Sailing used to be reserved for a small group of yachtsmen, but advances in technology, choice, and yacht production costs have made it accessible to a wider range of individuals who value the joys of life. However, choosing the right yacht can be a daunting task. In this article, Nikolay Melnikov, a partner at Interlegal, an international legal service, shares some secrets to help potential yacht owners make an informed decision.
Determining Yacht Size
Yacht size depends on the owner’s intended use and preference. Yachts with a length of 25-30 feet are easy to manage, have low maintenance costs, and are flexible in terms of logistics. These yachts can be stored on a trailer in specially equipped parking lots or even in car parks. The habitable section of these yachts can range from a small locker for beach accessories to a full-fledged cabin.
Yachts that are 30-40 feet long are considered ideal in terms of price, comfort, and seaworthiness. These yachts typically have 2-3 cabins and can accommodate a crew of 2-6 people, with the potential for up to 7-8 guests. They also have a full galley with a refrigerator, oven, and sink, and a spacious cockpit with a sunbathing area on the bow.
Yachts that are 40-50 feet or more are suitable for oceanic use, including round trips.
Choosing the Number of Hulls
Catamarans have more habitable and deck space, greater initial stability, lower pitching amplitude, and significant speed advantages. These hulls have much less resistance than conventional yachts, so a catamaran can develop higher speeds in tailwinds than keel yachts. The disadvantages include difficulty in sharp courses and higher parking costs in marinas than monohull yachts.
Operating Conditions
It is essential to decide on the navigation area before purchasing a yacht. Yachts are differentiated based on operating conditions for:
oceanic, designed for long-term stays in the water under conditions where the wave can be more than 6 m, and the wind is more than 8 points on the Beaufort scale;
sea with a wave height of up to 6 m and with a wind force not exceeding 8 points;
yachts for coastal waters and bays, withstanding wave heights up to 4 m, and wind force 6 points.
Registration and Insurance
Before purchasing a yacht, it is crucial to take some time to decide on the registration and insurance jurisdiction. Proper ship papers are necessary to save time, money, and nerves while registering in marinas, participating in regattas, and more.
New or Used Yacht?
While buying a new yacht is a good investment that can last for many years, the best yacht is the one that meets the owner’s requirements and is ready to sail the seas. It is essential to test-drive the boat before purchasing it and feel how it behaves in different weather conditions. The initial choice may change dramatically after chartering a yacht of the same type, and seemingly insignificant characteristics may become influential.
Conclusion
Choosing a yacht that fits the owner’s intended use and preferences requires careful consideration. Experienced specialists are always ready to help potential yacht owners select, purchase, and decorate the yacht that will bring them joy for years to come.
