The Evolution of Yachting: From Transport to Luxury
Mohanad Felemban (INTP)
Port state control/Marine Manager @ JCPDI Port | Marine Conservation Compliance | PMP | super-yacht surveyor | Marine pilot | yacht management | Marine Consultant| IHMA MEMBER .
Seafaring has historically been a perilous occupation, with shipwrecks often altering the course of history. Interestingly, the origins of yachting can be traced back to vessels used for transportation rather than pleasure. In the early 12th century, the "White Ship," a fast vessel employed to ferry Norman noblemen between England and France, could be considered an early form of a royal yacht. Similarly, Queen Elizabeth I's small boat, known as "Rat O'Wight," built on the banks of the Medina, may also have served as an early royal yacht.
The concept of yachting, both the term and the activity, likely originated in the Netherlands. The earliest yachts were lightweight and swift, designed to transport important individuals or messages. Over time, these vessels evolved into pleasure crafts exclusively used for leisure purposes.
Despite this evolution, yachting as a recreational pastime took some time to gain popularity. It was during the reign of King George IV, formerly the Prince of Wales, in 1820 that a significant interest in yachting emerged. Thirteen years later, the Royal Yacht Squadron was formed, and the first yacht race took place in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the advent of steam engines revolutionized maritime propulsion. With steam-powered vessels, ships were no longer reliant solely on wind power. This development led to the introduction of steam yachts and launches, coinciding with the increasing popularity of yacht racing. The Industrial Revolution further contributed to prosperity, allowing more individuals to participate in yachting.
Dixon Kemp's book, "A Manual of Yacht and Boat Sailing," published between 1878 and 1913, provides insights into the yachting world of the time. Many of Kemp's recommendations remain valid today, with adjustments for technological advancements and shifting social attitudes.
In 1843, the first British royal yacht propelled by steam, the 225-foot paddle steam yacht "Victoria and Albert," was launched. It replaced the sail-powered yacht "Royal George," which had served as the last principal royal yacht. Notable among early steam yachts owned by wealthy individuals was the 276-foot "North Star," commissioned by American millionaire "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1853. The "North Star" embarked on an extensive European cruise, visiting ports and harbors still familiar to superyacht crews today. Initially, steam yachts featured paddle wheels, and it wasn't until the 1880s, with the advancement of screw propellers, that steam yachts propelled by screws became more prevalent.
An arms race of sorts unfolded between prominent American families like the Astors, Vanderbilts, Goulds, Morgans, Bennetts, and Hearsts, each endeavoring to build the largest and most luxurious yachts. This pursuit led to an increase in the number and size of large yachts, accompanied by the social acceptance of displaying conspicuous wealth, which differed from the prevailing sentiment in the UK at the time.
In 1893, the 322-foot "Valiant," the first yacht fitted with twin screws, was constructed at the Cammell Laird yard in Wirral for William Kissam Vanderbilt. In 1903, Alexander Stephens & Sons of Linthouse on the Clyde built the steam turbine yacht "Emerald" for Sir Christopher Furness. The "Emerald" holds the distinction of being the first steam turbine vessel, of any type, to cross the Atlantic. Although not the largest yacht of its time, measuring 203 feet in length, it represented a significant technological achievement.
The period between the two World Wars and the subsequent post-war era brought both challenges and significant developments to the world of yachting. The aftermath of the First World War and the post-war depression in Europe, coupled with the Great Depression and the Wall Street Crash of 1929 in the United States, dampened the demand for large luxury yachts.
However, the war also spurred technological advancements, including the emergence of large diesel engines capable of powering yachts. Despite the economic downturn, a few diesel yachts were built during this time. One notable example is the 168-foot "Pioneer," constructed by Camper and Nicholson for Paris Singer, heir to the Singer sewing machine empire and a prominent socialite of the 1920s.
Among the largest yachts built in the inter-war years was "Delphine," commissioned by Horace Dodge. Although Horace Dodge passed away before its completion in 1921, his widow, Anna, and her family continued to use the yacht for cruising the Great Lakes. Measuring 257.7 feet (78.6 meters) in length, "Delphine" was the longest vessel that could pass through the Welland Canal locks.
The period after World War II witnessed a shift in yacht ownership and registrations. The 1938 edition of Lloyd's Register of Yachts listed 118 yachts over 500 tons Thames Measurement. However, by 1959, this number had decreased to 29, with only 16 owned by individuals or companies. The trend was moving towards larger yachts owned by corporations, sailing under Flags of Convenience (FOC) to minimize tax and expenses while maintaining anonymity.
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In the post-war era, some naval vessels were converted for use as yachts. Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate, purchased the Royal Canadian Navy's Frigate HMCS "Stormont" in 1954. After a $4 million conversion, she was renamed "Christina" after Onassis' daughter. Measuring 325 feet long and displacing 2,250 tons, "Christina" was one of the largest yachts of its time and registered in Panama, like many other ships in Onassis' fleet.
During this period, ownership of large yachts by wealthy individuals attracted both fascination and criticism. The extravagant lifestyle of Sir Bernard Docker, chairman of Daimler, and his wife Lady Nora Docker, including their ownership of the 212-foot "Shemara," garnered negative publicity that affected Daimler's image. Despite this, technical advancements from the war began to emerge in the civilian field, such as radar and gas turbine-powered vessels in the 1960s. Navigation systems like Decca and LORAN provided accurate position fixing near shore, and radio communication improved ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore interactions.
In the past twenty-five years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and size of yachts worldwide. Improved communication capabilities, such as constant global contact and satellite television, have played a significant role in this development. The 1980s marked the growth of the "Superyacht Industry" driven by political stability, an increase in wealthy individuals capable of affording yachts, and social acceptance of yacht ownership. Technological advancements in construction, communication, and navigation further facilitated the industry's expansion. Sail handling technology also improved, enabling large yachts to operate with smaller crews.
Despite the economic slowdown of 2008 and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, the Superyacht Industry has demonstrated resilience and continued growth. Sale and purchase brokerage and charter brokerage have fared well in recent times, contributing to the industry's ongoing development and success.