††††A yacht is a sailing boat built for racing or cruising. The word yacht is also used for a large boat or ship used for private pleasure trips, cruising, travel etc.
Boats driven along by sails have been around since they were invented by the Egyptians in 3200 BC. However, modern yachting for pleasure was pioneered in Holland in the 17th century, when travel along that country's network of canals was difficult without boats. King Charles II of England took up yachting when he was exiled to the low countries for ten years from 1650. In the early 18th century yachting, because of the inevitable discomforts, was regarded as an occupation for eccentrics, but in 1775 a revival of interest took place. This was largely because of royal patronage and the holding of fashionable 'water parties' on the River Thames in London.
