Why don't they go sailing?

Yachts used to rot in harbour. Now they just sit there gathering expensive, esoteric gear. Noel Dilly looks at the packed berths, scratches his head and wonders why

- Noel Dilly

Why do so many apparently well-kept yachts rarely leave their berths? Boats are expensive to keep. Owning a marina-berthed yacht demands affluence or sacrifice. They don’t sail, so what are they for?

Are they status symbols? Probably not, or else why would they all look so similar? Yachts are difficult to flaunt at land-dwelling friends and neighbours.

A sure indicator of the intended use of these boats is the trend for them to get bigger and bigger, larger than the average owner can handle alone. This is a great way to avoid leaving the marina.

These yachts have all the latest gear. The demand for this equipment is reflected in the change in boat shows, which used to be places for buying small, useful items. Now, an exhibitor must show gear beyond the pocket of most visitors. Once everyone knew what things were, now teams of delightful experts must demonstrate the kit and its exotic, esoteric functions. Boat shows are driven by market forces, so it must be boat owners driving this change.