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.
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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.
AV Systems
Audio-Visual systems installed on superyachts for entertainment and communication, including televisions, sound systems, and satellite equipment.
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 Helm
A steering station located at the rear of a yacht, allowing for maneuvering from the aft deck.
Anchor Locker
A storage area on the foredeck where the anchor and chain are kept when not in use.
Autopilot
A system that automatically controls the yacht’s steering and navigation, maintaining a set course without manual input.
Beam
The maximum width of a yacht measured at its widest point, affecting stability, space, and comfort onboard.
Berth
A designated docking space for a yacht at a marina or harbor, also referring to a sleeping area within the yacht.
Berthing Fees
Costs incurred for mooring a superyacht at a marina or dock, typically based on size, location, and duration of stay.
Bosun
A senior crew member overseeing deckhands and responsible for the maintenance and operation of the yacht's exterior.
Bow
The front part of a yacht, typically facing forward and crucial for navigation and maneuvering.
Bridge
The elevated area on a yacht where navigation and control are managed, including the helm and navigation equipment.
Bridgedeck
The deck located above the main deck, often featuring additional guest accommodations or command areas.
Cap Ex
Capital expenditures associated with the acquisition, improvement, or repair of a superyacht, reflecting significant financial investments.
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.
Chartplotter
An electronic navigation tool displaying digital maps and GPS data, aiding in precise routing and navigation.
Chaseboat
Chief Engineer
The crew member in charge of the yacht's engineering systems, including engines and machinery.
Chief Steward/Stewardess
The crew member responsible for guest services, including housekeeping, dining, and overall guest satisfaction.
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
Custom Yachts
Yachts built to unique specifications and designs according to the owner's preferences, offering a fully personalized experience.
Deck
The flat, horizontal surface on a yacht, providing various functional areas for activities and equipment.
Deckhand
A crew member responsible for general maintenance, cleaning, and assisting with the operation of the yacht.
Deckhead
The ceiling of a yacht's interior space, providing structural support and covering the underside of the deck.
Displacement
The weight of water displaced by a yacht's hull, used to determine its weight and stability.
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.
Dock Trials
Tests conducted in a marina or dock to assess a superyacht's maneuverability, systems, and performance before sea trials.
Draft
The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull, indicating how deep a yacht sits in the water.
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
A device used to send distress signals and location information in emergencies, enhancing safety at sea.
Eco-Friendly Superyachts
Yachts designed and built with sustainable practices and technologies, aiming to minimize environmental impact and promote green initiatives.
Engine Types
Different types of engines used in superyachts, including diesel, gas turbines, and hybrid systems, influencing performance and fuel efficiency.
Exterior Designer
A professional who designs the external appearance of a yacht, including the hull, deck, and superstructure, balancing style and performance.
Flag State
The country under whose laws a superyacht is registered, which dictates regulations, safety standards, and legal responsibilities.
Foredeck
The forward part of the main deck, often used for sunbathing, lounging, or accessing the anchor.
Forepeak
The forward compartment in the bow of a yacht, often used for storage or housing the anchor.
Gross Tonnage
A measure of the overall internal volume of a yacht, used for regulatory and safety purposes.
Helipad
An area on a yacht designed to accommodate and land helicopters, usually located on an upper deck.
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.
Hydraulic Swim Platform
A swim platform that can be lowered or raised using hydraulic systems, providing easier access to the water.
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.
Interior Designer
A professional responsible for designing and decorating the interior spaces of a yacht, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.
Itineraries
Planned routes and destinations for a superyacht's voyages, detailing the schedule and ports of call during travel.
Keel
The central structural component running along the bottom of the hull, providing stability and aiding in navigation.
Knot
A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, commonly used to measure a yacht's speed.
LOA (Length Overall)
The total length of a yacht from the tip of the bow to the end of the transom, including overhangs.
LWL (Length On Waterline)
Length of a yacht from where stem of the boat enters the water to where the transom enters the water.
Lazarette
A storage area located at the stern or lower part of the yacht, used for storing equipment or supplies.
MCA Compliance
Adherence to the standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for safety and operational regulations of commercial yachts.
MCA LY3 Code
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's code for large yachts, outlining safety and operational regulations for commercial yachts.
Maintenance Costs
Ongoing expenses required to keep a superyacht in optimal condition, including repairs, cleaning, and routine upkeep.
Management
Services that oversee the operation, maintenance, and administration of a superyacht, ensuring smooth and efficient management.
Master Cabin
The primary and most luxurious cabin on a yacht, typically reserved for the owner or main guest.
Nautical Mile
A unit of measurement equal to one minute of latitude, used for maritime navigation and distance calculations.
Net Tonnage
A measure of a yacht's usable space, calculated by subtracting non-revenue earning spaces from gross tonnage.
On Deck Master
A master suite located on one of the upper decks of a yacht, offering enhanced privacy and views.
Owner’s Suite
A luxurious, private suite reserved for the yacht’s owner, often featuring enhanced amenities and privacy.
PYC (Passenger Yacht Code)
A set of regulations for yachts carrying more than 12 passengers, focusing on safety, construction, and operational standards.
Planned Maintenance Schedules
Pre-determined timelines for routine maintenance tasks and inspections on a superyacht to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.
Pod Drive
A type of propulsion system that integrates the engine and propeller into a single, steerable unit, enhancing maneuverability.
Purser
The crew member managing the yacht's finances, guest accounts, and administrative tasks.
Radar
A navigation system using radio waves to detect and track other vessels, land, and obstacles.
Range
The maximum distance a superyacht can travel on a single fuel tank, influenced by fuel capacity, engine efficiency, and speed.
Refit
The process of renovating or upgrading a yacht, including modifications to design, systems, and equipment.
Refit Services
Specialized services for renovating or upgrading a superyacht, including modifications to design, technology, and systems to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Registration
The process of officially recording a superyacht with a maritime authority, establishing its legal status and nationality.
Salon
The main living area of a yacht, often featuring comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and dining spaces.
Security Systems
Measures and technologies implemented to safeguard a superyacht against theft, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
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.
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
Stateroom
A private cabin on a yacht, providing sleeping accommodations and often equipped with en-suite facilities.
Stateroom
A private cabin on a yacht, providing sleeping accommodations and often equipped with en-suite facilities.
Sundeck
The uppermost deck on a yacht, designed for sunbathing, relaxation, and outdoor dining.
Sundeck
The uppermost deck on a yacht, designed for sunbathing, relaxation, and outdoor dining.
Superstructure
The part of a yacht that is built above the main deck, including the bridge, cabins, and other structures.
Superyacht Financing Options
Various financial solutions available for purchasing or leasing superyachts, including loans, leases, and mortgages tailored to high-value marine assets.
Superyacht Insurance
Coverage designed to protect superyachts from risks such as damage, theft, and liability, typically tailored to high-value marine assets.
Surveyor
A professional who inspects and assesses a superyacht's condition, systems, and compliance with standards for purchase, sale, or insurance purposes.
Tender
A small boat carried on a superyacht, used for transporting guests to and from shore or for recreational activities.
Tender Garage
A storage space within a yacht where tenders are kept when not in use, often located at the stern.
Tender Lift
A hydraulic or mechanical system used to lift and lower a tender or small boat from the water to the yacht.
Transom
The flat surface at the stern of a yacht, often used for mounting the nameplate or accessing the swim platform.
VAT
Value Added Tax applied to the purchase and charter of superyachts, varying by jurisdiction and impacting overall cost.
VHF Radio
A communication device used for maritime radio transmissions, allowing yacht crews to communicate with other vessels and shore stations.
VIP Cabin
A luxurious guest cabin on a yacht, offering enhanced comfort and privacy, typically with premium amenities.
Waterline
The line where the hull of the yacht meets the water, indicating how deep the yacht sits in the water.
Watermaker
A device that converts seawater into fresh water for use on a yacht, essential for long voyages and extended stays at sea.
Wheelhouse
The enclosed area on the bridge of a yacht where navigation and control are managed, providing visibility and protection.
Windlass
A mechanical device used to hoist and lower the anchor and chain, typically found on the foredeck.
Yacht Crew
The team of professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing the yacht during voyages.
Yacht Management:
Services that handle the operational, financial, and administrative aspects of owning and running a yacht.
Zero Speed Stabilizers
Stabilizing systems that function while the yacht is at anchor or stationary, enhancing onboard comfort.