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.
The motive force being the wind, sailing is more economical
and environmentally friendly than any other means of propulsion. Motor
yachts depend upon mechanical means for propulsion, typically
an internal combustion engine that burns fossil fuels. These are more
expensive to operate than sailing vessels due to fuel costs and the
large engines typically used. A more economical hybrid type of vessel
is a motor sailing yacht that can use either sail
or motor propulsion (or both) as conditions dictate.
Many 'pure' sailing yachts are also
equipped with a low-power internal-combustion engine for use in conditions
of calm and for when entering or leaving difficult anchorages. Vessels
less than 25ft in length generally carry a petrol outboard-motor of
between 5 and 40 horsepower (3.5 and 30 kW). Larger vessels have in-board
diesel engines, of between 20 and 100 horsepower (15 and 75 kW) depending
on size. In the common 7 m to 14 m (23 to 46 ft) class, engines of
20 to 40 horsepower are the most common.
Information provided by Wikipedia
"The Free encyclopedia"
