What is a Yacht?

There are generally two types of yachts, those run by motor power (motor yachts) and those run by sails (sailing yachts). And size does matter, although there is a large range in yacht sizes, from 27 feet to well over 100 feet. The average motor yacht today is approximately 44 feet.
The word "yacht" has become synonymous with the upscale boat owner, a VIP of sorts, a kin to the owner of a limousine.

The word "yacht" is derived from a Dutch word "jacht" meaning "hunt" or "hunter". It has a colorful past, originally designed as a fast craft to pursue pirates. King Charles II of England brought the yacht into prominence and VIP status in the 1660s. An avid sailor the Dutch East India Company presented him with a 66 foot yacht, and upon his return to England, the king commissioned a number of yachts, and from then on yachts have always been associated with the wealthy.

Yachts grew in popularity as the Dutch used them to navigate their waterways for commerce and pleasure. As the Dutch, through trade, acquired extreme wealth the clamor for pleasure yachting increased. As they grew in popularity the yachts became much more comfortable, providing small cabins for its owners.
Racing became a popular pastime, where cities would duel each other in intense competition.
Many of the Dutch explorers, as well as other brave journeymen, including Henry Hudson and Willem Janszoon, the first European to see Australia, used yachts, because they were fast and seaworthy.

Today's yachts come in all shapes, sizes and prices. But they are not only for the aristocracy anymore. Membership programs have sprung up around the world making yacht ownership more affordable. Naples Yacht Partners, a Naples based fractional yacht ownership club has memberships at $90,000. The concept of fractional ownership is a member uses the yacht as often as they would with sole ownership but at a fraction of the cost, and none of the headaches and hassles of sole ownership. Everything is included, captain and crew, routine maintenance, docking, cleaning and insurances.

For more information about fractional yacht ownership visit www.naplesyachtpartners.com or call 239 438 6404.