Types of Yacht

We describe a yacht as any sailing or motorised vessel (see our list of motor boat yacht types), used for pleasure cruising and/or racing. We can insure all yacht types online up to a value of £250k (and beyond, but you'll need to contact us for a quote). We can also provide contents insurance cover, racing cover and cover for vessels travelling in the Mediterranean (not East of 35 degrees East).

Sailing Yachts

Whilst there is a full spectrum of variations and individual characteristics, we classify sailing yachts into the following types.

• Ketch: A dual-mast, fully rigged sailing boat. After the main-mast, this yacht has a secondary mizzenmast that sits ahead of the rudder (the position of this secondary mast is the key difference between the ketch and yawl).
• Schooner: Most normal schooners are actually luxury yachts or tall ships. These have at least two fully rigged masts, the forward mast being no bigger than the others.
• Sloop: A single-mast, rigged sailing boat, usually carrying a spinnaker for downwind sailing and often also with a standing bowsprit plus a single headsail. This is the most regularly seen yacht type.
• Yawl: A distinct dual-mast, fully rigged sailing boat vessel (distinctive due to the position of the secondary mast located at the stern). After the main-mast, this yacht has a secondary mizzenmast that sits behind the rudder (the position of this secondary mast behind the rudder is the key difference between the ketch and yawl).

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Last reviewed: 06/06/2010

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