The original yacht

Derived from the Dutch term “jagen”, which means to hunt or chase, the word yacht generally refers to a small, fast boat that is excellent for small trips and short cruises. Originally, this meant a fully equipped vessel that was smaller than a pinnace, but large enough to be covered entirely.

Defined as such in 1742, what was classified as a Yacht had changed from previous years and would change in subsequent centuries. Today, as yacht capacities increase, everything from a luxury motorized cruise ship to a private family boat is labeled as one, with all the material prestige that comes with it. But as this type of boat is defined today, it has a rich history that should be known to everyone who calls himself a sailor.

The first yachts

The yacht was the ship of choice for many explorers in the 17th century. Spacious enough to house multiple men, as well as supplies for several months, including fresh produce to ward off the dreaded scurvy, these yachts were fast, agile and seaworthy, perfect for exploring unfamiliar waters. The Duyfken, which dropped the first Western visitors to Australian shores in 1606, was a small 60-ton yacht and, similarly, the New Zealand coastline was first sighted from the deck of said ship 36 years later. .

In addition to being an ideal exploration vessel, the first yachts also played a pivotal role in many great wars and battles. The Dutch favored the yacht as armed tenders and the now famous Duyfken was a critical player in the infamous battle against a blockade of Portuguese ships that essentially ended Iberian dominance of the spice trade in 1601. As warships grew with Improved technology, the yacht settled into the role of messenger during the war, relying on its speed to convey vital information quickly.

The beginnings of pleasure sailing

Boating and boating for pleasure is almost as old as boating. Egyptian pharaohs recognized the splendor of water travel and were buried alongside elaborate barges to transport them through the afterlife in elegance and style. But it was in the late 17th century, many thousands of years later, that the joys of water recreation became more affordable and a part of everyday life.

Sailing like a Dutch invention

It was the great maritime country of the Netherlands that centuries later not only brought the world’s attention to yachting, but also built and essentially invented the first yacht. The huge waterways in and around this Dutch country required the use of rapid river transport to move both goods and people. As the country used these ships to explore the world and trade across the oceans, its wealth grew. This new found wealth naturally expressed itself in finally being able to enjoy this wonderful natural resource of water that had served the people so well.

The pleasure yachts that resulted were fiercely patriotic and many even featured cannons to celebrate their country’s military prowess. Water activities, such as competitive races, parades and mock battles, became a staple of Dutch culture, cementing the yacht’s place in the leisure activities of the future.

The yacht invades Europe

The joys of boating for pleasure spread across the canal to England, ironically thanks to the British Civil War in 1642. Sent to a refuge island to protect the royal lineage, Charles II began boating for fun and soon fell in love with the hobby. . . A period in the Netherlands during his exile only deepened his passion for sailing and when he was finally made king in 1660, he began an enduring royal patronage of sailing as a recreational sport that would reach into modern times.

When the 17th-century Tsar Peter the Great discovered the remains of a yacht gifted to Ivan the Terrible more than a century earlier, he piqued his interest in the hobby. With Russia’s interest in the East and Britain and the Netherlands’ love of sailing slowly spreading to Europe from the West, it wasn’t long before leisure boating was a staple on the European recreational calendar. .

Sail today

Sailing the Mediterranean on a private yacht with the sunset behind you and the turquoise sea shimmering below is an undeniable fantasy for many people. Owning a vacation or vacation home in a particular location is going out of style. This fixed location gets boring after a while and is also restrictive if a country’s climate, political situation, or currency falters. A much more popular alternative is investing in a yacht. This floating vacation home is mobile and can accommodate entire families, allowing vacationers to see the world with their loved ones in five-star luxury.

Today’s yachts are a far cry from the sturdy basic ships used to transport explorers around the ancient world. Equipped with all modern conveniences, businessmen can check their emails, hold conference calls and organize a merger, all before breakfast and a morning swim in the ocean. Motorization, different sizes, increased safety, equipment and technology have all contributed to making sailing a viable and attractive alternative for vacationers.

The yacht charter boom

As an alternative to owning a yacht, aspiring sailors can charter a yacht from a yacht brokerage. These renowned companies, such as Yachting Partners International, will take care of all the finer details, allowing vacationers to simply relax on the seas as their Dutch ancestors intended. Comprehensive itineraries can be planned according to the interest of each individual and all matters related to administration, catering and service will be maintained by that company. Far from the strenuous sailing of the past, this recreational activity has endured over the centuries to become a luxury activity.