What is a yacht/ motor boat?

A yacht was originally defined as a light, fast vessel used to convey important people. The word “yacht” originates from the Dutch word Jacht that means “hunt” or “hunter” in English. Till 1950s, almost all yachts were made of wooden boards or of steel in case of larger yachts. Also, their technology was usually poor. Nowadays, there is a large range of materials and modern amenities on such boats that guarantee advanced handling qualities, adequate interior space, very good and reliable performance and on-board comfort.

The term yacht covers a wide variety of vessels either run by sail, power or even both. In this text, we will write a few words about motor yachts. What is a motor yacht in reality?

A yacht that is not powered by sails & wind is referred to people as a motor yacht. Motor yachts are powered either by diesel or gasoline engine(s). A typical motor yacht has its staterooms separated from the living areas & a spacious living area in between. The cabins, especially the ones on the bigger motor yachts, are as luxurious as a hotel suite. In a few words, such vessels provide comfortable accommodation and plenty of amenities.

Although the speed depends on the model/ type of the yacht, the typical cruising speed is within the 20 knot range with average weight conditions and sea state. Top speeds, between 25 to 60 knots, can be also achieved by special hull-designed or big motor yachts. Their fuel tanks provide autonomy of 60 to 300 nautical miles. It goes without saying that the higher the boat’s weight and speed are the more fuel it consumes.

Such yachts differ in size from as small as 26 feet (approx. 8 meters) to as large as 150 feet (approx. 45 meters). “Small” motor yachts up to 40 feet (approx.12 meters) can be chartered on a bareboat basis while bigger ones can be only chartered on a fully crewed basis (captain, guide, engineer, cook, steward, deck hand etc).

Motor yachts are ideal for people who want to cover larger distances in a shorter period of (charter) time. Most motor boat “enthusiasts” say that a motor yacht’s value is determined by the dimensions of its sundeck, fly bridge and covered aft-deck.

Though it is really important to note that when strong winds (5 plus Beaufort scale) prevail in a cruising area, motor yachts stay in the port since they cannot cruise in rough weather conditions.

For more information on the yachts that Galazio Sailing operates in Greece please click here.

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