Glossary

This guide is designed to help you navigate the complexities of yacht ownership, charters, and sailing with confidence. Explore our glossary to enhance your knowledge and ensure you're well-informed on all aspects of the superyacht lifestyle.

A large luxury yacht cruises on calm, open water at sunset, leaving a trail in the sea. A smaller boat follows behind under a pastel sky with gentle horizon.

Yachting Terms

AIS (Automatic Identification System)

A tracking system that provides real-time data on the location and movement of vessels to enhance maritime safety.

AIS (Automatic Identification System)

AV Systems

Audio-Visual systems installed on superyachts for entertainment and communication, including televisions, sound systems, and satellite equipment.

AV Systems

Aft Deck

The area at the rear of a superyacht, often designed for outdoor living, dining, or relaxation with access to water and tenders.

Aft Deck

Aft Helm

A steering station located at the rear of a yacht, allowing for maneuvering from the aft deck.

Aft Helm

Anchor Locker

A storage area on the foredeck where the anchor and chain are kept when not in use.

Anchor Locker

Autopilot

A system that automatically controls the yacht’s steering and navigation, maintaining a set course without manual input.

Autopilot

Beam

The maximum width of a yacht measured at its widest point, affecting stability, space, and comfort onboard.

Beam

Berth

A designated docking space for a yacht at a marina or harbor, also referring to a sleeping area within the yacht.

Berth

Berthing Fees

Costs incurred for mooring a superyacht at a marina or dock, typically based on size, location, and duration of stay.

Berthing Fees

Bosun

A senior crew member overseeing deckhands and responsible for the maintenance and operation of the yacht's exterior.

Bosun

Bow

The front part of a yacht, typically facing forward and crucial for navigation and maneuvering.

Bow

Bridge

The elevated area on a yacht where navigation and control are managed, including the helm and navigation equipment.

Bridge

Bridgedeck

The deck located above the main deck, often featuring additional guest accommodations or command areas.

Bridgedeck

Cap Ex

Capital expenditures associated with the acquisition, improvement, or repair of a superyacht, reflecting significant financial investments.

Cap Ex

Certificate of Registry

A Certificate of Registry is an official document issued by a flag state, proving a superyacht's nationality, ownership, and compliance with the country's legal and regulatory requirements for maritime operation.

Certificate of Registry

Chartplotter

An electronic navigation tool displaying digital maps and GPS data, aiding in precise routing and navigation.

Chartplotter

Chaseboat

Chaseboat

Chief Engineer

The crew member in charge of the yacht's engineering systems, including engines and machinery.

Chief Engineer

Chief Steward/Stewardess

The crew member responsible for guest services, including housekeeping, dining, and overall guest satisfaction.

Chief Steward/Stewardess

Classification Societies

Organizations that set and enforce standards for yacht construction, safety, and performance, providing certification and classification services. E.g. Lloyds, DNV, ABS, RINA

Classification Societies

Custom Yachts

Yachts built to unique specifications and designs according to the owner's preferences, offering a fully personalized experience.

Custom Yachts

Deck

The flat, horizontal surface on a yacht, providing various functional areas for activities and equipment.

Deck

Deckhand

A crew member responsible for general maintenance, cleaning, and assisting with the operation of the yacht.

Deckhand

Deckhead

The ceiling of a yacht's interior space, providing structural support and covering the underside of the deck.

Deckhead

Displacement

The weight of water displaced by a yacht's hull, used to determine its weight and stability.

Displacement

Displacement Hull

Hull form designed to cut through water, displacing it as the yacht moves, providing stability and efficiency at lower speeds, ideal for long-range cruising.

Displacement Hull

Dock Trials

Tests conducted in a marina or dock to assess a superyacht's maneuverability, systems, and performance before sea trials.

Dock Trials

Draft

The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull, indicating how deep a yacht sits in the water.

Draft

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

A device used to send distress signals and location information in emergencies, enhancing safety at sea.

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

Eco-Friendly Superyachts

Yachts designed and built with sustainable practices and technologies, aiming to minimize environmental impact and promote green initiatives.

Eco-Friendly Superyachts

Engine Types

Different types of engines used in superyachts, including diesel, gas turbines, and hybrid systems, influencing performance and fuel efficiency.

Engine Types

Exterior Designer

A professional who designs the external appearance of a yacht, including the hull, deck, and superstructure, balancing style and performance.

Exterior Designer

Flag State

The country under whose laws a superyacht is registered, which dictates regulations, safety standards, and legal responsibilities.

Flag State

Foredeck

The forward part of the main deck, often used for sunbathing, lounging, or accessing the anchor.

Foredeck

Forepeak

The forward compartment in the bow of a yacht, often used for storage or housing the anchor.

Forepeak

Gross Tonnage

A measure of the overall internal volume of a yacht, used for regulatory and safety purposes.

Gross Tonnage

Helipad

An area on a yacht designed to accommodate and land helicopters, usually located on an upper deck.

Helipad

Hull

The main body of a yacht, responsible for buoyancy, stability, and structural integrity.

Hull

Hull Type

The design and shape of a yacht's hull, affecting performance, stability, and handling. E.g. Planing, semi-planing, semi-displacement, displacement, fast displacement.

Hull Type

Hydraulic Swim Platform

A swim platform that can be lowered or raised using hydraulic systems, providing easier access to the water.

Hydraulic Swim Platform

IMS

Superyacht Regulations and Compliance: International Maritime Standards and regulations governing the design, operation, and safety of superyachts, ensuring adherence to legal and safety requirements.

IMS

Interior Designer

A professional responsible for designing and decorating the interior spaces of a yacht, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.

Interior Designer

Itineraries

Planned routes and destinations for a superyacht's voyages, detailing the schedule and ports of call during travel.

Itineraries

Keel

The central structural component running along the bottom of the hull, providing stability and aiding in navigation.

Keel

Knot

A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, commonly used to measure a yacht's speed.

Knot

LOA (Length Overall)

The total length of a yacht from the tip of the bow to the end of the transom, including overhangs.

LOA (Length Overall)

LWL (Length On Waterline)

Length of a yacht from where stem of the boat enters the water to where the transom enters the water.

LWL (Length On Waterline)

Lazarette

A storage area located at the stern or lower part of the yacht, used for storing equipment or supplies.

Lazarette

MCA Compliance

Adherence to the standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for safety and operational regulations of commercial yachts.

MCA Compliance

MCA LY3 Code

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's code for large yachts, outlining safety and operational regulations for commercial yachts.

MCA LY3 Code

Maintenance Costs

Ongoing expenses required to keep a superyacht in optimal condition, including repairs, cleaning, and routine upkeep.

Maintenance Costs

Management

Services that oversee the operation, maintenance, and administration of a superyacht, ensuring smooth and efficient management.

Management

Master Cabin

The primary and most luxurious cabin on a yacht, typically reserved for the owner or main guest.

Master Cabin

Nautical Mile

A unit of measurement equal to one minute of latitude, used for maritime navigation and distance calculations.

Nautical Mile

Net Tonnage

A measure of a yacht's usable space, calculated by subtracting non-revenue earning spaces from gross tonnage.

Net Tonnage

On Deck Master

A master suite located on one of the upper decks of a yacht, offering enhanced privacy and views.

On Deck Master

Owner’s Suite

A luxurious, private suite reserved for the yacht’s owner, often featuring enhanced amenities and privacy.

Owner’s Suite

PYC (Passenger Yacht Code)

A set of regulations for yachts carrying more than 12 passengers, focusing on safety, construction, and operational standards.

PYC (Passenger Yacht Code)

Planned Maintenance Schedules

Pre-determined timelines for routine maintenance tasks and inspections on a superyacht to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.

Planned Maintenance Schedules

Pod Drive

A type of propulsion system that integrates the engine and propeller into a single, steerable unit, enhancing maneuverability.

Pod Drive

Port Side

The left side of a yacht when facing forward, opposite the starboard side.

Port Side

Purser

The crew member managing the yacht's finances, guest accounts, and administrative tasks.

Purser

Radar

A navigation system using radio waves to detect and track other vessels, land, and obstacles.

Radar

Range

The maximum distance a superyacht can travel on a single fuel tank, influenced by fuel capacity, engine efficiency, and speed.

Range

Refit

The process of renovating or upgrading a yacht, including modifications to design, systems, and equipment.

Refit

Refit Services

Specialized services for renovating or upgrading a superyacht, including modifications to design, technology, and systems to enhance performance and aesthetics.

Refit Services

Registration

The process of officially recording a superyacht with a maritime authority, establishing its legal status and nationality.

Registration

Salon

The main living area of a yacht, often featuring comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and dining spaces.

Salon

Security Systems

Measures and technologies implemented to safeguard a superyacht against theft, unauthorized access, and other security threats.

Security Systems

Shore Power

Electrical power supplied from the dock to a yacht while it is moored, allowing onboard systems to operate without using the yacht’s generators.

Shore Power

Stabilization Systems

Technologies used to reduce rolling and pitching of a superyacht, enhancing comfort and stability in various sea conditions e.g. Gyros, Fins and Trim Tabs

Stabilization Systems

Stateroom

A private cabin on a yacht, providing sleeping accommodations and often equipped with en-suite facilities.

Stateroom

Stateroom

A private cabin on a yacht, providing sleeping accommodations and often equipped with en-suite facilities.

Stateroom

Sundeck

The uppermost deck on a yacht, designed for sunbathing, relaxation, and outdoor dining.

Sundeck

Sundeck

The uppermost deck on a yacht, designed for sunbathing, relaxation, and outdoor dining.

Sundeck

Superstructure

The part of a yacht that is built above the main deck, including the bridge, cabins, and other structures.

Superstructure

Superyacht Financing Options

Various financial solutions available for purchasing or leasing superyachts, including loans, leases, and mortgages tailored to high-value marine assets.

Superyacht Financing Options

Superyacht Insurance

Coverage designed to protect superyachts from risks such as damage, theft, and liability, typically tailored to high-value marine assets.

Superyacht Insurance

Surveyor

A professional who inspects and assesses a superyacht's condition, systems, and compliance with standards for purchase, sale, or insurance purposes.

Surveyor

Tender

A small boat carried on a superyacht, used for transporting guests to and from shore or for recreational activities.

Tender

Tender Garage

A storage space within a yacht where tenders are kept when not in use, often located at the stern.

Tender Garage

Tender Lift

A hydraulic or mechanical system used to lift and lower a tender or small boat from the water to the yacht.

Tender Lift

Transom

The flat surface at the stern of a yacht, often used for mounting the nameplate or accessing the swim platform.

Transom

VAT

Value Added Tax applied to the purchase and charter of superyachts, varying by jurisdiction and impacting overall cost.

VAT

VHF Radio

A communication device used for maritime radio transmissions, allowing yacht crews to communicate with other vessels and shore stations.

VHF Radio

VIP Cabin

A luxurious guest cabin on a yacht, offering enhanced comfort and privacy, typically with premium amenities.

VIP Cabin

WIFI

Wireless internet access available onboard for communication and entertainment purposes.

WIFI

Waterline

The line where the hull of the yacht meets the water, indicating how deep the yacht sits in the water.

Waterline

Watermaker

A device that converts seawater into fresh water for use on a yacht, essential for long voyages and extended stays at sea.

Watermaker

Wheelhouse

The enclosed area on the bridge of a yacht where navigation and control are managed, providing visibility and protection.

Wheelhouse

Windlass

A mechanical device used to hoist and lower the anchor and chain, typically found on the foredeck.

Windlass

Yacht Crew

The team of professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing the yacht during voyages.

Yacht Crew

Yacht Management:

Services that handle the operational, financial, and administrative aspects of owning and running a yacht.

Yacht Management:

Yard Period

The time a yacht spends in a shipyard for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Yard Period

Zero Speed Stabilizers

Stabilizing systems that function while the yacht is at anchor or stationary, enhancing onboard comfort.

Zero Speed Stabilizers

Interested In Something Else?