Yachting is a form of water recreation popular around the world both inland and at sea with millions of enthusiasts worldwide. Early yachting vessels were constructed of wood or steel but as construction techniques improved other materials became popular such as fiberglass and aluminum. Wooden boats are still constructed but this is mostly done as a hobby rather than an actual functioning craft.

 

There are two different classes of yachting which are sailing and power boating. The sizes of recreational yachts vary greatly from under 20 feet to over 100 feet and there is also the ‘super yacht’ which is over 200 feet in length!

 

There is also another form of water recreation known as paddle boating which is a much simpler and smaller vessel and is powered by the individuals in the boat and has been around in history a lot longer than the more modern sailing and power vessels.

 

As with any sport there is safety precautions and most sailing and yachting enthusiasts have some form of training before taking on the sport. As the weather and so the water conditions can be temperamental it is wise to have this training to be able to cope if dangerous situations arise. Items such as life jackets, flotation devices, distress signals, fire extinguishers and sound making devices are all essential in preparing for situations that may occur when on a boating trip.