Yacht and Yacht Operation
Marin County, San Francisco North Bay, Ca. USA

In modern use, the term yacht applies to two rather different classes of vessels, sailing yachts and power yachts. Traditionally yachts were differentiated from working ships mainly by purpose - yachts were swift and comfortable conveyances of the wealthy and powerful. It was not until the ascendancy of the steamboat and other types of powerboat that sailing vessels as a class became seen as luxury items. Modern use of the term yacht applies to nearly all sailing vessels, other than sailing dinghies, that are used for yacht racing or for pleasure cruising.