat built to similar load carrying standards is lighter in weight than the steel equivalent . Around the mid-1960s, boats made of glass-reinforced plastic , more commonly known as fibreglass , became popular, especially for recreational boats. The United States Coast Guard refers to such boats as 'FRP' (for fibre-reinforced plastic) boats.

Fibreglass boats are strong, and do not rust (iron oxide), corrode, or rot. They are, however susceptible to structural degradation from sunlight and extremes in temperature over their lifespan. Fibreglass provides structural strength, especially when long woven strands are laid, sometimes from bow to stern, and then soaked in epoxy or polyester resin to form the hull. Whether hand laid or built in a mould, Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats usually have an outer coating of gelcoat, which is a thin solid colored layer of polyester resin that adds no structural strength, but does create a smooth surface which can be buffed to a high shine and also acts as a protective layer against sunlight. FRP structures can be made stiffer with sandwich panels, where the FRP encloses a lightweight core such as balsa or foam. Cored FRP is most often found in decking, which helps keep down weight that will be carried above the waterline. The addition of wood makes the cored structure of the boat susceptible to rotting, which puts a greater emphasis on not allowing damaged sandwich structures to go unrepaired. Plastic based foam cores are less vulnerable. The phrase 'advanced composites' in FRP construction may indicate the addition of carbon fibre, Kevlar or other similar materials, but it may also indicate methods designed to introduce less expensive and, by at least one yacht surveyor's eyewitness accounts, less structurally sound materials.

Cold moulding is similar to FRP in as much as it involves the use of epoxy or polyester resins, but the structural component is wood instead of fibreglass. In cold moulding very thin strips of wood are layered over a form or mould. Each layer is coated with resin and another directionally alternating layer is laid on top. In some processes the subsequent layers are stapled or otherwise mechanically fastened to the previous layers, but in other processes the layers are weighted or even vacuum bagged to hold them together while the resin sets. Layers are built up until the required hull thickness is achieved.

Boats or watercraft have also been made of materials such as foam or plastic, but most homebuilts today are built of plywood and either painted or covered with a layer of fibreglass and resin.

The most common means of boat propulsion are as follows:

• Inboard/outboard (stern drive)
• Paddle wheel
• Water jet (personal water craft, jetboat)
• Air fans ( hovercraft , air boat)
• Human power ( rowing , paddling, setting pole etc.)
• Wind power ( sailing )

An early, uncommon means of boat propulsion is represented by the water caterpillar. This boat was moved by a series of paddles on chains along the bottom to propel it over the water and preceded the development of tracked vehicles.

A floating boat displaces its weight in water. The material of the boat hull may be denser than water, but if this is the case then it forms only the outer layer. If the boat floats, the mass of the boat (plus contents) as a whole divided by the volume below the waterline is equal to the density of water (1 kg/l). If weight is added to the boat, the volume below the waterline will increase to keep the weight balance equal, and so the boat sinks a little to compensate.

Plastic molded boat.

Anchored boats in Portovenere, Italy

wooden boat in Morocco

A boat in an Egyptian tomb, painted around 1450 BC

These dugout boats were photographed in the courtyard of the Old Military Hospital in the Historic Center of Quito

A boat on the Ganges River

Babur crossing river Son; folio from an illustrated manuscript of ‘Babur-Namah’, Mughal, Akbar Period, AD 1598

A tugboat is used for towing or pushing another, larger vessel

Aluminum flat-bottomed boats ashore for storage

A ship's derelict lifeboat, built of steel, rusting away in the wetlands of Folly Island , South Carolina , United States

wooden boat In a small Moroccan village

A wooden boat operating near shore

Ming Dynasty Chinese painting of the Wanli Emperor enjoying a boat ride on a river with an entourage of guards and courtiers

A boat shaped like a sauce bottle that was sailed across the Atlantic Ocean by Tom McClean

Boats rental, Germany

A recreational motorboat with an outboard motor

Silver model of a boat, tomb PG 789, Royal Cemetery of Ur, 2600-2500 BCE.

• This page was last modified on 9 February 2024, at 08:50. Suggest an edit .

Are Yachts Safe? (The Real Facts)

Have you ever wondered if yachting is a safe activity? From stories on the news to people’s personal experiences, there is a lot of information out there, but what are the real facts? In this article, we will explore the various safety precautions and considerations when it comes to yachting.

We will look at the importance of safety, the crew training that is necessary, and the importance of understanding weather conditions and potential hazards.

Finally, we will discuss yacht maintenance and how to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable yachting experience.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yachts are generally considered to be safe, as long as they are properly maintained and used with caution.

It is important to remember that yachts are vessels and should be treated like any other vessel when it comes to safety.

All passengers should know how to swim and wear life jackets, and the yacht should be properly equipped with navigation and communication devices.

Additionally, the captain of the yacht should have proper training and experience to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

What is Yachting?

Yachting is the practice of sailing and navigating a yacht, which is a recreational boat designed for luxury, exploration, and relaxation.

Yachting can be a leisure activity, like a family outing or a romantic cruise, or it can be a competitive sport, like yacht racing.

Yachting is a popular pastime among those who have the means to own or rent a yacht, as it allows them to explore new places, relax and enjoy the open water.

Yachting is a multi-faceted activity, as it combines the skills of sailing, navigating, and maneuvering a vessel with the pleasure of being out on the water.

To be successful at yachting, a person must have knowledge of the rules of the sea, the proper use and maintenance of a yacht, and an understanding of the potential risks and dangers involved.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the weather conditions, other boats in the area, and potential hazards such as debris.

As with any water activity, safety is paramount.

It is important to ensure that the yacht is properly equipped with the necessary safety precautions, such as life jackets, flares, and an emergency radio.

Additionally, the crew should be knowledgeable in safety protocols and well-trained in the operation of the vessel.

With the right safety preparation, yachting can provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the open water.

The Importance of Safety

Yachting is a popular leisure activity, offering a unique and enjoyable experience on the open water.

But with any activity that takes place on the water, safety is of the utmost importance.

It is essential that yachts are equipped with the necessary safety precautions, such as life jackets, flares, and an emergency radio, and that the crew is properly trained and knowledgeable in safety protocols.

Before embarking on a yacht, it is vital to ensure that the vessel is equipped with the right safety features.

The importance of safety is also reflected in the regulations set forth by the U.

Coast Guard.

For example, the Coast Guard requires that all pleasure vessels operating in U.

waters must be equipped with certain safety equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.

Additionally, they require that the vessel has a valid Certificate of Documentation, as well as an up-to-date safety inspection.

These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on board and to help prevent potential accidents.

It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions and potential hazards in the area, such as other boats and debris.

While the crew of the yacht should be knowledgeable in navigation, it is still important to be aware of any changes in the weather or any potential hazards that may arise.

This is especially important in areas with strong tides or currents, which can make navigation difficult.

Overall, yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience if the proper safety precautions are taken.

By ensuring that the vessel is equipped with the necessary safety features and that the crew is properly trained, yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

With the right preparation, yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Safety Precautions for Yachts

When it comes to yachting, safety should be a top priority.

There are numerous precautions that should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the open water.

Before embarking on a yacht, it is essential to make sure the vessel is properly equipped with essential safety items.

This should include life jackets, flares, and an emergency radio in case of emergency.

Additionally, the crew should be properly trained and knowledgeable in safety protocols.

It is also important to be mindful of the weather conditions and potential hazards in the area.

This can include being aware of other boats and debris that could pose a risk to the yacht.

The captain of the vessel should also be familiar with the area and be able to navigate safely in any given situation.

In addition to these safety precautions, it is also important to make sure the yacht is well-maintained and all equipment is in proper working order.

This includes checking the fuel tank and making sure it is full, as well as checking for any leaks or damages to the hull of the vessel.

Any necessary repairs or maintenance should be completed before setting sail.

Finally, it is essential to have multiple forms of communication onboard the yacht.

This could include a radio, cell phone, or satellite phone.

This will ensure that the crew can contact help in case of an emergency.

By taking the necessary safety precautions, yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

It is important to remember that safety should always come first and that being prepared for any situation is the key to a successful voyage.

Crew Training for Yachting

When it comes to ensuring the safety of a yacht, having a properly trained and experienced crew is essential.

The crew should be knowledgeable in the safety protocols of yachting and be able to respond to any emergency situation that may arise.

Proper crew training should include instruction on how to operate the yacht, how to navigate the open water, what safety procedures are in place, and how to respond to any potential hazards.

When selecting a crew, it is important to consider their level of experience and the types of courses they have taken.

Experienced crew members will be able to assess potential hazards and make decisions quickly in an emergency situation.

Additionally, they should be familiar with the different types of safety equipment and how to use it.

It is also important to ensure that the crew is up to date on their certifications, such as a captains license or a first aid certification.

These certifications provide an extra layer of safety and assurance.

Furthermore, the crew should be able to communicate clearly with each other and the captain in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Finally, it is important to ensure that the crew is aware of the weather conditions in the area and any potential hazards.

The crew should be able to assess the conditions and make decisions accordingly.

By having a properly trained and experienced crew, yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Understanding Weather Conditions and Potential Hazards

When it comes to yachting, understanding the weather conditions and potential hazards is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Weather can be unpredictable, so its important to be aware of the conditions before setting sail.

Before embarking on a yacht, be sure to check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

This includes researching the area and considering the potential for storms, high winds, or other extreme weather patterns.

Additionally, its important to be aware of potential hazards, such as other boats, debris, and shallow waters.

This information can be easily accessed online or through a local marina or marine supply store.

By understanding the weather conditions and potential hazards, yacht owners and operators can better prepare themselves and their crew for a safe and successful voyage.

Yacht Maintenance

Yacht maintenance is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience while on the open water.

Before embarking on a yacht, it is important to inspect the vessel and ensure that all safety precautions are in place.

This includes making sure the vessel is equipped with the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares, and an emergency radio.

Regular maintenance should also be carried out to ensure that all systems are working correctly, and that the vessel is properly maintained and seaworthy.

Additionally, all crew members should be properly trained and knowledgeable in safety protocols and the operation of the yacht.

Yacht operators should be aware of any weather warnings in the area and take proper precautions, such as avoiding areas with rough seas or strong winds.

Furthermore, operators should pay attention to the surrounding waters and exercise caution when navigating near other vessels or obstacles.

Finally, regular maintenance should be conducted to ensure that the yacht is in good condition and all safety equipment is in working order.

This includes inspecting the vessel for any signs of wear and tear, checking the engine and all other systems, and ensuring that all safety equipment is properly stowed and in good working order.

Regular maintenance is an essential part of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience while on the open water.

Enjoying a Safe Yacht Experience

Yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, as long as the necessary safety precautions are taken.

Before embarking on a yacht, it is important to ensure the vessel is equipped with the necessary safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and an emergency radio.

To guarantee a safe experience on the open water, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the boat and its equipment.

This includes understanding how to operate the boat, its navigation systems, and safety equipment.

The crew should be familiar with the safety protocols and know what to do in an emergency situation.

Additionally, they should be aware of the regulations in the area and be prepared to follow them.

It is also important to pay attention to the weather conditions and potential hazards in the area.

This includes understanding the potential for high winds, choppy waters, and other boats.

Additionally, the crew should be aware of any debris in the area, such as floating logs or garbage, which can be hazardous to the boat and its occupants.

Finally, it is important to plan ahead for the journey.

This includes having a detailed plan for the route, as well as alternative routes in case of bad weather or other hazards.

Additionally, the crew should ensure they have the necessary supplies and equipment for the journey, such as food and water, and a first aid kit.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary safety precautions, yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

With the right preparation and knowledge, the open water can be an exciting and memorable journey.

Final Thoughts

Yachting can be a safe and enjoyable experience when the right safety measures are taken.

Before embarking on a yacht, make sure that the vessel is equipped with life jackets, flares, and an emergency radio, and that the crew is properly trained in safety protocols.

Additionally, be aware of the weather conditions and potential hazards in the area.

With the right safety precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable yacht experience.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Recent Posts

Does Your Boat License Expire? Here's What You Need to Know

Are you a boat owner looking to stay up-to-date on your license requirements? If so, youve come to the right place! In this article, well cover everything you need to know about boat license...

How to Put Skins on Your Boat in Sea of Thieves? (Complete Guide)

There is a unique sense of pride and accomplishment when you show off a boat you customized to your exact specifications. With Sea of Thieves, you can customize your boat to make it look like your...

The superyacht world is speculating that Mark Zuckerberg just bought this 118-meter boat

• The 118-meter superyacht Launchpad made her maiden voyage last week.
• The yacht world is speculating that her owner is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Here's what we know about the luxury vessel.

In the world of superyachts , privacy is the most valuable asset. It can be next to impossible to discern the details of a superyacht transaction — and that's particularly true if the vessel in question is worth nine figures.

Yet some in the boat blogging world are speculating that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the new owner of Launchpad, a megayacht currently moored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after she made her maiden voyage from Gibraltar to St Maarten last week. Launchpad clocks in at 118 meters long, about nine meters shorter than Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru .

The transaction could not be confirmed, with yacht world insiders declining to share what they know and representatives for Zuckerberg not responding to a request for comment from Business Insider. In the past, reports about Zuckerberg owning superyacht Ulysses have proven false.

Related stories

"It is Feadship's standard policy to never divulge any information about our yachts with reference to ownership, costs, or delivery, etc," Feadship, the ship's builder, wrote to BI. "Whether it is an 18-meter Feadship from the 1960s or a 118-meter Feadship from the 21st century, we do not share private information."

But Zuckerberg's name has been connected to Launchpad for a few months now, beginning in December when reports swirled that he visited Feadship's shipyard in the Netherlands.

Then, earlier in March, yachting bloggers like eSysman SuperYachts and Autoevolution started speculating that he officially snagged the boat, originally built for a sanctioned Russian businessman, at a $300 million price tag. (While that's a seemingly huge amount, it's still less than 0.2% of Zuckerberg's $177 billion net worth.)

Another clue that might point to US ownership is that the yacht bears the flag of the Marshall Islands, a US territory and commonplace for American buyers to register their ships, according to public marine tracking.

If Zuckerberg were to have bought Launchpad, he would join a cohort of superyacht-owning tech billionaires . Along with Bezos, the likes of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have purchased impressive boats with even more impressive amenities.

SuperYacht Times , an industry publication and intelligence platform, has some of the best images of the yacht. Photos show a swimming pool on her main deck and a large helipad.

While less is known of the interior, a vessel of her size can likely sleep dozens of guests and crew and may have amenities like an expansive gym where Zuckerberg could practice his jiu-jitsu or a spa with a massage area. We suspect there's also space for plenty of toys — which could include his viral hydrofoil foil .

Do you have any details about Launchpad or any other superyachts? Email reporter Madeline Berg at [email protected].

Watch: Walmart heiress' superyacht vandalized by activists in Ibiza

• Main content

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

83m Feadship Project 712 launched

The 82.9-metre Feadship superyacht Project 712 has officially been launched from the Dutch yard's de Vries facility.

The steel and aluminium yacht was last sighted on transport to Aalsmeer for outfitting, where it travelled over 85 kilometres through the Dutch waterways by tug.

The yacht's naval architecture comes from de Voogt , while the interiors are understood to be by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design .

Little is known about the sub-2,000GT yacht, but initial images indicate a plumb bow, unfolding terraces in the beach club and a forward-loading tender garage. 

This reveal follows a sequence of highly-secretive Feadship sightings, including the 102.6-metre Ulysses and 74.7-metre Alvia . 

The shipyard also recently celebrated the delivery of its longest project to date – the 118-metre Launchpad .

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, more stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Kate Middleton Seen in New Video Enjoying Windsor Farm Shop with William

See Vanessa Hudgens And Sarah Hyland Havin' The Time Of Their Lives At Disneyland!

Kris Jenner's Sister, Karen Houghton, Dead at 65

Guess The Sexy Star Goin' For A Swim In This Thirsty Shot!

Riley Strain's Family Thinks He's Still Alive, Bringing In Cajun Navy

California yacht owner threatens to kill dock worker in vicious showdown, cali yacht owner threatens to kill dock worker drops pants for rude salute, 95 3/13/2024 8:09 am pt.

A California yacht owner's vicious beef with a dock worker has reached death-threat levels -- and their exchange was caught on camera and included a nude, and very rude, gesture!

Check out the clip ... it all unfolds when San Diego entrepreneur Ajay Thakore swings by the swanky Marriott Marquis Marina in his rare $4.5M Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht to pick up one of his employees -- but things boil over when dock worker Joseph Holt tells him he can't be there.

Thakore, the CEO of medical advertising firm Doctor Multimedia, flips out on Holt big time ... and starts spewing threats like, "I will kill you, you know I will kill you, I will kill."

And it doesn't stop there -- as Thakore's pulling out of the harbor, he drops trou to make a full frontal salute in Holt's direction. Stay classy, San Diego!

Holt's only retaliation was flipping the bird, and he later told CBS8 that was all he could do to keep his cool and avoid escalating the situation.

Holt says parts of the altercation were not captured on camera, and he adds ... Thakore not only threatened to kill him, but also claimed to have connections who could totally mess up his life.

Holt also says Thakore pulled out $100 bills and tossed them at him, even chucking some in the water.

BTW, Thakore's done some backpedaling since the ugly exchange -- he now says, "The interaction that occurred yesterday was regrettable. What started as a minor misunderstanding escalated into an argument, and I apologize for my actions and to those who witnessed the unfortunate exchange."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

FWIW ... One of Thakore’s employees claims the whole thing began because other dock workers blocked him from boarding the yacht.

Oh, and if that fancy Lambo yacht looks familiar -- it's the same one Chuck Liddell recently tumbled off just last month. Now it's famous AND infamous!

• Share on Facebook

related articles

Alabama Riverboat Brawl Co-Captain Says Boaters Threatened to Kill Him

Wild Brawl Breaks Out at Annual Florida Lake Party

Old news is old news be first.