luxury yacht meaning

What is Considered a Luxury Yacht: Defining the Characteristics of High-End Boats

Luxury yachts are a symbol of wealth, status, and extravagance. These vessels are often associated with the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and they can come with a hefty price tag. But what exactly makes a yacht luxurious?

In general, luxury yachts are privately owned and crewed vessels that offer a high level of comfort, convenience, and style. They are typically larger than standard yachts, with a length of 80 feet or more. However, the size alone is not enough to qualify a yacht as luxurious. The interior and exterior design, amenities, and features are also important factors that contribute to the yacht’s luxuriousness.

The term “superyacht” is often used interchangeably with “luxury yacht,” but it typically refers to larger vessels that are at least 148 feet long. These yachts can accommodate a larger number of guests and offer more amenities , such as swimming pools, helipads, and movie theaters.

Mega yachts are even larger, with lengths exceeding 200 feet. Regardless of size, luxury yachts are designed to provide their owners and guests with a unique and unforgettable experience on the water.

Length and Amenities

When it comes to luxury yachts, size matters. According to CruiseJobFinder , yachts that are at least 80 feet in length or larger can be considered luxury yachts. However, to qualify as a superyacht or megayacht, many yachting professionals say the yacht must be at least 148 feet in length.

The length of a yacht is a key factor in determining its luxury status. The longer the yacht, the more space there is for amenities and features that make it stand out from other boats. According to BOAT International , a large yacht is a pleasure vessel with a load line length equal to or over 24m (78.74 feet).

Luxury yachts are known for their opulent amenities and features. Here are some of the most common amenities found on luxury yachts:

• Spacious Decks and Outdoor Areas: Luxury yachts often have expansive decks and outdoor areas for sunbathing, dining, and entertaining guests.
• Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Many luxury yachts have swimming pools and hot tubs for guests to enjoy while on board.
• Gyms and Fitness Centers: Some luxury yachts have gyms and fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Cinemas and Entertainment Systems: Many luxury yachts have cinemas and entertainment systems for guests to enjoy movies and music while onboard.
• Luxury Accommodations: Luxury yachts have luxurious accommodations with spacious cabins, en-suite bathrooms, and high-end furnishings.
• Gourmet Kitchens and Dining Areas: Many luxury yachts have gourmet kitchens and dining areas for guests to enjoy fine dining experiences while onboard.

Overall, the length and amenities of a luxury yacht are important factors in determining its status as a luxury vessel. The larger the yacht, the more amenities and features it can have, making it a more luxurious experience for guests.

Design and Construction

When it comes to luxury yachts, design and construction are crucial factors that determine the yacht’s style, comfort, and performance. A well-designed and constructed yacht not only looks stunning but also delivers a smooth and safe sailing experience.

Hull Material

One of the most important aspects of yacht construction is the hull material . Luxury yachts are typically built with high-quality materials that offer strength, durability, and reliability. The most common materials used for yacht hulls are fiberglass , aluminum, steel, and wood. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the yacht’s size, style, and intended use.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of a luxury yacht is what catches the eye and makes a statement. Yacht designers strive to create a unique and timeless look that reflects the owner’s taste and personality. The design must also take into account the yacht’s functionality, such as the placement of decks, windows, and equipment. The exterior design includes the yacht’s profile, color scheme, and details such as the shape of the bow and stern.

Interior Design

The interior design of a luxury yacht is equally important as the exterior. The yacht’s interior should provide a comfortable and luxurious living space that meets the owner’s expectations. Yacht designers work closely with owners to create a custom interior design that reflects their style and preferences.

The interior design includes the layout, furniture, lighting, and decoration. The materials used for the interior design are also important, such as high-quality fabrics, wood, and marble.

In conclusion, design and construction are crucial factors that determine the quality and value of a luxury yacht. The hull material, exterior and interior design must all be carefully considered to create a yacht that not only looks stunning but also delivers a smooth and safe sailing experience.

Performance and Power

When it comes to luxury yachts, performance, and power are crucial factors to consider. In this section, we will discuss the engine types commonly used in luxury yachts and the speed they can achieve.

Engine Type

Luxury yachts are typically equipped with powerful engines that provide reliable and efficient performance. The most common engine types used in luxury yachts are:

• Diesel engines: These engines are known for their efficiency and durability, making them a popular choice for luxury yacht owners. Diesel engines are also preferred for their ability to provide high torque at low RPMs, which is ideal for cruising at low speeds.
• Gasoline engines: While diesel engines are more popular, gasoline engines are still used in some luxury yachts. Gasoline engines are known for their high horsepower and speed, making them a good choice for yachts that prioritize speed over fuel efficiency.
• Hybrid engines: Hybrid engines are becoming more popular in luxury yachts due to their ability to provide both speed and fuel efficiency. These engines combine an electric motor with a traditional combustion engine to provide a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

Luxury yachts are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, but they are also capable of reaching impressive speeds. The speed of a luxury yacht is determined by several factors, including the size of the yacht, the type of engine, and the conditions of the water.

On average, luxury yachts can achieve speeds of 20-30 knots (23-35 mph) with ease. Some yachts, however, are capable of reaching much higher speeds. For example, the Sunseeker Predator 108 can reach speeds of up to 42 knots (48 mph), while the WallyPower 118 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots (69 mph).

It’s important to note that while speed is an important factor for some yacht owners, others prioritize fuel efficiency and range. In general, larger yachts tend to prioritize fuel efficiency over speed, while smaller yachts prioritize speed over fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, the engine type and speed of a luxury yacht are important factors to consider when choosing a yacht that fits your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, fuel efficiency, or a combination of both, there is a luxury yacht out there that will meet your requirements.

Ownership and Maintenance

Luxury yachts are not only expensive to purchase, but they also come with significant ownership and maintenance costs. In this section, we will discuss the various ownership options available and the maintenance costs associated with owning a luxury yacht.

Ownership Options

There are several ownership options available for those looking to own a luxury yacht. The most common options include:

• Full ownership: This is the most traditional form of ownership, where the owner has complete control over the yacht and is responsible for all costs associated with ownership and maintenance.
• Fractional ownership: This option allows multiple owners to share the cost of owning a yacht. Each owner has access to the yacht for a set amount of time each year, and the costs are split between the owners.
• Charter ownership: This option allows the owner to charter their yacht to others when they are not using it. This can help offset the costs of ownership.

Each ownership option has its pros and cons, and the choice will depend on the owner’s individual needs and preferences.

Maintenance Costs

Luxury yachts require regular maintenance to ensure they are in top condition and to prevent costly repairs down the line. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the size of the yacht, the type of yacht, and the level of maintenance required.

According to Worldwide Luxury Yacht , maintenance and operation costs for luxury yachts are typically around 10% of the yacht’s value per year. This means that a yacht valued at $2 million would have maintenance and operation costs of around $200,000 per year.

Maintenance costs can include:

• Anti-fouling paint: This is required on all boats kept in the water and must be done on a regular basis.
• Haul-out fees: This is required when the yacht needs to be taken out of the water for maintenance or repairs.
• Engine maintenance: This includes regular servicing, oil changes, and repairs.
• Interior and exterior cleaning: This includes cleaning the yacht’s interior and exterior, as well as detailing the yacht.
• Crew salaries: For those who choose to hire a crew, crew salaries can be a significant cost.

It’s important to note that these costs are just the maintenance and operation costs and do not include the initial purchase price, insurance, or mooring fees.

FAQs about Luxury Yachts

What makes a yacht a luxury yacht.

Luxury yachts are privately owned and crewed vessels that offer a high level of comfort, convenience, and style. They are typically larger than standard yachts, with a length of 80 feet or more. However, the size alone is not enough to qualify a yacht as luxurious. The interior and exterior design, amenities, and features are also important factors that contribute to the yacht’s luxuriousness.

What is the difference between a luxury yacht and a superyacht?

While the terms “luxury yacht” and “superyacht” are often used interchangeably, a superyacht is typically larger than a luxury yacht, with a length of at least 148 feet. Superyachts can accommodate a larger number of guests and offer more amenities, such as swimming pools, helipads, and movie theaters.

How fast can a luxury yacht go?

The speed of a luxury yacht depends on several factors, including the size of the yacht, the type of engine, and the conditions of the water. On average, luxury yachts can achieve speeds of 20-30 knots (23-35 mph) with ease. Some yachts, however, are capable of reaching much higher speeds. For example, the Sunseeker Predator 108 can reach speeds of up to 42 knots (48 mph), while the WallyPower 118 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots (69 mph).

What are some common amenities found on luxury yachts?

Luxury yachts are known for their opulent amenities and features. Some of the most common amenities found on luxury yachts include spacious decks and outdoor areas, swimming pools and hot tubs, gyms and fitness centers, cinemas and entertainment systems, luxury accommodations with spacious cabins and high-end furnishings, and gourmet kitchens and dining areas.

What are the ownership and maintenance costs associated with owning a luxury yacht?

Owning a luxury yacht can come with significant ownership and maintenance costs. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the size of the yacht, the type of yacht, and the level of maintenance required. According to Worldwide Luxury Yacht, maintenance and operation costs for luxury yachts are typically around 10% of the yacht’s value per year. Ownership options include full ownership, fractional ownership, and charter ownership.

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What Is a Yacht?

And when did owning one become a symbol of wealth.

A yacht can be any kind of pleasure boat, but Americans associate the term with large luxurious vessels.

Photo by Paul Vinten/iStockPhoto.

A 38-foot ocean yacht sank off the shore of Palm Beach, Fla. , last weekend. What is a yacht?

A sailboat or motorboat used for recreation. Most yachts are privately owned and big enough to contain a cabin, but even small, cabin-less dinghies are sometimes described as yachts. The Dutch term jacht , meaning hunt , originally applied to light sailboats that were used to pursue pirates. Such boats eventually gained popularity as leisure vessels, and the term was anglicized in the 17 th century when King Charles II returned from his exile from the Commonwealth of England—part of which he had spent in Holland—with a newfound passion for yachting. The term later came to be associated with steamboats and motorboats that were used for leisure purposes, and during the Gilded Age, yachts became a status symbol among wealthy Americans. J.P. Morgan, for instance, owned a 240-foot yacht, the Corsair (which was later acquired by the U.S. Navy and converted to a gunboat). Yacht clubs—exclusive associations of yachtsmen—also became popular around this time and helped associate yachting with wealth in the popular imagination.

Yacht mania dissipated during and after the Great Depression, but when conspicuous consumption came back into style in the 1980s and 1990s, American financiers began vying to see who could acquire the biggest motor-powered yacht. Sometimes called megayachts or superyachts, these large, expensive, privately owned vessels regularly exceed 200 feet in length and can cost tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars to build. Though very large yachts offer ample space for wine cellars, private screening rooms, and basketball courts, they have drawbacks, too; some of them are too big to enter smaller harbors and thus must dock at commercial marinas with oil tankers and other non-pleasure boats. In 2010, business magnate Larry Ellison decided his 450-foot Rising Sun was too big for his needs and sold it to record executive David Geffen. (Ellison downgraded to a 288-foot vessel.) Ironically, though part of a yacht’s appeal stems from the privacy it offers its owner, very large yachts (those with a gross tonnage in excess of 299) are required by the International Maritime Organization to publicly transmit their location at all times via an Automatic Identification System transponder. * (You can see the current location of all such yachts—and other very heavy boats—at marinetraffic.com .)

Yachts of all sizes typically cost about 10 percent of their sticker price to maintain each year. Large luxury yachts often require a full-time staff including a captain, engineers, stewards and stewardesses, chefs, and deckhands. Many yacht owners charter their boats when they’re not using them to recoup some of the maintenance costs. American yachts tend to be registered abroad, both for tax reasons and because yacht crews are often not American citizens and therefore can’t work on an American ship without a visa.

In other English-speaking countries, the term yacht isn’t as closely associated with wealth as it is in America, and the term is commonly applied even to very small sailing vessels. Middle-class Brits, Australians, and New Zealanders who enjoy sailing might describe themselves as yachtsmen.

Luxury Explainer thanks Tom Cunliffe and G. Bruce Knecht, author of Grand Ambition: An Extraordinary Yacht, the People Who Built It, and the Millionaire Who Can’t Really Afford It .

Correction, Dec. 13, 2012: This article originally misstated the minimum capacity of ships required to publicly transmit their location at all times. It is a gross tonnage of 299, not a weight of 299 gigatons. ( Return to the corrected sentence.)

What Does Yacht Mean? (The Definition and History Explained)

Ah, the luxurious lifestyle of the yacht.

Whether youve seen one in the harbor or on a distant horizon, the image of a yacht has a certain allure and mystique.

But what exactly is a yacht? From the definition to the different types, the history, and the lifestyle, there is so much to explore.

In this article, we will uncover the mysteries of the yacht, and explore the different types, the races, and the luxury amenities that come with them.

Get ready to set sail!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yacht is a term used to describe a recreational boat or vessel that is used for pleasure trips and sailing.

It typically refers to a larger, more luxurious boat than a regular fishing or leisure boat.

Generally, yachts are meant for longer trips, usually with more than one person on board.

Yachts can range in size depending on the type of boat and its intended use, but all will typically include luxury features and amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The Definition of Yacht

Yacht is a term often used to describe a variety of large and luxurious recreational boats, typically used for personal pleasure or sport.

Yachts can be defined as any boat or vessel that is used for leisure and recreational activities.

While the term yacht may be used to describe any kind of boat, it is most commonly used to refer to large, expensive boats designed for recreation, luxury, and leisure.

These vessels are typically larger than other recreational boats, and can range from modest day-sailers to luxury mega-yachts with all the amenities of a home.

Yachts are usually crewed by professional or paid crew and can be used for activities such as fishing, cruising, racing, and even as a floating holiday home.

Yachts may be owned either by individuals or by companies, and typically contain a variety of amenities such as staterooms, sleeping areas, dining areas, and entertainment areas.

Yachts are often used in the charter industry, where they are rented for short-term use, and can be found in harbor cities and coastal towns around the world.

Yachting is a popular recreational activity that has been around for centuries, and can be traced back to ancient Greece.

Yachting has long been associated with wealth and luxury, with the earliest yachts being owned by wealthy aristocrats.

In modern times, yachting has become more accessible to people of all backgrounds, with a variety of yachting activities and vessels available to meet a variety of budgets and preferences.

The term yacht is derived from the Dutch word jacht, which translates to hunt.

The term was originally used to refer to small, fast vessels used by the Dutch navy to chase and capture pirates.

Over time, the term has come to refer to large, luxurious recreational vessels that are often used for pleasure and leisure.

Yachts have become a symbol of wealth and luxury, and are often associated with the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Types of Yachts

When it comes to yachts, there are several different types available.

The most common type is the sailing yacht, which is propelled through the water by sails and is typically smaller than other types of yachts.

Motor yachts, on the other hand, are powered by an engine and are typically larger than sailing yachts .

Another popular type of yacht is the sport fishing yacht, which combines the luxury of a motor yacht with the convenience of fishing.

These yachts often have advanced navigational equipment, fishing tackle, and other amenities.

Finally, there are luxury yachts, which are the most luxurious of all yachts and typically feature amenities such as jet skis, hot tubs, and full-service bars.

No matter which type of yacht you choose, they all provide a luxurious experience on the water.

Yacht Racing

Yacht racing is one of the most popular activities associated with yachts, and it has a long and storied history.

Yacht racing dates back to the 1800s and has been a popular pastime ever since.

The sport is often divided into two main categories: offshore and inshore racing.

Offshore racing involves navigating the open waters of the ocean, while inshore racing is confined to the waters near shore.

In both types of racing, yachts compete against each other to see who can complete the course in the shortest amount of time.

Yacht racing is typically governed by the rules and regulations of the International Sailing Federation, which sets out a standard for the equipment and safety of the yachts and the sailors onboard.

Yacht racing is a highly competitive sport, and it is a great way to test the skills and strategies of the crew.

There are a variety of different classes of yacht racing, ranging from small dinghies and keelboats to large ocean-going yachts.

The most prestigious class of yacht racing is the America’s Cup, which is the oldest and most prestigious sailing race in the world.

The America’s Cup has been held since 1851 and is now held every four years in a different location.

Yacht racing is an exciting and challenging sport, and it is one of the most popular activities associated with yachts.

Whether it is a day sail or a full-fledged race, yacht racing is a great way to experience the thrill of sailing and the camaraderie of the crew.

Yacht Charters & Cruising

When people think of yachts, they usually think of luxury and leisurely cruising around the ocean.

Yacht charters have become increasingly popular, allowing people to enjoy the freedom of the open seas without having to purchase their own yacht.

Yacht charters offer a variety of packages, depending on the size and amenities of the yacht, the type of cruise being taken, and the number of people being accommodated.

Chartering a yacht is a great way to explore a variety of destinations and enjoy a variety of activities, from fishing and swimming to sightseeing and sunbathing.

Yacht charters typically include a professional crew to manage the vessel, as well as a variety of amenities such as a chef, cabin crew, and a variety of water toys.

Some charter companies even offer special packages for romantic getaways, corporate retreats, or special occasions.

Safety is always a priority when it comes to yacht charters, and all vessels must adhere to strict safety regulations.

All vessels must be inspected and certified by the relevant maritime authority and must be equipped with the necessary safety equipment.

Yacht charters are typically subject to local laws and regulations and must be operated in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Whether youre looking for a private escape or a unique corporate event, yacht charters offer a luxurious and convenient way to explore the open seas.

From discovering new destinations to enjoying the comforts of home away from home, yacht charters provide an unforgettable experience for all.

The History of Yachts

The term yacht has been around since the 1600s, and it has come to represent a broad range of luxurious recreational boats.

The word itself is derived from the Dutch term jacht, which translates to hunt.

In the 1600s, yachts were used for military purposes, such as scouting and patrolling.

Over time, however, the term yacht has come to refer to any large, luxurious recreational boat.

Modern yachts are typically larger than other recreational boats, and range from modest day-sailers to luxury mega-yachts with all the amenities of a home.

Yachts are typically crewed by professional or paid crew and can be used for activities such as fishing, cruising, racing, and even as a floating holiday home.

The evolution of the yacht has been quite remarkable.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, yachts were primarily used by the wealthy and elite to show off their wealth and status.

Yachts of this era were often quite elaborate and ornate, with richly decorated decks, lavish interior spaces, and even an onboard orchestra.

As technology improved, so did the capabilities of yachts.

In the late 1920s, the modern sailing yacht was invented and became the norm, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient sailing experience.

In the mid-20th century, motor yachts were developed, making navigation and speed much easier.

By the latter part of the 20th century, yacht builders began to focus more on luxury and comfort, with modern yachts featuring amenities such as spas, fitness centers, multiple decks, luxurious cabins, and more.

Today, yachts are still seen as a symbol of wealth and status, and there is a great deal of competition in the luxury yacht market.

There are many different types of yachts to choose from, from modest day-sailers to mega-yachts that can cost millions of dollars.

Yachts of all sizes can be used for a variety of activities, from fishing, cruising, and racing, to simply enjoying the beauty of the open sea.

The Yacht Lifestyle

Yachting is more than just a leisure activity; it is a lifestyle.

From the outside, it might appear to be a glamorous and luxurious pursuit, but there is much more to it than that.

Yachting is a unique way of life that is rich in adventure, exploration, and relaxation.

It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to explore the world in a more intimate and luxurious way.

Yachting provides an opportunity to experience the world in a way that is both exciting and luxurious.

Whether it be racing around the world or simply enjoying the gentle breeze of a summer day, yachting is a great way to explore the world.

You can explore remote destinations, experience different cultures, and even explore the depths of the sea.

With a yacht, the possibilities are truly endless.

The yacht lifestyle is also a great way to relax and enjoy the finer things in life.

With a yacht, you can enjoy the luxury of a five-star hotel, complete with a dedicated crew to cater to your needs.

On board, you can enjoy fine dining, top-shelf drinks, and all the amenities of a luxurious hotel.

You can also take advantage of the yacht’s amenities, such as a gym, swimming pool, spa, and even a movie theater.

The yacht lifestyle also offers the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships.

With a yacht, you can travel to different ports and meet new people from all over the world.

You can also host events on board, from intimate dinner parties to large gatherings.

At the end of the day, the yacht lifestyle is about living life to the fullest.

It is about exploring the world in luxury and relaxation.

It is about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you are a racing enthusiast or simply looking for a way to escape from the everyday grind, the yacht lifestyle is an unparalleled experience that is sure to provide a lifetime of memories.

Luxury Amenities of Yachts

When it comes to luxury and comfort, yachts are in a class of their own.

From plush furnishings and spacious cabins to state-of-the-art entertainment systems and private chef-prepared meals, yachts have all the amenities of a home but with the added benefit of being able to take them anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re looking to cruise the Mediterranean, fish the Pacific, or just relax in the Caribbean, yachts are the perfect way to do it in style.

Most yachts come equipped with fully-stocked wet bars, hot tubs, and even private movie theaters, making them the perfect place to entertain family and friends.

There are also plenty of options when it comes to entertainment, from game rooms to fishing equipment, and even water-sports equipment for those looking for a more active vacation.

Yachts also come equipped with the latest navigation and communications systems, so you can stay connected with the world even when you’re out at sea.

With satellite-based communication, you can even stay connected with friends and family back home.

Finally, when it comes to luxury amenities, yachts are the perfect way to pamper yourself.

From private spa treatments to personal chefs and masseuses, yachts provide the perfect opportunity to indulge and relax in style.

Final Thoughts

Yacht is a term that has a long and fascinating history, and today there are a variety of yachts that range from modest day-sailers to luxurious mega-yachts.

Yachts can be used for a variety of activities such as racing and cruising, and also offer a unique lifestyle with various luxury amenities.

If you’re looking to experience the luxury of a yacht, consider chartering one for a special occasion or take a sailing course to learn more about the yacht lifestyle.

No matter what, you’re sure to have a memorable 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.

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What are Luxury Yachts?

Luxury Yachts can be either sail or motor driven, and are defined by their opulent appearance and the phenomenal expense of their cost and maintenance.

They are like floating palaces, with no expense spared.

Luxury yachts are privately owned and privately crewed, and the maintenance and crewing costs work out, yearly on average, to be 10% of the original buy price. When luxury yachts can cost anything between $2 million to $460 million, they really are the privilege of the very wealthy.

Super Yachts vs Mega Yachts

The main differentiation between luxury yachts is size.

A super yacht is deemed to be anything above 80 feet , whilst a mega yacht refers to anything above 200 feet .

Sailing vs Motor Yachts

Traditionally sailing is a more stimulating, relaxed experienced whilst motor yachts have a more formal reputation. However, the lines between the two are becoming blurred with many new sailing boats being built to motor yacht specifications, and with motor yacht owners loosening up and allowing a more relaxed atmosphere between crew and passengers.

Sailing is still considered the more informal, exhilarating and challenging travel experience, conjuring up images of wind in the hair, salty spray, etc. Crew members are expected and encouraged to multi-task, and so have greater scope to learn and use more skills.

However, sailing can be difficult and dangerous in certain conditions, the pay is less than on board a motor yacht, and the crew accommodation is often cramped.

Motor yachts usually pay better, and staff enjoy more perks such as roomier cabins and work space.

However, roles are generally very defined, therefore is less/no scope to learn new skills. Also standards of appearance are much higher and rules of etiquette must be adhered to.

Private vs Charter Yachts

Private Yachts are used solely by the owner and their guests. Charter Yachts can be used by anyone who can pay to use them.

Choosing to work on a private or charter yacht will offer a very different experience, so it is important to consider the pros and cons of both before deciding which option to pursue.

Private Yachts

Private Yachts, depending on the owner, can offer a great lifestyle and more stability, in that you know what is expected, the itinerary can be for up to a year in advance, perks in the form of bonuses from the owner, such as accompanying on trips/excursions, more time off, longer time alongside etc.

However the pay is not as good as charters, also your work experience depends on whether you have a 'good' boss, captain and crew.

Charter Yachts

Charter Yachts offer great pay potential. On top of your wages, it is usual for charter guests to tip 10% of the charter cost, which can end up a sizeable sum of money. For example a $100,000 charter could give a $10,000 tip to be split between the crew. With back to back charters over the busy seasons this can soon mount up.

However, paying out these sums for a charter, guests will expect the crew to work long and hard, being on call 24/7. You will rarely, if ever, enjoy trips/excursions alongside the guests. Also, turn-around between charters is often just 24 hours – therefore crew can quickly become tired and this in turn affects the dynamics on board.

US vs Foreign Flag Yachts

The flag a yacht sails under signifies its country of registration, the jurisdiction the yacht is under, and therefore the rules and legislation the yacht and crew are governed by.

This is very important for potential crew, as a US flag will mean only US Citizens, or people allowed to work in the US (eg Green Card Holders) can work on board.

Anybody, however, can work on a foreign-flagged ship, as long as the correct visa is obtained.

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Yacht definitions: What is a yacht? And does it need to have sails?

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By far the most common question we get asked here at Motor Boat & Yachting is ‘how can you call that a yacht if it doesn’t have sails?’ Here we explain why a boat doesn’t need sails to be called a yacht...

What’s in a name? Quite a lot if you’re a yacht! Not only are the names of yachts a source of endless amusement, but by defining your boat as a yacht in the first place, you’re setting up certain expectations.

Yacht definitions: A brief history

Whilst boating for fun dates back to Ancient Egypt and possibly even further than that, the word yacht comes from the Dutch ‘jachtschip’, which means hunting ship. Jachts were originally a class of sailboat used in the 16th century to hunt down enemies of the Dutch Republic.

However by the 19th century the term ‘yachting’ had developed to mean recreational boating in general, and with the advent of steam boats, sails were no longer the only method of propulsion available to Victorian yachtsmen.

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In the early 20th century (1904 to be precise), our humble magazine was launched under its original title The Motor Boat , but by the 1950s the ‘& Yachting’ suffix had been added to refer to the general pastime enjoyed by motorboat owners. We even reviewed the occasional motorsailer for those who liked to enjoy the benefits of both power and sail.

Today’s Motor Boat & Yachting is dedicated purely to powered leisure vessels from 25-125ft with the occasional foray above and below that when interest dictates. Current editor Hugo Andreae insists that he is ‘terminology agnostic’ saying, “I’m not bothered whether people refer to their boats as yachts, cruisers, power boats or gin palaces just so long as they enjoy using them. But for the record my 22ft Karnic is definitely a gigayacht!”

Editor Hugo’s Karnic 2250 is his family’s pride and joy, but should it be called a yacht?

What makes a yacht, a yacht?

Some would argue that a yacht has to have sails, and as we’ve seen, that was originally the case, but we here at Motor Boat & Yachting beg to differ, as its common to refer to large motorboats as motoryachts, superyachts or even megayachts without any expectation that they would have sails.

Others assert that a yacht should have to have a cabin in order for it to be fully considered a yacht, or that it has to measure at least 10m in length. If that’s the case then some longer narrowboats could be technically considered as yachts, although you’d be hard pushed to find anyone who agrees with that definition.

The final test for something to be considered a yacht is harder to pin down, but it is generally accepted that all yachts have to have a certain aesthetic or architectural appeal in order to earn this haughty moniker.

The advent of internal combustion in the 19th Century allowed motor yachts, like this fine example from Camper & Nicholsons, to be launched. Photo: Getty Images

Whether a boat is worthy of being called a yacht is clearly subjective, but there’s one thing we won’t budge over – it certainly doesn’t have to have sails!

If it’s sailing yachts specifically that you’re interested in, you won’t find many of them here, but we can heartily recommend our sister titles Yachting Monthly and Yachting World , who know much more about them than we do.

Bigger yacht definitions: Superyacht, megayacht or gigayacht?

Beyond the simple term yacht, there are a few other yacht definitions worth clarifying. The most commonly used of which is superyacht .

The debate still rages over what constitutes a superyacht. Any pleasure yacht with a load line length of 24m or more (not length overall or waterline length as is often misquoted) and a gross tonnage of 80GT is classified as a Large Yacht under MCA coding rules, causing a number of additional regulations to kick in, most crucially the requirement for the skipper to hold a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. This is the closest thing to a technical definition of a superyacht.

At 180m Azzam is currently the largest yacht in the world, but an 183m gigayacht called REV is currently under construction in Norway. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

However, while this used to mean most leisure boats with an overall length (LOA) of 80ft or more fell into the Large Yacht category, yards have become so adept at designing bigger boats with a load line length of just under 24m that many craft with an LOA of 90ft or more still count as regular pleasure vessels.

For that reason some people prefer to use the simpler definition of a superyacht being any privately owned vessel with an LOA of 100ft or more. Even then some would argue that a true superyacht should be a custom built yacht of at least 35m or 120ft.

Such is the inflationary pressure on yacht sizes and terminology that the term superyacht itself has begun to lose currency among the yachting elite. Owners of craft over 50m now use the term megayacht to categorise their larger vessels, while the lesser-spotted gigayacht is reserved for yachts over 100m.

Fewer than 100 gigayachts have been built to date, making this the rarest of rare breeds. That said with the world’s largest yacht now measuring over 183m, it’s surely only a matter of time before the 200m mark will be broken and yet another term will be needed. Got any suggestions? Drop us an e-mail: [email protected]

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• 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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Yacht classification definitions

The merchant shipping sector is ruled by safety regulations developed since the beginning of the 20th century, and is familiar with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL and Load Lines. But the application of common safety requirements to pleasure vessels is something relatively new – a continuous work in progress – and is very much dependant on the service and the flag of the yacht.

Defining the problems

Definitions do not help. How often have we read of large yachts, superyachts, megayachts, gigayachts or other bombastic adjectives? How many times have we mentioned MCA, RINA, and Lloyd’s, without having a clear idea of who’s doing what?

A good starting point for understanding the subject is to clarify the main definitions and the roles of the main players:

Large yacht

A large yacht is a pleasure vessel with a load line length equal to or over 24m. Almost all the flag administrations have adopted safety codes dedicated to large yachts and this is, therefore, the only definition having a universal meaning in the international regulatory framework of yachts.

Commercial yacht

A motor or sailing vessel in commercial use (i.e. charter) for sport and pleasure, carrying no cargo and not more than 12 passengers.

Private yacht

A pleasure vessel solely used for the recreational and leisure purpose of its owner and his guests.

Flag administration

The government of the state whose flag the yacht is entitled to fly . This administration sets the safety regulations, manning requirements and fiscal aspects relevant to the yacht registration.

Different flag administrations can inspect the safety aspects of yachts with their own inspectors (see MCA for example) or delegate this activity partially or totally to other recognised bodies such as the classification societies.

The main flag authorities in the yachting industry are: The UK-MCA, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Italy and Luxembourg.

Classification societies

Organisations that establish and apply technical standards in relation to the design, construction and survey of ships.

Classification rules are developed to assess the structural strength and integrity of the essential parts of the hull, the reliability and function of the propulsion, steering systems, power generation and all the other features installed on board which contribute to guarantee the main essential services.

In addition to this ‘third party check’ function, class societies carry out statutory duties on behalf of the major flag administrations in accordance with specific delegation agreements signed with each government.

The main class societies involved in yachting are: American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd, Lloyd’s Register, and RINA.

Large yachts: Applicable rules and certificates

Private yachts

The mandatory requirements for these boats are very light. For the majority of flag states, a registration survey and a tonnage measurement, carried out by an authorised surveyor, are sufficient.

The only mandatory international conventions are those relevant to the marine environment: MARPOL and the Anti-Fouling System Convention.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is intended to eliminate the intentional pollution and to minimise the accidental pollution of the marine environment caused by harmful substances.

The Anti-Fouling System Convention’s purpose is to eliminate the presence of harmful substances for the marine environment contained in anti-fouling paints applied to ships.

Classification

While classification is not mandatory, building and maintaining a private yacht in class is the only evidence that the boat has been designed, constructed and operated in compliance with appropriate technical standards. It is therefore highly desirable, especially in relation to insurance and re-sale purposes.

Commercial yachts

All flag administrations require commercial yachts to be certified in accordance with a specific large yacht safety code.

The most popular of these safety codes, and the first that was developed, is the MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2) published in 2004. It replaced the Code of Practice for the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels (LY1) published in 1997.

LY2 is applied by the Red Ensign Group Flags (UK, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Bermuda, Gibraltar, British Virgin Islands, etc.) and is recognised as a reference standard for all the yachting industry.

Other flags have developed similar codes. Luxembourg, Italy, Marshall Islands, Malta, Belize and The Netherlands are some examples.

While introducing a stricter set of rules and regulations compared to private yachts, commercial registration offers yacht owners the possibility of making a profit from the chartering activity of their boats, and allows them to take advantage of all the other benefits of a commercial operation (in particular VAT exemption on the purchase, sale, bunkering, provisions, dry-docking, and others).

Mandatory certificates

The number and type of the mandatory certificates depends on the size of the vessel; the following is an indicative list:

• International Tonnage Certificate : A measurement of the internal volumes of the yacht expressed in gross tons (GT). This measurement should not be confused with displacement tonnage, which quantifies the weight of a vessel.
• Large Yacht Code Certificate : Covers life-saving appliances, fire protection and means of escape, navigational and signalling equipment, intact and damaged stability, manning and crew accommodation.
• Class Certificate : This mainly deals with the yacht’s hull, machinery, electrical equipment and outfitting.
• International Load Line Certificate : This certifies the weather-tightness of the yacht.
• Safety Radio Certificate : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 300GT This concerns the radio communication and distress installations.
• MARPOL Annex I Certificate : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT This deals with the disposal of oil and bilge water from machinery spaces.
• MARPOL Annex IV Certificate : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400 or the yacht is certified to carry over 15 persons. This deals with the disposal of sewage from ships.
• MARPOL Annex V : This is applicable to all ships. It covers the disposal of rubbish.
• MARPOL Annex VI : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT as well as to all main and auxiliary engines with a power exceeding 130kW. It concerns the emissions from main and auxiliary engines (NOx and SOx).
• Safety Construction and Safety Equipment : These are additional prescriptions on machinery, electrical parts, life-saving and navigational equipment for yachts with a gross tonnage above 500GT.
• International Safety Management Certificate : This is only applicable to yachts having a gross tonnage greater than 500GT. A certified management company is requested to carry out this service, preparing operational manuals, procedures for drills, and taking care of the maintenance of the yacht and its installations.
• International Ship and Port Security Certificate : This is only applicable to yachts having a gross tonnage greater than 500GT and deals with the anti-piracy certification. A certified management company is requested to provide the ashore assistance and establish on-board procedures and operational manuals.

The GT Factor

The gross tonnage value (GT) is a key issue, not only as a reference for the registration fees applied by the different flag administrations, but also because it determines whether an international convention, rather than a particular safety standard, applies to a yacht.

The table below summarises how the conventions and relevant certificates come into force depending on the gross tonnage of the yacht. In particular, the following values may have a critical impact:

300GT: In many codes, when you reach this value the yacht must be certified in unrestricted service (stricter requirements regarding stability, load line and life-saving appliances).

400GT: This is the threshold for almost all the environmental conventions such as MARPOL and Anti-fouling System.

500GT: This is the threshold for the application of the SOLAS Convention, meaning stricter requirements on machinery, safety systems, materials of construction, fire protection, life-saving appliances and navigational equipment. Furthermore an external certified management company is requested for the ISM and ISPS certifications.

The tonnage issue could also arise on existing yachts when undertaking major refits or modifications, in that any change to the internal volumes of the boat – such as adding enclosed deckhouses or superstructures, or modifying the hull transom or bow – will modify the tonnage value with the risk of subjecting the yacht to stricter mandatory rules.

UPDATE: Since this article was originally published, LY2 has been superseded by Large Commercial Yacht Code Revision 3 (LY3) .

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A Luxury yacht (also super-yacht, large yacht and mega-yacht) is a very expensive, privately owned, professionally crewed sailing or motor yacht. There is no industry-wide standard for the difference between super-yacht and mega-yacht. The only legal distinction is between yachts above 24 metres (79 ft) and below, as in some countries those above 24 meters must have a permanent crew onboard. This term began to appear at the beginning of the 20th century, when wealthy individuals constructed large private yachts for personal pleasure, such as Charles Henry Fletcher's Jemima F. III, at 111 feet, the largest motor-powered yacht in the world in 1908. More examples of early luxury motor yachts include the Cox & King yachts, Charles L. Seabury and Company's yachts, M/Y (motor yacht) Christina O, and M/Y Savarona.

Between 1997 and 2008, there was a massive growth in the number, size, and popularity of large private or super-sized luxury yachts in the 24-to-70-metre (79 to 230 ft) size range. Luxury yachts, mega-yachts, or super-yachts typically have no real home port as such, although a yacht must be registered in a port of the country where its flag state is registered. Popular flag state registrars for large yachts are Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands, Isle of Man, and the British Virgin Islands, among others. (Many times the yacht will have never been to these ports.) They are particularly bountiful in the Mediterranean Sea in summer and the Caribbean Sea in winter. Some can be chartered (rented) for sums of up to 1 million Euro per week. Yachts will dock in a port of choosing while the crew does maintenance work and waits for owners or guests to arrive. The vessels then will do short cruises with the owners and/or guests aboard. Typical destinations in Spain and the French and Italian Rivieras include Cannes, Antibes, St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Porto Cervo, Puerto Banús, Puerto Portals, and Palma, Majorca, although increasingly luxury yachts are cruising in more remote areas of the world. Antigua is one of the main ports in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean and hosts a Charter Show at the beginning of the winter season.

While the demand for new luxury yachts has slowed somewhat since 2009, 2011 has seen a small rebound with launches from many of the top yards. The 163.5 metres (536 ft) M/Y Eclipse , was built by Blohm + Voss for Russian businessman Roman Abramovich [ 1 ] and the 180 metres (590 ft) Azzam launched in 2013 are the largest private yachts in the world. Luxury boatbuilding and yacht charter companies are predominantly based in Western Europe and the United States but are also increasingly found in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

As of 2016 there were about 10,000 luxury yachts, worldwide, over 24 metres in length. The annual production rate was reported to be around 150. [ 2 ]

Some yachts are used exclusively by their private owners, others are operated all year round as charter businesses, and a large number are privately owned but available for charter part-time. The weekly charter rate of luxury yachts around the world ranges from tens of thousands to over a million dollars/euros. Expenses of approximately 20–30%, such as food, fuel, and berthing are charged as an extra, called the advance provisioning allowance. The luxury yacht charter industry functions effectively because private yacht owners mitigate their running costs with charter income as well as keeping their yachts and crew in top running order. Conversely, private charterers charter yachts (rather than owning them) because it is generally considered to be less expensive, and less hassle, than owning a yacht and it also provides them with extra choice related to yacht type, location and crew. [ 3 ]

3. Design and Layout

Yachts from 24 metres (79 ft) and up qualify for design awards, but given the number of yachts exceeding 100 feet, many set the minimum length for a super-yacht higher. A 45-to-50-metre (148 to 164 ft) yacht, the smallest with a generally accepted claim to super-yacht status, will usually be a three-decker with cabins for 10–12 guests and for a crew of a similar size. The accommodation on this type of yacht is typically as follows:

• Lower deck: exterior swimming platform at the stern; four (sometimes five) guest cabins with en-suite bath aft; engine room amidships; crew quarters forward.
• Main deck: sheltered exterior deck aft leading into the saloon; dining room and galley; entrance amidships; owner's suite forward, usually includes a study, and sometimes a second stateroom for a personal assistant/bodyguard.
• Upper deck: exterior deck aft, often used for outdoor dining; second saloon (often called the sky lounge); sixth stateroom will be amidships if it is not on the lower deck or part of the owner's suite; captain's cabin; bridge.
• Sun deck: the uppermost deck, often features a jacuzzi and sometimes a glass-enclosed gym (which can also be below decks or even part of the owner's suite).

A 50-metre yacht will have one or more luxury yacht tenders for reaching shore and other "toys" which may include a speed boat or sailing boat, personal water craft, windsurfing and diving equipment and a banana boat. Up-to-date yachts have multiple televisions and satellite communications.

The number of very large yachts has increased rapidly since the 1990s, and increasingly only yachts above around 65 metres (213 ft) stand out among other luxury yachts. Yachts of this size are almost always built to individual commissions and cost tens of millions of dollars (most super-yachts cost far more than their owners' homes on land, even though those homes are likely to be among the largest and most opulent). A yacht of this size usually has four decks above the waterline and one or two below. It is likely to have a helicopter landing platform. Apart from additional guest cabins, which are likely to include one or more "VIP suites" besides the owner's suite, extra facilities compared to a 50-metre (160 ft) yacht will include some or all of the following: indoor jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms, a beauty salon, massage and other treatment rooms, a medical centre, a disco (usually the same space as the sky lounge or saloon, transformed into a dance area when furnishings are moved aside and special lighting activated), a cinema, plunge pool (possibly with a wave-maker), a playroom, and additional living areas such as a separate bar, secondary dining room, private sitting rooms or a library. There will be more boats and "toys" than there are on a 50-metre (160 ft).

4. Giga-Yacht

Giga yachts is a hyperbolic term that first emerged in reference to megayachts, a.k.a. superyachts, in the mid-2000s. Power & Motoryacht magazine's popular Megayachts forum, which was online from the early 1990s to 2012 (now offline), had an ongoing discussion about the term, since luxury yachts at that time were getting larger and larger, exceeding 300 feet in length (about 91 meters). The words megayacht and super-yacht basically mean the same thing, despite the term super-yacht being more prevalent outside of U.S. these days. The word megayacht was coined by yacht broker George Nicholson of Camper & Nicholsons, quoted in one of the first issues of Power & Motoryacht magazine in 1985 as well as subsequent media reports elsewhere. [ 4 ] (As of 2012) , yachts above 100 metres (330 ft) are still rare but increasingly more common, with an estimated 32 on the water. [ 1 ] They typically have five decks above the water line and one below. They incorporate many of the same features that smaller mega-yachts do, such as helicopter landing areas and swimming pools, though given their extra length, they also feature helicopter hangars and miniature submarines.

The crew required to operate a large or super-sized luxury yacht can number from 8 members for a 120 ft yacht, to a complement of 70 for a yacht the size of Eclipse . The crew is made up of a captain, first mate or officer, chief engineer, engineers, bosun, personal chef, crew chef, deckhands, purser, and stewards. Luxury yachts are maintained by crew all year round but will often scale down to a skeleton crew during the seasons that the owners are not on board and no charters are booked. Most crew members live on board and are paid a monthly salary, with most living expenses covered by the owner. Live-on-board crews do not pay rent, food, electricity or water bills. All luxury yachts have crew areas below deck, which consist of a crew mess, crew cabins and laundry. While most crew cabins contain bunk beds, there are captains and chief engineers who, on the larger yachts, have their own cabins. There are no set hours that crew members work each week. The hours depend greatly on how often the owners are on board, how often it is chartered and on what hours the captain sets when there are no guests on board. The crew can be hired through crew agencies or various websites.

• Top 100 Largest Super-yachts, Boat International, 2012, http://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/the-register/top-100-largest-yachts/, retrieved 1 February 2012 
• Nineham, Laura (August 22, 2016). "Megayachts explained" (in en). https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/mega-yachts-explained--27357. 
• Bestic, Ralph (May 22, 2017). "5 superyachts to charter". Australian Financial Review (Melbourne: Fairfax Media). http://www.afr.com/brand/afr-magazine/5-superyachts-to-charter-20170403-gvcfmc. 
• Goodstein, Laurie (October 7, 1990). "Traveling Yacht Owners Giving Pricey Harbor Basins the Slip : Real estate: None have sold at glamourous North Cove port. 'Dockominium' values range up to $2.5 million.". Washington Post (Washington). http://articles.latimes.com/1990-10-07/news/mn-2830_1_north-cove. 

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Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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• Cars, Jets & Yachts

How to Charter a Superyacht

Navigating the world of yacht charters can be tricky; our guide breaks down what you need to know.

By Kim Ayling

With privacy and flexibility remaining high on UHNW’s vacation checklist, chartering a superyacht is more appealing than ever. Picture, your own boat, a dedicated crew, a fully customizable route and a select group of your nearest and dearest – what could be better? However, the world of private yacht chartering can be as elusive as it is luxurious, making hiring your own boat a tricky process – especially for first-timers.

From the pros and cons of enlisting the help of a broker and choosing the perfect vessel, to understanding when to book and planning your itinerary – not to mention the all-important question of how much it costs to charter a luxury yacht – there are plenty of hurdles before you reach the water. To help you and your guests enjoy a worry-free vacation out on the ocean, we has compiled a comprehensive guide to chartering a superyacht.

[See more: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

What is a yacht charter?

If you’re new to the world of yacht chartering, even the language can be alienating. A yacht charter is the process of exclusively hiring a yacht for yourself and your guests.

While most charters are for leisure, be it with friends or family, some individuals and companies choose to hire a yacht for business-related reasons, with the undivided service and uncompromised privacy making boats an excellent place to hold meetings and conferences, while simultaneously impressing clients.

The length of a yacht charter depends entirely on your needs; some choose to book for a long weekend or even just a matter of hours if hosting a meeting, whereas others opt for an extended vacation and may charter a yacht for several weeks or even months. Regardless of duration or motive, privately hiring a yacht is always considered a charter.

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[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

What is a yacht charter broker?

Using a broker to charter a yacht is at your discretion; however, if it is your first time chartering, using a broker is highly recommended – especially when hiring a larger-than-life superyacht. Yacht brokers will draw on a large network of connections and extensive industry knowledge to help find the best vessel for your unique requirements, as well as the best price.

Once you’ve had an initial consultation, a broker will typically offer a selection of yachts that suit your needs and help you make a final decision. From here, the yacht broker will handle the entire booking process, from securing the initial boat booking to planning each element of your onboard itinerary, including docking points. A reputable yacht charter broker will also be available to contact throughout the duration of your time on board, giving you and your guests complete peace of mind.

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Occasionally, first-time charters mistakenly think that booking directly will shave some digits off the total cost, but it actually falls on the yacht owner/charter company to pay the broker fees – not the charterer. In fact, you will often find that a broker will rely on their insider connections to secure the best deal for their clients.

When it comes to choosing a yacht broker you have plenty to choose from, but names like Burgess , Fraser and Northrop & Jonson dominate the superyacht realm. Some people opt for a freelance yacht charter broker, but we’d suggest only heading down this route if you have a pre-existing relationship or they come highly recommended by someone you trust. You should also ensure that any broker you work with is a member of the MYBA Worldwide Yachting Association.

[See more: Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World]

How to choose a yacht

While your yacht broker will do the hard work when it comes to choosing a yacht, calling upon their wide boat knowledge to present a selection of yachts to you, to be able to do this properly they will need a solid understanding of your preferences, requirements and budget.

The key things you should consider when chartering a superyacht are: the number of guests you want to bring on board (remember the legal limit for most yachts is 12 overnight guests, including personal staff); whether or not the yacht needs to be child-friendly, the amount of indoor/outdoor space you’d like on board; where you’d like to travel; and the onboard amenities you’d like – for example, is an indoor swimming pool a priority or does a dancefloor sound more appealing?

The type of yachting vacation you’re seeking is also important when choosing a boat. For intrepid travelers with a taste for adventure, a sturdier explorer yacht such as Silver Yachts’ Bold or Ragnar by Royal Niestern Sand would be more suitable than a classic yacht, designed for luxury and comfort.

However, if it is your first time chartering a superyacht, don’t feel concerned about going in clueless – your yacht broker will be able to guide you through every step of choosing a vessel.

[See also: The Great Edventure: The Best Educational Charter Yachts]

Bareboat vs skippered superyacht charter

When chartering a luxury yacht, you will sometimes be given the choice between a ‘bareboat’ or ‘skippered’ charter – bareboat being a crewless charter and skippered including a full complement of staff. However, you will find that when verging into superyacht territory, all charters are skippered for both your safety and comfort.

Typical crew members will include a captain, engineer, second and third officers, bosun, chef, chief stew, and one or more stewards. Your broker can help explain the roles of each, as well as support with hiring additional crew members.

For example, if you have a taste for adventure, ensure that there is a watersports instructor within the crew. Looking for a more relaxing onboard experience? Ask your broker to look into securing a masseuse for your journey.

When to book a superyacht charter

When to begin booking a yacht charter is an important question. Leading charter company Northrop & Johnson recommends reaching out to a broker no later than 10 months in advance if you want to travel during peak times (July and August in the summer season, Christmas and New Year during winter), and three to six months ahead for quieter periods. However, with popular yachts booking up as much as a year in advance, it’s advisable to reach out to a broker at least 12 months ahead of time if you have specific boat or date requirements.

When booking in advance, remember that local events will heavily impact availability. For example, if you’re planning a European tour, take note of events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix when both vessels and docking spaces will be in high demand.

[See also: Burgess Yachts Reveals Marine Conservation Program]

How much does it cost to charter a superyacht?

It’s no secret that yacht charters are expensive, with many first-timers unprepared for the hidden costs. It’s generally accepted that the biggest price indicator of a yacht charter is boat size – so if you’re heading into superyacht territory, expect an impressive fee.

However, other factors will impact the cost of chartering a superyacht , such as crew reputation, ship design and the age of the vessel. For example, Fraser Yachts offer a week on the 298.5-ft Moonlight II which was first built in 2005 from €750,000 (approximately $815,000), but prices for the 278-ft Solandge, which was built in 2013 and refitted in 2019, begin at €1m ($1.1m) per week.

Although some charter costs are inclusive, meaning expenses such as captain and crew, fuel, food and drink are included, you’ll find that a ‘plus expenses’ charter is more common. With such charters, only the crew and ship are included in the price, an ‘Advance Provisioning Allowance’ (APA) is used to cover the necessary extras and is usually around 30% of the weekly charter fee. What the APA doesn’t cover, however, is crew gratuity which, although given at your discretion, is very much expected, with the going rate around 15-20%.

To avoid tarnishing your vacation with unexpected fees and charges, ask your broker for a full price breakdown beforehand, including any potential docking fees and additional taxes.

[See more: These are the 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World]

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British tech magnate Mike Lynch, 2 US citizens among missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily

15 people were rescued and one body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, by andrea rosa and nicole winfield | the associated press • published august 19, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 6:21 pm.

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury sailing yacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was  acquitted in June  in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.

One body was recovered, and police divers spent the day trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. They returned to the site after 10 p.m. to see if it would be possible to search through the night, when weather conditions were expected to worsen, said Luca Cari, spokesman of the fire rescue service.

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It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn't as badly damaged and helped rescue some of the 15 survivors, who included Lynch's wife Angela Bacares.

The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast — one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

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One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Golunski, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. The father, James Emsley, also survived, said Cocina.

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Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, said he had noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realized the ship had simply disappeared, ANSA and the Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported. Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Eight of those rescued were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Cari, the fire rescue spokesperson. The rescue operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

#Palermo , naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all’esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [ #19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. “I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said.

Among the dead and missing, four were British, two were American, and one was a man with dual citizenship from Canada and Antigua, according to Luciano Pischedda, the Italian Coast Guard official overseeing the rescue operations.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was “providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families.”

Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in life-threatening condition.

Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HP’s  2011 acquisition  of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch.

The  fraud accusations  represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain — a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale.

The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck.

“I’m looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

AP writers Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui contributed from London.

This article tagged under:

‘Industry’ Shocked Fans With Its Biggest Twist Yet: What It Means

SPOILER ALERT!

We unpack that jaw-dropping reveal in Episode 5 of “Industry” that has fans’ heads spinning. Here’s everything you need to know.

Louis Staples

Nick Strasburg/HBO

( Warning: Spoilers ahead for Episode 5 of Industry .)

There’s no getting around it: Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela) is the main character of Industry ’s third season. This season of the HBO drama, which follows the drug-fuelled and cut-throat lives of a group of damaged bankers in London, Harper Stern (Myha'la Herrold) takes on a more supporting role. Instead, the central plot-point has been the disappearance of Yasmin’s father—a wealthy publishing magnate who is rumored to have fled his luxury yacht after decades of embezzlement finally caught up with him.

Where is Charles Hanani? At the end of Season 2, we saw him angrily cutting Yasmin off after she challenged him on his inappropriate sexual relationships with younger women. The third season kicked off with Yasmin and Charles briefly reunited. The pair furiously argued aboard his yacht in the Mediterranean, after Yasmin walked in on her father having sex with a (pregnant) stewardess… in her bed. Through various flashbacks, we have learned about their totally messed-up relationship.

Up until Episode 5 , we had been under the impression that Yasmin’s father would resurface at some point. In his absence, we’ve seen Yasmin suddenly stranded without the generational wealth that has propelled much of her life. Her last name was once a power tool, but now it’s toxic. With her father missing, paparazzi have stalked Yasmin’s every move, portraying her as a fun-loving heiress who lives a party lifestyle off daddy’s stolen money.

Marisa Abela and Harry Lawtey

In Episode 5, we learn that a body has been discovered—and that it is likely to belong to Yasmin’s father. What happened to him? The specifics are still unknown, but it wasn’t until the last minute of the episode that Industry’s third season got its biggest twist yet. In bed with Robert Shearling (Harry Lawtey), Yasmin confessed to killing her father.

As Yasmin and Rob—the “Ross and Rachel” of Industry , if they did cocaine in Central Perk—lay in bed hungover, they giggled about the night before, which they both spent at various private member’s clubs. Rob remarked on the similarities between Henry Muck—an old-money billionaire who is currently infatuated with Yasmin, played by Game of Thrones star Kit Harington —and her father, saying: “You’re destined to marry your dad!” Yasmin laughs, and replies: “That would be impossible… because I killed him!”

Rob rolls over in bed, assuming Yasmin is joking, but then the camera focuses on Yasmin’s face and it’s clear that, unbeknownst to him, she has just let the cat out of the bag.

What does this mean? Up until now, we’ve been given small fragments of arguments between Yasmin and her father on the yacht. And we’ve also been given passing references to the fact that her father may have been sexually abusing her. (“I surround myself with these men, I want them to want me!” Yasmin tells Rob in Sunday’s episode. “I even wanted my dad to like me.” When Rob replies that it’s normal to want your dad to like you, she clarifies that she wanted him to like her “presentationally.”)

Now, the danger for Yasmin isn’t just the paparazzi ruining her reputation, or the lawsuits being filed against her by people who were owed money by her father, but the threat that what really happened will come out.

We still don’t know many details about the precise circumstances of Yasmin killing her father. We only know that he disappeared from the yacht where he was last seen. Harper was also on the yacht that day, and was seen in a flashback comforting a crying Yasmin. Does she know? Was she involved ? (That would go some way to explaining the sudden sisterhood between them this season.) Could Harper use the information to blackmail Yasmin, if their relationship once again goes south?

Yasmin’s character arc—the driving force behind the show’s third season—is the most consequential thing about this twist. For the first two seasons, she was portrayed as a posh nepo baby who had glided from a private school to an elite university then a job in finance where, truthfully, people didn't expect much from her. But now, we’re meeting another character: Yasmin the survivor .

As we learn that her upbringing might have actually been very dark indeed, we’re seeing Yasmin’s thirst for survival. She is desperate to not only prove she belongs at Pierpoint, but also that she deserves her place in elite British society, even without her father. You’d be a fool to bet against her.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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Follow our news, recent searches, four victims on mike lynch yacht died of suffocation, autopsies suggest, advertisement.

Rescue personnel operate on boats on the sea near the scene where a luxury yacht sank, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, on Aug 20, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

PALERMO: Initial examinations of four of the people killed when British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's family yacht sank off Sicily last month indicated they had died of suffocation as oxygen ran out on the stricken vessel, judicial sources said on Thursday (Sep 5).

Lynch, his daughter Hannah, an onboard cook and four guests died when the Bayesian, a British flagged 56-metre superyacht, sank during a severe and sudden weather event off the port of Porticello, near Palermo, on Aug 19.

First results from autopsies on four of the victims - Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith, lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda - suggested that they died from suffocation, having been trapped on the ship.

More forensic tests were ordered, with results expected in the coming weeks, the sources said.

The autopsies on cook Recaldo Thomas and Mike Lynch were expected to be conducted on Friday, with Hannah Lynch due to follow on Saturday.

The bodies of the dead, except for the cook, were found in the cabins on the left-hand side of the boat, where the passengers may have tried to search for remaining bubbles of air, the head of Palermo's Fire Brigade said last month.

James Cutfield, the ship captain, and crew members Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths have been placed under investigation by the Italian authorities for potential manslaughter and shipwreck .

Being investigated does not imply guilt and does not mean formal charges will follow.

Griffiths, who was on watch duty on the night of the disaster, has told investigators that the crew members did everything they could to save those on board the Bayesian, according to comments reported by Italian news agency Ansa last week.

The sinking has puzzled naval experts, who said a vessel like the Bayesian, built by Perini, a high-end yacht manufacturer owned by The Italian Sea Group, should have withstood the storm and, in any case, should not have sunk as quickly as it did.

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