If you’re new to yachting, you’re right to have plenty of questions. Beyond high-speed engines and onboard swimming pools, the world of superyachts brims with simple terms that need unpacking: when does a boat become a yacht? What makes a yacht a superyacht? And just how big is a superyacht? BOAT takes you back to basics, breaking down everything you need to know about boats, yachts and superyachts – including their sizes, features and classifications.
When is a boat a yacht?
At what point does a boat become a yacht? In maritime circles, the distinction between a boat and a yacht is often debated, with no fixed “law” or definitive rule. This difference is usually determined by factors such as size, purpose and even the location where the vessel is registered. Generally, yachts are considered luxurious vessels designed for comfort and leisure, while boats are more practical and utilitarian. A yacht typically offers more space and can accommodate more people for comfortable living, whereas a boat may be constrained by its size and functionality.
What sets a superyacht apart?
The key difference between a superyacht and a yacht lies in the level of luxury and sophistication it provides. Superyachts are equipped with high-end technology, lavish interiors and a range of indulgent amenities like cinemas and swimming pools.
In 1988, BOAT International’s longest-serving contributor and Editor-at-Large Roger Lean-Vercoe defined a superyacht as follows: “A ‘superyacht’, we feel, is generally large and at the same time it meets the highest standards of design and construction. It is additionally a yacht that excels in one or more particular fields, be they of scale, of interior decoration, or of engineering, to name but a few.”.
The 24-metre distinction
In the yachting community, a significant milestone for yachts is the 24-metre mark. Once a yacht crosses this length, it is often considered a “superyacht”. This distinction generally indicates a leap in onboard luxury, professional crew management and upgraded systems for comfort and entertainment.
Spot the difference: What features define a superyacht?
While a yacht may include comfortable living areas and necessary facilities, superyachts are built to impress. Common features include helipads, infinity pools, Jacuzzis and private cinemas. Wellness facilities are also a hallmark, with many superyachts featuring fully equipped gyms, spas and beauty salons.
In addition to these lifestyle amenities, superyachts are outfitted with advanced navigation and stabilisation systems to ensure a smooth journey at sea. They also typically come with an array of water toys, such as jet skis, diving equipment and even submarines.
The American terms: What are megayachts and gigayachts?
In the United States, the terms “megayacht” and “gigayacht” are occasionally used to describe larger superyachts, though their definitions are neither universally agreed upon nor recognised by BOAT.
Some people argue that a megayacht refers to yachts over 60 metres in length, often featuring multiple decks and luxury amenities such as wine cellars, libraries and expansive entertainment spaces. However, this is contested, and there is no concrete agreement on the threshold.
Similarly, “gigayacht” is sometimes used to describe vessels exceeding 100 metres in length. These yachts push the limits of size and innovation, with features like helicopter hangars, submarine bays and even onboard hospitals. While this term is occasionally heard in the US, it is not widely used elsewhere and remains an informal and debated classification.