yacht original meaning

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The Yacht – The Meaning and the Origin of the Word

In my language there are a few words for a floating object, or a vessel. According to the size and the purpose of the vessel, those words could be translated as “dinghy”, “yacht”, “boat” or “ship”. Some types of vessels have international names, for example “catamaran” or “hovercraft”.

What Does Yacht Mean?

However, when you say “ yacht” in my language, everyone know exactly what it is about. The word “yacht”, unlike other terms, has certain connotations. It always links with something classy, fancy, wealthy, elegant, and even glamorous.

For example, if you say that you have spent a week aboard a sailing boat , the recations of people will be more or less neutral. On the other hand, if you say that your week aboard a yacht was excellent, many people will become jealous. They will imagine you in a scene from a James Bond movie : aboard a massive white yacht in Monte Carlo , having a cold martini (shaken, not stirred)…

I wanted to share with you this language introduction because I found an interesting story about the word “yacht” and its origin. The word “yacht” became an English and an international term after an event that happened a long time ago.

How Do You Spell ‘Yacht’?

This word comes from the Dutch word “jacht”, which means “hunt”. Furthermore, “ j achtschepen” was the name for narrow, light and very fast sailing boats that the Dutchmen were using for intercepting larger and slower boats and ships.

One of the ‘hunters’ was given as a present to the British king Charles II . In His Majesty’s free time this vessel was not used for intercepting. Instead, was using it for fun. That is why the word “yacht” eventually became the term for vessels/boats made for pleasure.

I would highly appreciate comments from the native speakers of the  English and Dutch languages. Especially since I am not one of them. No matter whether this story is true or not, it still sounds interesting to me.

Find out more about sailing quotes and phrases here .

I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!

8 thoughts on “The Yacht – The Meaning and the Origin of the Word”

I looked up the origin of the word yacht, and it said it is a mid 16th century, Early Modern Dutch word from ‘jaght,’ from ‘jaghtschip’ meaning “fast pirate ship,” from ‘jaght’ which means “hunting” + ‘schip’ meaning “ship”.

I like the story of King Charles. It makes sense that that is why a yacht has the definite aura of wealth and pleasure!

Almost but not 100%. Actually the verb ‘jagen’ to hunt goes back to middle high German,i.e. Deutsch not Dutch, and before that it was ‘jagon’ in lower high German. But it seems that it all started with Greek and travelled North.

I guess that mid 16th century, the Dutch word jaght or jaghtschip was the word that got picked up. Not the earlier middle high German word where it came from.

Today it is jacht in Dutch, meaning hunting and it also the word for a luxury sailing boat.

In German Jagd is the word for hunt. Germans use the Dutch or English Jacht or Yacht for the boat.

Did the Germans design the original schooners? I think not! Since some Netherlanders speak a form of the Deutschland language, this word is shared (jacht/Dutch—jagd/German: meaning to hunt). It was the Dutch (Netherlanders) who designed the “flyut” or flute sailing ships, l-o-n-g before any British ever thought of such a ship—and—any German. The schooner grew out of the basic designs of the Dutch flute sailing ship (known for it’s speed). The Dutch economy relied heavily on trade and shipping, and were, thus, cutting edge innovators in ship building. Their engineering skills, was and is, plainly seen in their dike system, as well.

My father built a beautiful wooden replica of the”yacht” referred by the author (“Yacht Mary”) which was a present from the city of Amsterdam to King Charles II of England in 1660. They wrecked the ship a few years later (already too much partying on yachts, perhaps?)

I noticed the plaque that came with the model ship spelled the name as “Yatch” Mary. First, I thought, maybe, it was old English or Dutch spelling but it looks like it was just an error.

Nice, We have made an eplainermovie about this subject!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3HDZHF8w2E

In my head yogurt used to be spelled yoghurt and yacht used to be spelled yaught. Am I completely mis-remembering?

Dear Margaret, you are quite right for the spelling of the word yogurt that used to be, and sometimes still is, spelled with its old spelling yoghurt. However, there are no traces of the word yacht to have ever been spelled as yaught, but it would be best to take an etymology expert’s word for it.

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1550s, yeaghe "a light, fast-sailing ship," from Norwegian jaght or early Dutch jaght , both from Middle Low German jacht , shortened form of jachtschip "fast pirate ship," literally "ship for chasing," from jacht "chase," from jagen "to chase, hunt," from Old High German jagon , from Proto-Germanic *yago- , from PIE root *yek- (2) "to hunt" (source also of Hittite ekt- "hunting net"). Related: Yachting ; yachtsman .

Entries linking to yacht

Old English huntian "chase game" (transitive and intransitive), perhaps developed from hunta "hunter," and related to hentan "to seize," from Proto-Germanic *huntojan (source also of Gothic hinþan "to seize, capture," Old High German hunda "booty"), which is of uncertain origin.

Not the usual Germanic word for this, which is represented by Dutch jagen , German jagen (see yacht (n.)). General sense of "search diligently" (for anything) is recorded from c. 1200. Related: Hunted ; hunting . To hunt (something) up "search for until found" is from 1791. Parlor game hunt the slipper is attested from 1766.

also jaeger , "German sharpshooter," 1776, from German Jäger , literally "huntsman," from jagen "to hunt," from Old High German jagon , related to Old Frisian jagia , Dutch jagen "to hunt," Old Norse jaga "to drive, to move to and fro" (see yacht (n.)). Applied to riflemen and sharpshooters in the German and Austrian armies. Englished as yager , yaeger from 1804.

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Dictionary entries near yacht

yadda-yadda

• English (English)
• 简体中文 (Chinese)
• Deutsch (German)
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• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Derived terms
• 1.3.2 Translations
• 1.4.1 Translations
• 1.5 Anagrams
• 2.1 Etymology
• 2.2 Pronunciation
• 2.4 Further reading
• 3.1 Etymology
• 3.2 Pronunciation
• 3.4 References
• 3.5 Further reading
• 4.1 Etymology
• 5.1 Etymology
• 5.3 References
• 6.1 Etymology
• 6.3 References
• 7.1 Alternative forms
• 7.2 Etymology
• 7.3.1 Declension
• 7.3.2 Derived terms
• 7.4 Further reading

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ]

Circa 1557; variant of yaught , earlier yeaghe ( “ light, fast-sailing ship ” ) , from Dutch jacht ( “ yacht; hunt ” ) , in older spelling jaght(e) , short for jaghtschip ( “ light sailing vessel, fast pirate ship ” , literally “ pursuit ship ” ) , compound of jacht and schip ( “ ship ” ) .

In the 16th century the Dutch built light, fast ships to chase the ships of pirates and smugglers from the coast. The ship was introduced to England in 1660 when the Dutch East India Company presented one to King Charles II, who used it as a pleasure boat, after which it was copied by British shipbuilders as a pleasure craft for wealthy gentlemen.

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• ( UK ) enPR : yŏt , IPA ( key ) : /jɒt/
• ( US ) enPR : yät , IPA ( key ) : /jɑːt/ , /jɑt/
• Rhymes: -ɒt

Noun [ edit ]

yacht ( plural yachts )

• 1897 December (indicated as 1898 ), Winston Churchill , chapter X, in The Celebrity: An Episode , New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company ; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd. , →OCLC : The skipper Mr. Cooke had hired at Far Harbor was a God-fearing man with a luke warm interest in his new billet and employer, and had only been prevailed upon to take charge of the yacht after the offer of an emolument equal to half a year's sea pay of an ensign in the navy.
• 1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers , chapter VI, in The Younger Set , New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company , →OCLC : “I don’t mean all of your friends—only a small proportion—which, however, connects your circle with that deadly, idle, brainless bunch—the insolent chatterers at the opera,   [ … ] , the chlorotic squatters on huge yachts ,   [ … ] , the neurotic victims of mental cirrhosis, the jewelled animals whose moral code is the code of the barnyard—!"

Derived terms [ edit ]

• motor yacht , motoryacht , MY
• sailing yacht , steam yacht , SY
• yacht person

Translations [ edit ]

Verb [ edit ].

yacht ( third-person singular simple present yachts , present participle yachting , simple past and past participle yachted )

• ( intransitive ) To sail , voyage , or race in a yacht .

Anagrams [ edit ]

• Cathy , tachy , tachy- , yatch

French [ edit ]

Borrowed from English yacht , from Dutch jacht .

• IPA ( key ) : /jɔt/ , /jot/ , ( Canada ) /jat/

yacht   m ( plural yachts )

Further reading [ edit ]

• “ yacht ”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [ Digitized Treasury of the French Language ] , 2012.

Italian [ edit ]

Unadapted borrowing from English yacht .

• IPA ( key ) : /ˈjɔt/ [1]
• Rhymes: -ɔt

yacht   m ( invariable )

• the letter Y in the Italian spelling alphabet

References [ edit ]

• ^ yacht in Luciano Canepari , Dizionario di Pronuncia Italiana (DiPI)
• yacht in Treccani.it – Vocabolario Treccani on line , Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana

Norman [ edit ]

Borrowed from English yacht .

yacht   ? ( plural yachts )

• ( Jersey ) yacht

Norwegian Bokmål [ edit ]

From Dutch jacht , via English yacht .

yacht   m ( definite singular yachten , indefinite plural yachter , definite plural yachtene )

• “yacht” in The Bokmål Dictionary .

Norwegian Nynorsk [ edit ]

yacht   m ( definite singular yachten , indefinite plural yachtar , definite plural yachtane )

• “yacht” in The Nynorsk Dictionary .

Swedish [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ].

yacht   c

Declension [ edit ]

• yacht in Svenska Akademiens ordlista ( SAOL )
• yacht in Svensk ordbok ( SO )
• yacht in Svenska Akademiens ordbok ( SAOB )

• English terms derived from Dutch
• English 1-syllable words
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• Italian 1-syllable words
• Italian terms with IPA pronunciation
• Rhymes:Italian/ɔt
• Rhymes:Italian/ɔt/1 syllable
• Italian lemmas
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• nn:Watercraft
• Swedish terms borrowed from English
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• Swedish lemmas
• Swedish nouns
• Swedish common-gender nouns
• sv:Watercraft
• English entries with topic categories using raw markup
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What does the noun yacht mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun yacht . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun yacht ?

How is the noun yacht pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun yacht come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun yacht is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for yacht is from before 1584, in the writing of S. Borough.

yacht is a borrowing from Dutch.

Etymons: Dutch jaght(e .

Nearby entries

• yabber, v. 1841–
• yabbering, n. 1839–
• yabble, n. 1827–
• yabble, v. 1808–
• yabbler, n. 1901–
• yabby, n. 1887–
• yabby, v. 1941–
• yabbying, n. 1934–
• yabu, n. 1753–
• yacca, n. 1843–
• yacht, n. a1584–
• yacht, v. 1836–
• yacht basin, n. 1929–
• yacht broker, n. 1882–
• yachtdom, n. 1901–
• yachter, n. 1828–
• yachtery, n. 1861–
• yachtian, n. 1842–
• yachtie, n. 1874–
• yachting, n. 1836–
• yachting, adj. 1847–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for yacht, n..

yacht, n. was first published in 1921; not yet revised.

yacht, n. was last modified in July 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into yacht, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1921)

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• View yacht, n. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for yacht, n., browse entry.

• Understanding the yachting world: Definitions and origins

The world of yachting and sailing is a realm of elegance, adventure, and rich history. However, the terminology surrounding these nautical activities can sometimes be confusing. From the definition of a yacht to the spelling of various sailing-related terms, this article sets out to demystify the language of the seas, offering insight into the origins and meanings of these captivating words.

Decoding the yacht: Definition and origin

A yacht is more than a vessel; it's a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Derived from the Dutch word "jacht," meaning "hunt" or "chase," yachts were initially swift, maneuverable ships used for pursuit. Over time, yachts have evolved into opulent pleasure craft enjoyed by sailing enthusiasts and the elite.

Exploring the nautical term "sailing"

Sailing goes beyond moving through water using wind power; it encapsulates a spirit of exploration and freedom. It's the art of harnessing wind energy to navigate the vast oceans, representing a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Unveiling the word "yacht" and its meaning

The term "yacht" conjures images of sleek vessels gliding gracefully across the water. Its meaning, however, extends beyond aesthetics. A yacht signifies an elegant and luxurious ship, often associated with pleasure and leisure rather than utilitarian purposes.

Yachting in focus: Definition and significance

Yachting is the activity of sailing on a yacht, encompassing both recreational and competitive aspects. It's a way to experience the allure of the open waters while indulging in the comforts and amenities offered by these sophisticated vessels.

The intricacies of yacht pronunciation

The pronunciation of "yacht" varies across regions, with some emphasizing the "ch" sound, while others opt for a softer "y" sound. This linguistic diversity adds an interesting layer to the yachting world, reflecting the global appeal of sailing.

Luxury yacht

Name or yacht? Understanding the terminology

In the yachting community, the term "name yacht" refers to a yacht that is well-known and often carries a reputation. These yachts are associated with luxury, innovation, and the personalities of their owners.

Diving into the origins of yachts

The origin of yachts traces back to the 17th century Netherlands, where they were initially used for naval purposes and later transformed into vessels for recreational sailing. Their evolution mirrors the changing perceptions of sailing from utility to leisure.

Yacht vs. yatch: Spelling matters

The correct spelling is "yacht," and "yatch" is a common misspelling. Spelling accuracy is vital, especially in maritime communication, where precision ensures clear understanding and effective conveyance of information.

Sailing terminology: What is a dinghy?

A dinghy is a small, open boat often used for short trips, transportation between a larger vessel and the shore, or for recreational sailing. Dinghies come in various sizes and are an essential part of sailing activities.

Deciphering "catamaran" and its spelling

A catamaran is a type of boat characterized by two parallel hulls connected by a deck. The spelling is "catamaran," and understanding this term is crucial for discussing and identifying different types of vessels.

Sailing's essence: The word and its meaning

Sailing embodies more than the physical act; it's a metaphor for life's journey. Just as sailors navigate challenges on the water, individuals navigate the currents of their lives, guided by the winds of opportunity and the compass of determination.

The language of yachting and sailing is rich with history and significance. From the definition of a yacht to the meaning of sailing-related terms, understanding these words enhances our appreciation of the maritime world and the timeless allure of the seas.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite sailing destinations .

FAQs about definitions and origins

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Definition of yacht noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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History of the Yacht

By: American Sailing Sailing History

When does a boat become a yacht? One answer has always been, you can tell a yacht when you see one. But, It really has nothing to do with size of the boat, weight of the boat, its style, sleeping quarters, heads, tillers, or a wheel. A yacht is a boat that was designed for the express pleasure of its owner.

The yacht is an invention of the 14th century Dutch. The Dutch used small, fast boats for chasing smugglers, pirates and criminals. Rich ship owners and merchants began using these small “ jaghts ” to sail out to celebrate their returning merchant ships. It quickly became chic to use these “ jaghts ” to take friends out just for pleasure.

“ Mary ” was presented to King Charles II by the Dutch in 1660.

Charles II of England spent 10 years in exile in Holland before he was returned to the English throne in 1660. His return to the throne was celebrated by the city of Amsterdam, presenting him with a luxurious 60’ yacht including a crew of 20. Her name was Mary. He took great pleasure in sailing her up and down the Thames. He studied navigation and even naval architecture and he built approximately 20 yachts during his lifetime. It can be said that he was the world’s first yachtsman. His enthusiasm for yachting was contagious and his brother James, Duke of York, joined him and also became an avid yachtsman as well.

As always when there are two sailboats on the water a race ensues. Soon the first organized regatta was planned as a 40-mile race on the Thames. It took place in 1661 between Katherine , Charles’s newly constructed yacht and Anne , the Duke of York’s new yacht with Charles himself at the helm Katherine won and a new sport was born.

Yachting stayed the Sport of Kings for over a century, but by the 1800s yachting had grown to included participants of more than just the crown heads of Europe. The worlds wealthiest had joined in. Yacht Clubs were forming. The first yacht club in the world, called the Cork Water Club , was established in Ireland in 1720, followed the Lough Ree Yacht Club in 1770 (again in Ireland), and the Starcross Yacht Club in 1772 in England.

Cowes Castle became the headquarters of the Royal Yacht Squadron around 1858.

Probably the most famous of all the English yacht clubs the The Royal Yacht Squadron was founded on June 1, 1815 in the Thatched House Tavern in St James’s, London as The Yacht Club by 42 gentlemen interested in yachting.

Across the pond the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) was started on July 30, 1844 when John Cox Stevens invited eight friends to his yacht Gimcrack , anchored in New York Harbor. They formed a syndicate to build a yacht with the intention of taking her to England and making some money competing in yachting regattas and match races. They choose to build a Pilot style Schooner to represent the club; at the time there was no faster design!

Pilot Schooners would lie at anchor in the inner harbor of New York City and wait for the behmoth square rigged Clippers carrying goods between America and Europe. The Pilot Boats purpose was to guide the huge square riggers that would appear at the entrance to New York Harbor’s Verazno Straights, to a berth in the City. The Schooners had to be fast to make a living. First one to the cargo ship got the job second got nothing.

The syndicate contracted with master schooner designer George Steers for a 101 ft (30.78 m) schooner which was christened America and launched on the 3 of May 1851. America crossed the Atlantic on her own bottom that year and challenged all of England’s fastest yachts to a match race. No yachts were willing to race her. Finally, America joined a free-for-all on Friday, August 22, around the Isle of Wight, racing against 15 yachts of the Royal Yacht Squadron in the club’s annual 53-nautical-mile (98 km) race around the Isle of Wight. Finishing 8 minutes ahead of its closest rival. America had won the Royal Yacht Squadron’s “ Hundred Guinea Cup “, later called the America’s Cup in honor of the yacht that won it.

The Yacht America

Watching the race was Queen Victoria, who supposedly inquired, “ Which is first? ” Told it was America , she asked, “ Which is second? ” “ Ah, Your Majesty, there is no second, ” was the reply. Or so the story goes. The NYYC defended that trophy from 1870-1983. This has been described by journalists as “ the longest winning streak in sports “.

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In this article, we explain the definition, history and origin of the word yacht, and break down some of the more common types of yachts along with various styles and sizes.

Yacht Definition & Origin

The word yacht comes from the Dutch word “jacht”, which means to hunt, and refers to the quick and lightweight sailboats the Dutch navy used to pursue pirates and other enemies in shallow waters. Today, the word takes on a very different meaning. While there is no strict definition of the word today, a yacht is generally considered as a boat used for pleasure, whether you’re cruising open waters, racing or island-hopping for the weekend. Typically, we consider a boat to be a yacht if it has an overnight cabin onboard, is more than 33 feet long, and generally looks nicer than your average vessel.

Pleasure boats have been around for hundreds of years, which is no surprise when you consider our options for transportation around that time. Without planes, cars, bikes or scooters, humans turned to the one form of transportation they knew well for pleasure – the ship.

Sailing Yacht History

Sailing yachts have been a thing since at least the beginning of the 1660s in Europe, when King James of England commissioned a sailing yacht for his son Henry, the Prince of Wales. But it was Charles II, the Kind of Scotland, who brought the term “yacht” into the mainstream after spending time exiled in the Netherlands. Once Charles got home, he began commissioning royal yachts left and right.

Steam Yacht History

Steam Yachts also have quite the history, which started as massive and luxurious sailing yachts with steam auxiliary engines. These yachts were much larger, and carried full crews complete with a cook, captain, engineer, stewards and deck hands. By the late 1700s, screw propellers were installed and the engines became far more efficient. Eventually, compound engines came about and persisted until the internal combustion took over.

Power Yacht History

Powerboats with 4-stroke gas engines were first developed by Nicolaus Otto and Gottlieb Daimler in 1876. Then in the 1900s, diesel engines became the more popular option because of their lower cost and improved reliability.

Yacht Types

Today, yachts fall into one of two general categories – sailing yachts and motor yachts.

Sailing Yachts

A sailing yacht is a leisure craft that relies on its sails for the primary method of movement, made from natural, synthetic or carbon fibers. Sailing yachts are split into two main categories: cruisers and raisers.

Cruising Yachts

A cruising yacht is designed for comfort above anything else. These yachts are ideal for overnight and lengthy journeys, typically equipped with all the comforts of home, including full kitchens (galleys), bathrooms (heads) and beds. They’re also designed to be slightly easier to maintain.

At the smaller end, we have what’s called as a “trailer sailer”. These yachts are generally shorter than 25 feet, and can be pulled by the average car. But anything shorter than 33 feet is considered a small sailing yacht. The next level is 33-45 feet, referred to as near-shore yachts. Offshore yachts are the largest category, including vessels larger than 45 feet.

Racing Yachts

A racing yacht is designed with performance top of mind, rather than comfort. World Sailing, the governing body for the sport of international sailing, recognizes 11 different classes of sailing yachts, but each share some general characteristics.

On a racing yacht, aerodynamics is prioritized. These yachts come in a variety of shapes and weights, but performance is the underlying motivation for all. Similar to aerodynamics but underwater, hydrodynamically efficient hulls allow boats to pull through the water with minimal drag or extra motion. Finally, for peak performance, these sailing yachts typically use full-battened Kevlar or carbon fiber sails.

Motor Yachts

Motor yachts come in all shapes and sizes, built with a variety of different materials. Generally speaking, they range from 30-130 feet in length, but there are superyachts out there exceeding 500 feet (that’s over 150 metres!).

The hull of a motor yachts comes in three basic styles. A yacht with a full-displacement hull moves the water up and away, creating waves. These boats have the potential to be plenty powerful, but their speed is limited. Semi-displacement hulls are slightly faster, because they’re able to partially rise above the water. Last are the yachts with a planing hull. These yachts are the fastest, because of a flat underside and enough power to lift them onto the surface of the water.

The majority of modern motor yachts have at least one diesel engine. A boat with two engines is certainly more expensive, but well worth it when you consider the reliability and increased handling/performance.

When it comes to motor yacht styles, there are many. Here’s a brief introduction to a few different motor yacht styles:

• Sport Motor Yacht : These powerful crafts are built with a semi-displacement and planing hulls, making them fast boats great for weekend adventures and short trips.
• Trawler Motor Yacht : A trawler is known for its more traditional style with a displacement hull, designed for medium distance passage-making.
• Cruising Motor Yacht : A cruising yacht is built for comfortable longer distance travel, equipped with a displacement hull.
• Expedition Yacht : Similar to a cruising motor yacht, expedition yachts are built with a displacement hull for long distances, but these crafts specialize in passage-making in remote areas.
• Mega Luxury Yachts : The mega luxury yachts is what you see and hear about on TV and in magazines. They’re hundred of feet long, designed for dozens of family and friends, and reserved for the super-rich.
• Sports Fisherman Yacht : These yachts have semi-displacement or planing hulls for quick fishing trips where you need to be able to move well. On a sports fisherman yacht, there will also be extra space for fishing gear and large fish.
• Lobster Yacht : A lobster yacht is similar to but quicker than a trawler, built with a semi-displacement or planing hull. These yachts get their name from their unique style – looking like classic Maine lobster boats.

If you’re looking for a new yacht, browse our current listings of sailing and motor yachts at Van Isle Marina. You can also visit us in Sidney at 2320 Harbour Road to see our stock in person, and our staff will be happy to help you out.

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• What is a Yacht? (History, Types of Yachts, Styles and Sizes) January 15, 2024 - 10:35 am

• Essential Off-Season Haul-Out Services for Your Boat August 10, 2023 - 4:34 pm

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Definition of yacht

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of yacht  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

Examples of yacht in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yacht.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

obsolete Dutch jaght , from Middle Low German jacht , short for jachtschip , literally, hunting ship

1557, in the meaning defined above

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing yacht

Articles related to yacht.

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Cite this Entry

“Yacht.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yacht. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of yacht.

Kids Definition of yacht  (Entry 2 of 2)

from obsolete Dutch jaght (now jacht ), short for jachtschip, literally, "hunting ship"

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From Sailors to Socialites: The Evolution of Yacht Culture

Table of Contents

History of Yacht Culture

To uncover the origin and evolution of yacht culture, delve into this section discussing its history. Gain insight into the sails-to-socialites narrative by learning about the origins of yachts, and exploring the development of yachting as a competitive sport.

Origins of Yachts

The roots of the yacht culture date back to the 17th century. Rich merchants and aristocrats began buying luxurious boats, known as yachts, for leisure and sailing races. In 1661, King Charles II of England commissioned a pleasure yacht. 1815 saw the first official yacht racing event in England, which became trend among the wealthy.

The America’s Cup race in 1851 introduced sleeker, faster yachts with advanced design.

The word “yacht” is from the Dutch “jacht” , meaning “hunt”. It was originally used for light vessels that sailed quickly to catch pirates and smugglers.

The biggest privately owned yacht in the world is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich . It is called Eclipse and is 162.5 meters long.

It looks like yacht owners are taking their leisurely sailing to another level with cutthroat competitions.

Development of Yachting as a Competitive Sport

Sailing has been a thing since ages ago, but it wasn’t until the late 1700s that yachting as a competitive sport started to emerge. Here’s a look at its development.

Back in 1660 , the first yacht club was founded in Cork, Ireland. King George II built on this by hosting schooner races in 1720 . The America’s Cup made its debut in 1815 and the IYRU was formed in 1898 . Finally, yachting was included in the Olympic Games in 1924 .

Other folks have different opinions about when yachting got competitive. In England in the 1800s, people would race their fishing vessels between harbors. This led to competitions between those with private sailing ships.

No matter how it began, yachting turned into a global phenomenon. It still has the competitive edge today with events like the America’s Cup and Olympic sailing. Plus, owning a yacht is even better with a friend who has one.

The Rise of Yachting as a Leisure Activity

To understand how yachting became a popular leisure activity, delve into ‘The Rise of Yachting as a Leisure Activity’ with ‘Yacht Clubs and Social Status’ and ‘The Golden Era of Yacht Parties’ as solution briefly.

Yacht Clubs and Social Status

Yacht Clubs are now a sign of luxury and high social standing. These exclusive clubs offer a lavish way to explore the sea. Membership can be limited, and pricey. But they provide VIP access to events like regattas and ocean races, as well as a unique boat community.

Yacht Clubs are more than just boats. They offer fine dining, spas, bars, and even accommodation – a lifestyle for those who can afford it. Yacht owners show off their boats with pride and host amazing parties.

Yacht racing is becoming popular among members. This sport needs top-notch team coordination and the thrill of competing with other experts from around the world.

To get the prestige and benefits of a yacht club , it could be worth investing in a top-notch boat. Fractional ownership is a good option. This involves multiple owners sharing maintenance costs.

The Golden Era of Yacht Parties

The affluent class in the early 20th century became infatuated with yachting parties, triggering a new era of leisure. These parties were unlike traditional social gatherings – they took place on elite vessels, with music, food and drinks flowing. This set a standard of luxury that lives on today.

Shipbuilders created sleeker, more intricate yacht designs for the growing demand. And boat races, regattas and other events featured the most expensive boats ever made.

Yachting now has little resemblance to its earlier days. Luxuries like on-board spas, Jacuzzis, gourmet kitchens, and cinemas make it an all-in-one experience.

Anyone can enjoy this unique escapade with excellent service providers and tour operators offering high-end cruises to places like Monaco and St. Tropez. But if you really crave exclusivity, try the yacht club on a private island – if you can afford it!

The Current State of Yacht Culture

To understand the current state of yacht culture and to look ahead into the industry’s future, delve into exciting sub-sections – modern yacht design and technology, and the future of yacht culture encompassing sustainability and accessibility.

Modern Yacht Design and Technology

Yachting has been revolutionized by modern design and tech. The latest yachts boast sleek, contemporary looks and lightweight materials like carbon fiber. Plus, they’re packed with high-tech features like 3D printing, CAD technology, composite materials, and automated systems.

Onboard, you’ll find everything from swimming pools to helicopter pads, cinemas, full-sized spas, and grand pianos. Plus, new eco-friendly tech helps reduce their environmental footprint.

So don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience a luxurious voyage with the latest in yacht design and tech. Book your next journey now!

The Future of Yacht Culture: Sustainability and Accessibility

Yacht culture’s future is linked with sustainability and accessibility. People have become aware of the environmental impact of their actions, including those in the yachting industry. Technology now makes it easier to be eco-friendly while still having a luxurious experience. More people are getting to experience yacht culture due to increased accessibility.

Sustainability is making great progress. For example, Oceanco recently launched a superyacht with an innovative electric propulsion system. Technology is shaping the future of yachting in terms of sustainability.

Accessibility has become a priority in yacht culture. People want to share their experiences and allow others to join them. Many companies now offer budget-friendly charters.

Exclusivity was once everything, but not anymore. The tragic sinking of RMS Titanic in 1912 highlighted this – there were not enough lifeboats, and only wealthy passengers had access to them. This event has improved safety aboard ships.

In conclusion, yacht culture’s future with sustainability and accessibility aims to improve socio-economic equality, environmental conservation, and tourism. It is providing job opportunities and other benefits for indigenous communities around the world. It also caters hospitality services for all classes. From Monaco to Ibiza, yacht culture’s destinations have something for everyone.

The Evolution of Yacht Culture Across the Globe

To understand the evolution of yacht culture across the globe, delve into yachting in Europe, North America, and Asia. From the Mediterranean to the Baltic, Europe has a rich history of yachting. In North America, yachting is prominent in popular destinations such as the Caribbean and New England. Meanwhile, Asia’s yacht culture has burgeoned in countries like Dubai and Phuket.

Yachting in Europe: From the Mediterranean to the Baltic

Yachting is evolving across Europe! From the Mediterranean to the Baltic, there’s diverse scenery for both competitive sailing and leisure cruising.

In search of beauty, yachtsmen have gone to explore exotic Aegean islands, Croatia’s stunning coastline, and Finland’s crystal blue waters. During summer, the northern sea’s chilly winds offer a great challenge for sailors .

The Amalfi Coast in Italy is gaining popularity. Here, picturesque hillside vineyards and white sandy beaches create a memorable backdrop. Plus, Sardinia is a great place to discover culture and pristine landscapes.

The Azimut Benetti Group based in Viareggio is one of the world’s largest yacht builders . They even make boats for celebrities like Jay-Z and Jennifer López!

Yachting is now America’s favorite pastime – from the Caribbean to New England.

Yachting in North America: From the Caribbean to New England

Yachting fans in North America can explore various lush spots. From the Caribbean’s warmth and culture to New England’s scenic regions. The table below shows the popular sites, amenities, and marina fees for yachting in North America.

There are also many unique, undiscovered places . From Maine’s small towns to Canada’s rugged coasts. In ancient times, boats were mainly used for transportation and fishing. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that recreational boating became famous among affluent Americans seeking new experiences in nature. Nowadays, yachts are seen as status symbols by many prosperous individuals in North America and beyond.

Whether you’re staying in lavish waterfront accommodations or sailing your own vessel, yachting culture will keep changing – as technology advances and people’s lifestyle preferences change. And if you want to feel rich and famous on a budget, Phuket is the place for you.

Yachting in Asia: From Dubai to Phuket

The yachting scene in Asia is booming! Dubai and Phuket are two of the most popular spots for yacht enthusiasts. Dubai’s marinas have some of the most luxurious superyachts in the world. Phuket’s bays are filled with secret coves and exclusive beaches.

Singapore is now a hub for luxury yacht events and exhibitions. Bali’s lush green scenery and pristine beaches draw many yachts. Japan’s Okinawa archipelago is a hidden gem. It’s clear waters are home to coral reefs and marine life. Fishing villages give an insight into local culture.

Consult cruising guides or professional yacht service providers before setting sail. Safety should always be a priority. Rich people can have problems too – that’s what yacht culture proves .

Conclusion: The Role of Yacht Culture in Today’s Society.

Yacht culture is key in today’s luxurious lifestyles. From its roots in naval exploration to sailing for fun, and now being a symbol of affluence, the evolution of yachting is remarkable. It’s become popular as a status symbol and owning one is connected to prestige, exclusivity, and access to the high life. This trend looks set to stay in the 21st century.

Yachting is popular for those with the funds, and it’s not just sailing anymore; it’s a scene, with networking, cocktail parties, and unique events on the vessels.

Yachting wouldn’t be what it is without centuries of nautical advances . Explorers sought adventure and knowledge, such as Columbus’ 1492 voyage to America . Navigational systems cut travel time across oceans. Yacht culture has moved from being used for transportation to being a representation of wealth and luxury .

It’s a testament to human ingenuity and creativity to adapt and make new experiences on land and sea.

When Were Yachts Invented? Uncovering the History of Luxury Boats

Yachts have been around for centuries and have long been associated with luxury and status.

But where did these boats come from and how have they evolved over the years? In this article, we’ll uncover the fascinating history of yachts and explore how they have been used by different cultures for centuries.

From their origins to the different classes of yachts, we’ll look at the various uses people have found for these luxury boats and how they have become a symbol of status and wealth.

We’ll also explore the world of yacht racing and even take a look at some of the most luxurious yachts ever built.

So, if you’re ready to discover the history of yachts, then let’s get started!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yachts were invented in the late 17th century in the Netherlands, when wealthy citizens began building large wooden sailing vessels for leisure activities.

The first recorded yacht race took place in the Netherlands in 1663, and the popularity of sailing for pleasure soon spread to other parts of Europe.

The origin of the word ‘yacht’ comes from the Dutch word jacht, meaning ‘hunt.

The Origin of Yachts

Yachts have been around since the late 16th century, when they were first used for fishing and transportation.

However, it wasn’t until the early 1700s that they began to be used for recreational activities.

This was mainly due to the increased wealth of the upper classes, who had the resources to acquire and maintain these luxury vessels.

Initially, the yachts were powered by sail, but later they were equipped with steam engines.

These early yachts were large and luxurious, and quickly became a status symbol among the wealthy.

As the popularity of yachts grew, so did their variety.

Different types of yachts were developed for different purposes, such as racing, vacationing, and cruising.

Yachts were also built with different materials, such as wood, steel, and fiberglass.

Today, yachts are still popular among the wealthy, and have become more advanced than ever before.

They can be equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning , internet, and satellite TV.

Yachts are also used for a variety of different activities, from racing to vacationing, and remain a popular symbol of wealth and luxury.

Early Uses of Yachts

Yachts have a long and rich history, with the first recreational sailing yacht believed to have been invented in the late 16th century.

Originally, yachts were used for fishing and transportation, as well as for leisure activities.

The earliest yachts were specialized vessels that served as fishing boats or for transportation.

They were typically small and had limited storage capacity.

As time went on, the vessels were improved and larger sizes were developed.

By the early 1700s, yachts were being used for leisure activities, such as sailing and racing.

The popularity of yachts grew in the 1700s, as they were seen as a status symbol among the wealthy.

Initially, the yachts were owned and operated by the elite and were used for recreational sailing.

At the same time, yachts began to be used for racing, with some of the earliest yacht races taking place in England.

Over the centuries, yachts have evolved into a variety of shapes and sizes, from luxurious mega-yachts to more utilitarian vessels.

Today, yachts are used for a variety of purposes, from vacationing to racing and remain a popular symbol of wealth and leisure.

Yachts as a Status Symbol

Since they first appeared in the late 16th century, yachts have been a symbol of luxury and wealth.

For centuries, the wealthy have used yachts as a way to show off their status and power.

They have also been used as a way to travel in style and enjoy the finer things in life.

In the 1700s and 1800s, the wealthy began to build larger and more ornate yachts, often with multiple levels and masts.

These vessels were often seen as a way to flaunt one’s wealth and status, and were used to travel in style and enjoy the finer things in life.

Today, yachts are still seen as a symbol of luxury and status.

They are often used to host parties, enjoy vacations, and even engage in racing activities.

Yachts of all sizes, shapes, and capabilities are available, allowing those with the right budget to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle on the open seas.

The rise of luxury yachting has also created a market for high-end services, such as yacht charters, private chefs, and concierge services.

Those who own yachts can also benefit from a wide range of amenities, from spas and gyms to fully-stocked bars and private dining areas.

Overall, yachts remain a symbol of wealth and status, and have evolved from simple fishing and transportation vessels into luxurious vessels that can be used for recreational activities.

They have become increasingly popular with the wealthy and remain a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the finer things in life.

Varieties of Yachts

Since their invention, yachts have evolved into a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Depending on their purpose and intended use, there are now many different types of yachts available.

From luxury vessels to racing boats, there is a yacht for every type of seafaring enthusiast.

The most common type of yacht is a motor yacht, which refers to any boat with an internal combustion engine that is used for recreation and leisure.

These yachts come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small pleasure boats to large, luxurious vessels.

Sailboats are also a popular type of yacht, and are used for both racing and leisure.

Sailboats come in a range of sizes, from small dinghies to large, multi-hulled boats.

For those who prefer the speed and agility of a powerboat, there are plenty of options to choose from.

These boats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small runabouts to large, powerful speedboats.

Finally, there are racing yachts , which are designed for speed and performance.

These boats are typically larger and more powerful than other types of yachts, and are usually built for the specific purpose of competing in official races.

No matter what type of yacht you choose, you can be sure that they will provide an unforgettable experience.

Whether youre looking for something luxurious or a boat thats built for speed, yachts have something to offer everyone.

Popular Uses of Yachts

Yachts have been used for a variety of purposes since their invention in the 16th century.

Originally, yachts were utilized as a means of transportation and fishing, but as the centuries passed, yachts became more closely associated with luxury and leisure activities.

Today, yachts are known as a symbol of wealth and are used for a variety of purposes.

One of the most popular uses of yachts is vacationing.

Many people choose to rent or charter a yacht for a week or more and spend their time exploring the open seas.

Yachts offer plenty of space, comfort, and amenities that make them ideal for vacationing, whether its a family trip or a romantic getaway.

Yachts are also popular for hosting events, such as weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and more.

Yachts provide a unique venue for any event, with plenty of space, beautiful views, and the ability to travel to different locations.

Yachts are also used for racing.

Yacht racing is a popular sport, and many people choose to compete in races or just enjoy the thrill of sailing.

Yacht racing has been around for centuries and is still a popular sport today.

Lastly, many people choose to invest in a yacht as a status symbol.

Yachts have become a symbol of wealth, and many people purchase a yacht as a way to show off their success.

Yachts are a great way to make a statement, and they are also a great investment.

Overall, yachts have a wide variety of uses, from vacationing to racing and more.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious way to travel, a unique venue for an event, or a status symbol, yachts are an excellent choice.

Racing Yachts

Racing yachts have been a mainstay of the luxury boat industry since the late 19th century.

Yacht races have been held all around the world, with the most famous being the Americas Cup.

Originally started in 1851, the Americas Cup is the oldest active trophy in international sport and has been held every four years since then.

Yacht racing is a thrilling and competitive sport that requires skill, knowledge, and endurance, making it a popular activity for the wealthy elite.

Yacht racing requires an incredibly well crafted vessel and an experienced crew.

Modern racing yachts are designed for maximum speed, efficiency and maneuverability.

The hulls are often made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar, or aluminum and the sails are made from highly specialized fabrics.

Racing yachts are often equipped with the latest navigational and communication technology, allowing them to remain in contact with their home port and other vessels during a race.

Yacht racing has become a popular spectator sport, with events being held in some of the most beautiful locations around the world.

From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, yacht racing has become a spectacle of speed and skill, with crews pushing their vessels to the limit in the pursuit of victory.

For those looking to experience a thrilling and luxurious activity, yacht racing is an activity not to be missed.

With its rich history, intense competition, and beautiful setting, yacht racing is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Luxury Yachts

Luxury yachts have always been a symbol of wealth and leisure, beginning with their invention in the late 16th century.

Yachts were originally used as fishing boats and transportation vessels, but by the early 1700s, seafaring aristocrats began to use them for leisure activities.

It wasnt long before yachts began to be seen as a status symbol, and it wasnt long before they were in the possession of many of the wealthiest people in the world.

Today, luxury yachts are used for a variety of activities, from vacationing and cruising to racing and fishing.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic sailing yacht to the sleek, modern motor yacht.

They can be equipped with all the comforts of home, from luxurious spas and state-of-the-art entertainment systems to private helipads and expansive decks.

No matter the size or style, luxury yachts have always been a symbol of wealth and leisure, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Whether youre looking for a luxurious vacation aboard a private yacht or a chance to participate in a race, luxury yachts will always be a popular choice.

Final Thoughts

From humble beginnings as a simple fishing and transportation vessel, yachts have come a long way to become a status symbol of wealth and leisure.

The variety of yachts today is astounding, from the luxury vessels of the wealthy to the race boats of the daring.

Yachts can be used for everything from vacationing to racing, and remain a popular symbol of wealth and leisure.

Now that you know the history of yachts, why not take a closer look at the different kinds of yachts out there and find the one that’s right for you?.

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.

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Meaning of yacht in English

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• They spent their annual holiday on a chartered yacht in the Caribbean .
• He spent three days adrift on his yacht.
• His eyes were fixed on the distant yacht.
• If they can afford a yacht, they must be rolling in it.
• She sailed around the world single-handed in her yacht.
• cabin cruiser
• dragon boat
• rubber dinghy

yacht | American Dictionary

Examples of yacht, collocations with yacht.

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Word of the Day

something dangerous or serious, such as an accident, that happens suddenly or unexpectedly and needs fast action in order to avoid harmful results

Paying attention and listening intently: talking about concentration

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Yacht : modern meaning of the term and types of boats

The etymology of the term yacht comes from the Dutch word ‘jacht’, which was used in the past to define the fast sailing vessels used to hunt down pirates along the coasts of northern Europe.

Today, the term ‘yacht’ is used to describe all recreational vessels, whether sailing or motor-powered, with at least one cabin that allows the crew to sleep on board.

There is no established definition for the length of this family of boats, but common usage tends to define a yacht as a vessel longer than 33 feet, or about 10 meters.

As mentioned above, a yacht may be equipped with sailing, motor or mixed propulsion. It can have more than one hull, and if it exceeds 25 meters it also deserves the definition of superyacht . When a yacht is over 50 meters it is called a megayacht and, more and more frequently, when it exceeds 100 meters it becomes a gigayacht.

A yacht normally flies a flag that corresponds to the country where the vessel is registered, not least because, if it does not, it may be captured and taken to the nearest port for ‘flag survey’. As far as international maritime law is concerned, the yacht is considered in all respects to be the territory of the country of the flag it flies, to whose sovereignty the crew is subject.

A yacht flying the flag of a country, unless there is well-founded suspicion of illegal activity, can only be stopped for inspection by the military vessels of that country. When a yacht enters the territorial waters of a country other than that of its flag, it is obliged to fly a courtesy flag.

This is tantamount to a declaration of submission to the navigational laws of the country in which it is sailing.

Sailing and motor-powered yachts

The first major distinction is between sailing yachts and motoryachts. The current worldwide spread of these two families has shifted decisively towards motor yachts, which make up about 75% of the total sailing fleet.

Progress and design have produced many different categories of motor yachts, so let’s discover them together.

Motoryachts

Seen from the stern, a flybridge yacht is often equipped with a “beach club”, a platform that facilitates access to the sea and on which water toys are placed or simply used for diving. A staircase, or even two symmetrical staircases, leads from this platform to the main deck. Sometimes there is a “garage” between these two staircases to house the engine room, a tender and other on-board equipment.

The main deck is characterized by the presence of a helm station, inside of which a large open-space salon houses settees and a galley. The helm station often leads below deck, also known as the lower deck, where the sleeping quarters, or cabins, are normally located.

The foredeck often has a large sundeck bordered by a “bowplate” for hauling anchor. The bow is often “fenced in” by the handrails, which are vital grips for safety at sea.

Let’s get to why a yacht is called a flybridge. The flybridge is an upper deck, open 360 degrees and often covered by a hard-top, a roof usually made of fibreglass. The flybridge usually has an additional helm station to steer from a more panoramic position. An additional galley is often located on the flybridge, as well as additional lounge seating and sun decks.

Open Yachts

An open yacht has no flybridge and its main deck is commonly all open. The helm station can frequently be sheltered by a T-Top. Below deck, depending on the length of the yacht, there are living spaces for the crew which may include dinette, cabins and facilities. Open yachts can be walk-around, i.e. with the possibility for passengers of walking freely around the perimeter of the boat, or they can have an enclosed bow and thus have a raised deck.

A coupe yacht is a yacht without a flybridge, characterized by a sporty design, with the main deck open aft. Very often it has a sunroof and is always equipped with side-decks connecting the stern to the bow. It is a vessel that, depending on its size, is suitable for medium to long-distance cruising.

This is an important type of yacht, which has its origins on the American East Coast where it was used to catch lobsters. It has a romantic, sometimes vintage aesthetic, and is endowed with sinuous lines that, for some, are evocative of the 1950s. Very suitable for cruising and conviviality, thanks also to a large sofa in the cockpit, the lobster is an iconic boat that offers plenty of comfort and space below deck for at least one cabin and one head.

The trawler is essentially a yacht for owners who want to spend a lot of time on board. This is why interior volumes are maximized and the upper deck is always present. Also part of the trawler family are the famous Menorcan boats, inspired by the llaüts of the Menorca island..

Increasingly popular among motor yachts, too, is the multihull, due to its inherent features of stability and capacity. In most cases it is a catamaran designed for long stays at sea.

Sailing yacht

Sailing yachts are vessels where propulsion should mainly rely on the power transmitted by the wind. In the past, sailing yacht engines were low-powered and mainly used for entering and leaving ports, but today, for obvious reasons of practicality and ease of use, they have enough power to make the sailing yacht cruise at a speed at least equal to its theoretical hull speed. This means that sailing yachts can be used efficiently even in the total absence of wind.

A sailing yacht can be rigged in many different ways, these being the most common in modern times:

Sloop : this is the most common rigging on modern boats, characterized by the presence of a single mast with a mainsail and a jib or genoa. Sloop rigging has become popular over the years because it is the easiest to handle with a small crew and also offers the best ease of use/sailing performance ratio.

Cutter : Widely used for long distance sailing, it is characterized by the presence of a mainsail and two jibs rigged on a single mast. Normally the two jibs are a genoa and foresail that are used individually, depending on the weather conditions.

Ketch : this is the most commonly used rig on two-masted sailing yachts, with a mainmast, rigged with a mainsail and genoa, and a mizzenmast, forward of the rudder shaft, rigged with a single mainsail. The splitting of the sails makes this type of yacht suitable for sailing in bad weather.

Yawl : exactly the same as a ketch but with the mizzen mast located aft of the rudder shaft.

Sailing yachts can be monohulls or multihulls, i.e. catamarans or trimarans, but in all cases they can be divided into these categories:

Easy to handle and with plenty of space above and below deck, this type of yacht is normally characterized by an unbalanced length/width ratio favouring the latter, a small sail area and more powerful than average engines.

The interiors are fully equipped and sophisticated, with each cabin often having its own en-suite head.

The deck plan and sailing equipment are simplified, often electrified and minimal.

Cruiser-Racer

This yacht, while still featuring a luxurious and complete interior, also has all the equipment needed for sail fine-tuning and a generous sail area.

This is a category where special attention is paid to both the overall weight of the boat and the hull shape.

The hull lines are in fact designed to enhance performance and, inevitably, this results in a slightly smaller interior than that of pure cruising yachts of the same length.

Racer-Cruiser

The owner who buys this type of yacht has already competed in club competitions and now wants to engage in higher level racing. The hulls are light and can sometimes be made of carbon, and all the sail adjustments are fine-tuned to achieve maximum performance.

The deck plan is definitely designed for crewed racing and the sail area/displacement ratio is unbalanced in favour of the former, making this yacht more difficult to handle with a smaller crew but, conversely, capable of performance similar to a pure racing yacht.

A pure racing yacht is a sailing yacht built exclusively for racing. Free from any commercial constraints, it is built according to the type of race to be competed in and, above all, the rating to be obtained. The interiors of this boat are minimal. This yacht is capable of planing and sailing upwind at very low wind angles, but is almost never used for recreational purposes.

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Definition of 'yacht'

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Yacht in american english, examples of 'yacht' in a sentence yacht, trends of yacht.

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a vessel used for private cruising, racing, or other noncommercial purposes.

to sail, voyage, or race in a yacht.

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Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

Origin of yacht

Other words from yacht.

• yachty, adjective
• su·per·yacht, noun

Words that may be confused with yacht

• barge , boat , canoe , cruise ship , sailboat , ship , yacht

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• Yablonovyy Range
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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use yacht in a sentence

As City News explained it, the bribes were paid not only in cash but through rugs, antiques, furniture, yacht club fees, boat repairs and more.

In Ashburn, Snyder is always lurking in spirit, even if he is on his 305-foot yacht somewhere in the Aegean.

Driving across country in a gigantic land yacht —with its crushed-velour seats and faux wood siding—was more practical than a two-door hot rod.

Host Jason Moore chats with experts who share tips harvested from their real-life experiences, such as a couple who paid off their $70,000 debt to travel full time and a woman who left her corporate job to work on a yacht .

Until Thursday, when federal agents escorted him off a 150-foot yacht moored in Long Island Sound, the word often used to describe Steve Bannon was “irrelevant.”

Instead the money allegedly was spent on luxury cars and a yacht club membership, among other things.

Loeb owns a $100 million penthouse on Central Park West and a $50 million yacht .

Solaire has set up charging capabilities at a project it built at a yacht club in Massachusetts, for example.

On my way back into town, I walked by the fortress of tents surrounding the harbor, readying for the yacht show.

Newly-minted Londoner, Lindsay Lohan, is currently chilling out on a yacht in Italy.

I heard her say to one of the servants once that my father had been lost on a yacht , and that he was oh, ever such a handsome man.

He owned a 54-ton yacht named the Opal, and attributed the wonderful health he enjoyed to his numerous sea voyages.

Another yacht had started from the old boathouse at about the time our friends and their new-fangled craft got under way.

Caermarthen ordered out his wonderful yacht , and hastened to complain to the King, who was then at Loo.

The yacht had long turned the head of the island and was beating down alongshore in the eastern bay.

British Dictionary definitions for yacht

/ ( jɒt ) /

a vessel propelled by sail or power, used esp for pleasure cruising, racing, etc

short for sand yacht , ice yacht

(intr) to sail or cruise in a yacht

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

• United Kingdom

Mercury Retrograde Is Here To Cause Chaos

Mercury retrograde is here to cause all-round chaos.

It is advisable to double-check your text messages and emails, and think before speaking to avoid saying something that you may regret later.

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What is the meaning of the word 'eclipse'? Here is its origin ahead of April 8 event

Where does a solar eclipse get its name? Why is it called an "eclipse"?

As Michiganders prepare for the viewing of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 - which is crossing a large swath of the United States, including a small sliver of southeast Michigan - let's delve into the etymology of the word "eclipse."

Why is it called an 'eclipse'?

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The term "eclipse" traces its roots to the Latin  “eclipsis,”  drawn from the Greek  “ekleipsis.”  That Greek noun is related to the verb  “ekleipein,”  consisting of  “ek”  (meaning “from”) and  “leipein”  (meaning “to leave”). So literally,  eclipse  means “to fail to appear” or “to abandon an accustomed place.”

The sun and moon are hidden from sight in lunar and solar eclipses.

More: Detroit's last total solar eclipse was more than 200 years ago: What the city was like then

The Greeks built on Babylonian astronomy to make their observations of eclipses, and the word  “ekleipsis”  appears as early as the fifth century B.C. in Thucydides’s history of the Peloponnesian War, according to the Wall Street Journal .

The noun and verb “eclipse” came to be used more metaphorically by the late 16th century, to describe someone or something being surpassed or overshadowed.

In other customs, early writings show evidence of people trying to make sense of eclipses around the world. In Chinese the term for eclipse is "shi," which translates to "eat," and correlates with the mythological explanation of a dragon eating the sun.

Eclipses also have inspired fear and awe among civilizations throughout history , from the Aztecs to the ancient Hindus. They're also associated with some major religious events, including the darkness that accompanied Jesus’ crucifixion in Christianity and, in Islam, the passing of the Prophet Muhammad’s son, Ibrahim.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth’s orbits , creating an eclipse of Earth’s view of the sun.

The path of totality is the predicted path of the eclipse from Mexico, through the U.S. across Texas and North America to the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The expected duration of totality is around 4 hours, starting around 11:07 a.m. PDT and ending around 5:16 NDT.

States  in the path of totality  for the 2024 solar eclipse include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

In Michigan, a small sliver of southeast Monroe County is in the path of totality, meaning the sky will get dark as the moon crosses the sun.

USA TODAY contributed.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What is the meaning of the word 'eclipse'? Here is its origin ahead of April 8 event

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‘Translation changes the original meaning’: how 70s psych rockers Happy End ended the ‘Japanese rock controversy’

In 1969, Takasshi Matsumoto and Haruomi Hosono opted to defy rock trends by singing in Japanese, not English – paving the way for ‘city pop’ and J-pop

T akashi Matsumoto and Haruomi Hosono faced a choice when starting a rock band in 1969: should the lyrics be sung in English, the genre’s lingua franca at the time, or Japanese? After a debate, the pair opted for their native tongue, and totally changed the course of their country’s music.

Their group Happy End – which also counted guitarist Shigeru Suzuki and guitarist/vocalist Eiichi Ohtaki as members – merged western-inspired folk-rock with Japanese vocals – a decision that has influenced everything from internet-embraced 80s “city pop” funk to modern J-pop. “My mother language is Japanese. If you translate it, that’s like adding filters,” explains the 74-year-old Matsumoto from a meeting room overlooking downtown Tokyo. “It will change the original meaning. Then it’s not my instinct or my words anymore.”

Between 1970 and 1973, Happy End released three albums, all recently reissued on vinyl. But the impact the quartet had has lasted for decades. Domestic critics celebrated the band’s works from the start, with 1971’s Kazemachi Roman hailed as a masterpiece. It still regularly tops lists of the best Japanese albums. “Musicians back then admired Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and so on. Everyone copied them and competed against each other,” says Hosono, who went on to even greater fame with the synthpop group Yellow Magic Orchestra. “I grew up in that scene, but with Happy End we decided to use our own words to create something original.”

Happy End emerged from the band Apryl Fool, which Matsumoto and Hosono played in. While their psych-rock sound helped them stand out at a time dominated by groups replicating the sounds of the Beatles and the Monkees, Apyrl Fool’s lyrics were still sung in English – all except for a two-part song written in Japanese by Matsumoto: The Lost Mother Land, about the rapidly changing state of his hometown Tokyo, and everything lost alongside it.

“The 1964 Tokyo Olympics changed so much,” Matsumoto says. “Rivers running around Tokyo were filled in. Highways and freeways were built. They used to have trams running along the area, but those had to be torn down for the roads. Things were changed by all that construction. It blocked out the sky: you can’t really see it anymore.”

Apyrl Fool wrapped up after singer Chu Kosaka landed a role in the Japanese version of the musical Hair. By that point, Matsumoto says he and Hosono were becoming more interested in west coast rock acts such as Buffalo Springfield, the Grateful Dead and Moby Grape, and wanted to create a new group inspired by that scene. Hosono recruited vocalist and guitarist Ohtaki, who brought a melodic edge indebted to the Beatles and the Association. “One day, Ohtaki called Hosono and said, ‘I finally understand what makes Buffalo Springfield good.’ That was the moment we all got on the same page,” Matsumoto says, laughing.

Guitarist Suzuki rounded out the lineup. “We expressed our thoughts honestly and passionately without being suppressed by adults. We were ‘pure’ – that is the word to describe who we were,” says Suzuki when asked how Happy End fit into the early 1970s Tokyo rock scene.

Their self-titled debut impressed critics with its combination of hard-edged sounds and Japanese sounds, and intensified the Nihongo Rokku Ronsō : the “Japanese rock controversy” revolving around whether it was possible for rock music to be authentic if it wasn’t sung in English. So Happy End returned to the studio for its second album looking to underline the point that Japanese rock could absolutely flourish. “We fine-tuned our strengths and figured out what directions we wanted to go … and dug into them,” Matsumoto says.

The resulting album, Kazemachi Roman, came to define the more confident Happy End. Matsumoto’s lyrics became more rich with detail, focusing on the pre-Olympics Tokyo he missed so much. But the strongest element is the sense of a band working together in close harmony. Matsumoto points to the album’s most famous song Kaze Wo Atsumete – which introduced the band to a wider international audience when it was featured in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation – as exemplifying it: “It was like we were playing catch with one another – let’s change the lyrics, let’s change the melodies, we kept brushing things up.”

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Happy End only found commercial success way later, but Kazemachi Roman impressed critics and the artistic community, and the “Japanese rock controversy” quietened down. “I think it’s great … like universally great,” Matsumoto says with a laugh. “We thought we had done the best we could, so after that we wanted to try different things, like more solo work. We didn’t spend as much time together. I regret that.” He playfully adds: “I feel like maybe Hosono just likes creating new bands. I was shocked once: we were on the Shinkansen [the bullet train] and I saw him writing new band names down.”

Happy End would record one more album – titled Happy End, like their debut – at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, but Matsumoto says it was clear everyone was focused elsewhere. “Everyone was thinking of the next step in their careers – that comes across clearly in the album,” he says. “It wasn’t a bad thing at all – it was natural.”

Suzuki would go on to have a rich solo career; Ohtaki became a beloved pop artist and producer, releasing work up until his death in 2013. Matsumoto became one of Japan’s most famous lyricists, working with big pop acts. Hosono did a little of everything. Later this year, a compilation with artists such as Mac DeMarco covering his work will mark the 50 years since his solo debut, and at 76 he continues to create, saying he’s hoping to start work on a new solo collection soon.

Happy End’s legacy, meanwhile, feels even more prominent in the 21st century. “Before, all the new music had to go through the US first, and then you would catch it after,” Matsumoto says. “But now, because of the internet or Spotify, you can find all this fun and interesting music from any country.” Modern music is global, and no longer dominated by any one place or dialect. Happy End argued for the power of the Japanese language, but more generally the importance of simply expressing yourself however fit best. “I believe you should speak with the language you feel the most comfortable expressing yourself with. That goes for any country in the world, not just Japan,” Matsumoto says. “There are no filters.”

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Are You Talking, or Are You ‘Yapping’?

A new slang term with an old meaning emerges on TikTok.

By Madison Malone Kircher

Have you ever been told you have the gift of gab? Did your school report cards suggest you pipe down in class? Perhaps you’ve been called a chatterbox on an occasion or two?

If you answered yes to one or more of those questions, you might be a yapper.

Terms like yapper, yap and yapping have become popular on TikTok in recent weeks . To yap, in modern parlance, is simply to talk … a lot , often about something of little importance.

“In the internet context, I would say somebody that’s a yapper is somebody that talks too much or is an over-sharer,” said Taylor-Nicole Limas, a 27-year-old influencer and self-proclaimed yapper in Chicago. “Somebody that just keeps on talking to fill the air. If it gets quiet, they just don’t stop talking.”

Users might post a video of themselves yapping, talking at length about a given topic — perhaps something they feel moved to rant about or a subject in which they are an armchair expert. Or someone might be called a yapper in the comments of a video (whether the speaker intended to yap or not).

Being labeled a yapper isn’t necessarily a compliment, but on a platform built on talk, it isn’t an insult either.

Some creators have cheerfully embraced the moniker. Last summer, the TikTokers @bag_and_cj became known for videos in which they react to other TikTok videos with rambling commentary. The duo was named Yip and Yap by their fans. (An occasional third participant is known as Yop.)

On a podcast in February, the ESPN host Tim MacMahon invoked the term in a less flattering context when he floated it as a potential factor in the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Grant Williams. “I would say one of the ways that Grant Williams rubbed people the wrong way — the yap, yap, yapping — obviously, that’s kind of part of it with him,” Mr. MacMahon said.

Reesa Teesa, who recently captivated TikTok with a multipart saga detailing the ins and outs of her dramatic marriage, may be a prime example of the form. She captivated millions with a tale that stretched over more than six hours.

@ladyaguilera2.0 I mean am I wrong??? #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound - Ladyaguilera2.0

Jess Rauchberg, an assistant professor of communication technologies at Seton Hall University, said she wasn’t surprised to see so-called yapping becoming more common, given TikTok’s recent emphasis on longer videos. Users can currently upload videos up to 10 minutes long, and the platform is testing videos as long as 30 minutes, according to TechCrunch .

Though it wasn’t always referred to as such, yapping has long been a hallmark of social media, where content creators, particularly on YouTube, are known to film longer videos, potentially allowing for more advertising revenue.

The term has cropped up more recently as “a way to poke fun at these long-form ways of sharing ideas,” Dr. Rauchberg said. “I also see it as a way that creators are self-internalizing their biggest fears of content creation, that dark side of content creation: What if I’m not likable? What if I’m saying too much or I say the wrong thing?”

The word “yap” dates to the early 17th century, said Nicole Holliday, an assistant professor of linguistics at Pomona College. It originally was used to describe the sounds made by dogs. (In recent decades, the word has popped up in hip-hop .)

“Particularly like small, high-pitched dog,” Dr. Holliday said. “Which can, maybe, give you an idea of the way in which this word would be gendered .”

Not every yapper is a woman, but much online yapping content is made by or about women. Some female users say they are reclaiming a gender stereotype by identifying with the term.

“I don’t think it’s a negative trait to be yapping all the time,” Ms. Limas, the influencer, said. “I think the play on the word ‘yapper’ that is becoming more popular is a way to take that power back, a way of saying that it’s OK to be talkative .”

Not everyone feels moved to give a new name to a timeless idea. "Yap, yapping, yapper. What on the earth do these words even mean? I feel too old suddenly,” one user posted on X this month.

The good news for that user, according to Dr. Holliday, is that “yapping” — the term, not the tendency to be chatty — will probably be on its way out just as quickly as it arrived. New slang terms rely on “uncool people” never finding out about them, she said, and “the problem with TikTok is uncool people can see you talking in public.”

“We have to keep outrunning them,” she joked.

Madison Malone Kircher is a Times reporter covering internet culture. More about Madison Malone Kircher

The Rise of TikTok

“Being labeled a “yapper” on TikTok isn’t necessarily a compliment, but on a platform built on talk, it isn’t an insult either .

“Who TF Did I Marry?!?,” the TikTok user Reesa Teesa’s account of her relationship with her ex-husband, is a story for grown-ups  in their midlife crisis era.

Return fraud is a rampant problem  for both shoppers and retailers — and the mishaps often make for viral videos on TikTok.

The Pink Stuff, a home cleaning paste, went from total obscurity to viral sensation — and Walmart staple — thanks to one “cleanfluencer” and her legion of fans .

Have we reached the end of TikTok’s infinite scroll? The app once offered seemingly endless chances to be charmed but in only a few short years, its promise of kismet is evaporating , our critic writes.

The TikTok creator known as “Tunnel Girl” has been documenting her attempt to build an emergency shelter under her home. She is not the only person with an off-the-books tunnel project .