Yachts are vessels designed for recreational and sporting purposes. They come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, technical capabilities, and functional purposes. The following article will provide an overview of the most popular classes of yachts.
Size and Comfort
Yachts can be classified by size, and the smallest yacht that can be rented is about 30-35 feet (10-11 m). The largest yacht possibilities are endless. A yacht that exceeds 55-57 feet (from 16 m) can only be rented with a crew as it requires professional management. The number of cabins with berths on a yacht depends on its size, and the number of people allowed on board. A charter license is issued by the local authorities for each charter yacht, specifying the maximum number of crew members allowed on board. The larger the yacht and the fewer cabins on it, the higher the comfort class of the yacht.
Sailing and Motor Yachts
Sailing yachts use aero and hydrodynamics and are driven by the force of the wind blowing into the sails. The hulls of modern sailing yachts from 30 feet are made of fiberglass and are equipped with an engine. Racing yachts are designed only for racing, with either no cabins or cabins that are not very comfortable. The inner part of the yacht includes the cockpit, the deck, the saloon, the kitchen (galley), cabins, and toilets with showers (latrines).
Motor yachts are comfortable and fast, thanks to their powerful engine. It is possible to cover long distances in a short period of time on a motor yacht. The engine room of a motor yacht houses a generator that provides home comfort even at sea.
Sailing Motor Catamarans
Sailing catamarans are a compromise between sailing yachts and motor yachts. The design of two connected hulls provides more free space in the cockpit, on deck, and in the saloon. They are stable and do not heel as much under sails. Catamarans have good maneuverability and speed, and due to their small draft, they can be moored in the shallowest bays.
Gulets
Gulets are large, comfortable, wooden two-masted yachts that can be sailed or powered. They are distinguished by good maneuverability and stability. They have a wide deck, a low profile in the water, and are traditional ships for sea travel in the Mediterranean. They were initially used for fishing, then as merchant, passenger, and cargo ships. Starting from the second half of the 20th century, gulets are used exclusively for charter and sea holidays.
