Now, I'm not sure when a boat is a yacht - if perhaps it has more to do with the vessels purpose in life, or something else, but it's unlikely that it has anything to do with sails as modern luxury yachts often don't even have sails. If you do know, then don't hesitate - leave a comment please. :)
Michael Hand
yacht [yot]
noun
1.
a vessel used for private cruising, racing, or other noncommercial purposes.
This can be a sail yacht or a motor yacht.
I worked on the Spirit of Victoria for 2 years 1995 and 1996. She is a Gaff-Rig Schooner.
A gaff is like an extra boom that the halyards (ropes used to raise or lower a sail) are attached to to pull the main sails up which gives the sails an almost square appearance.
A schooner is a sailing boat having a foremast and a main mast.
Hope this helps :)
Del Hand
Technically, I believe it’s a “boat” ;-)
Great to see a photo of her on here :-)
Paul
Post authorAh, great, thanks Michael – yes it helps, I get it now. :) Thanks for the comment!
Del Hand, ha ha, well, I suppose I tend to call anything that’s not too big a boat. The really big ones I call ships – it seems a little degrading to call a ship a boat. :)