The Origin of Yachts

The term Yacht comes from the Dutch word jacht or jachtschips.  The Dutch Navy in the 14th century did not have fast enough ships to catch the rampaging pirates, a smaller and faster jacht was designed which was able to outrun and catch them.

Yachts – History

In the mid 1600’s Royalty, the elite and wealthy merchants started building and racing yachts, it became a popular sport and developed into what it is today. 

The America’s Cup

In 1851 the schooner ‘America’ competed in the 100 Guinea Cup presented by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain, for a race around the Isle of Wight. ‘America’ went on to win this race and the America’s Cup was borne..

Yachts

A yacht is generally used for leisure, racing, or cruising and can be a sailing or a powered vessel.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht was designed and built as a Royal residence to entertain guests around the world. The late Queen Elizabeth II commissioned the Royal Yacht into service on 11th January 1954, she was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a 5 star visitor attraction with nearly 400,000 visitors per year from all over the world. Her permanent berth is the Ocean Terminal, Leigh, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ, Scotland.

Yacht Propulsion

Yachts were originally powered by wind, then for a short period, by steam, followed by diesel engines, traditionally with shaft drive and more recently sail drive. The new propulsion system of electric and hybrid is slowly gaining ground for yachts of all sizes. Solar panels now add a boost to creating green energy afloat.

Sailing boats offer a unique and environmentally friendly way to travel on the water, harnessing the power of the wind for propulsion.

Yacht Maintenance

Maintenance of yachts is described fully in the main section. Click here to find out more.

None-Destructive Testing (NDT)

The None-Destructive Testing (NDT) technique is a very good tool for inspecting spars and standing rigging connections for hairline cracks. The Ultra-Sound is very effective but needs training to understand the kit and resulting data, the Dye Penetrant system below is much easier to use.

The Dye Penetrant Crack Detection System comprises three aerosol sprays, a cleaner, the dye, and a developer.  Follow instructions carefully and photograph the results; cracks will show as a distinctive red line.  Ideal for checking cracks in solid stainless-steel rigging, chain plates and toggles, masts and booms where there could be stress-related cracks behind tangs, spreader roots, and connections, ideal for testing the area around the foot of the mast.

PTFE – Spray Lubricant

PTFE spray is ideal for sheaves, cars and travellers, winches (not the greased areas), furling gear etc. it does not absorb dirt and dust and is suited to the sailing environment.

Modern Diesel Engines

To reduce harmful emissions from Diesel engines the  search for cleaner emissions has resulted in engine manufacturers redesigning fuel delivery systems.  Common rail diesel delivery is one system.  Injector pressures in the '70s were around 300 bar (4,351 psi); today, pressures exceed 2,500 bar (29,000 psi); this higher injection pressure is a key factor in reducing an engine's untreated emissions.  It also improves atomisation by having a better fuel-air mixture ratio, meaning optimum combustion is achievable, giving enhanced power output and efficiency.

Diesel Fuel-Sulphur Content

The sulphur content of diesel fuel over the last few years has reduced from 500 parts per million to 15 ppm.  This fuel is now known as ULSD (ultra-low sulphur diesel).  This dramatic reduction has resulted in problems for manufacturers and operators of diesel engines and diesel fuel distributors. 

Modern Engines

Modern engines have a higher power-to-weight ratio and are more reliable and cleaner than older engines.  Many now have electronic controls to optimise fuel consumption and efficiency. .

Team imardex marine 2022