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
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.
Bu hikaye Yachting Monthly dergisinin May 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Yachting Monthly dergisinin May 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
I WAS THE ONLY SAILOR ON OUR FAMILY CHARTER AND IT HAD TO GO WELL
Crystal waters, cliff tombs and sunken outboards lain Willis wanted to ensure plain sailing for his family’s first charter around Turkey's Lycian Coast
HOW IT WORKS SEAWATER PUMP
The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil.
THOUSANDS OF MILES ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN
Floris and Ivar battled severe weather and cross swell to sail from Australia to South Africa, but there were beautiful islands on the way
The secret of yachts with enduring appeal
Fashions come and go, but J-Boats remain a safe choice for great sailing boats, whether you want to own it for ever or sell it
Tragic sinking of Bayesian; Italian prosecutors investigate
The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht in reportedly only 16 minutes and the tragic loss of seven lives has sent a shudder through the sailing community and beyond.
THE ADVENT OF MARINE AI TECHNOLOGY
Fonathon Savill reports on the revolutionary impact artificial intelligence is about to have on all areas of life at sea
IMPROVING SINGLE-LINE REEFING
Martin Watts explains how to reduce the friction on the reefing lines of newer yachts
The secrets of skippering a successful cruise
Setting off on a cruise is easy, but planning a route that keeps your options open and ensures the enjoyment of all on board is more of an art
CRUISING THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
Joanna Martin and her husband Mark sail across the Irish Sea to the legendary sea kingdom and to draw the wonderful wildlife there
MOODY DS48
Can a boat built for long-term, long-distance cruising and offering one-level living still deliver an enjoyable sailing experience? Theo Stocker sets sail across the English Channel to find out
