By Katie Fraser BBC News Magazine Yachting has always spoken to the wealthy set - who else can afford a craft of so little practical value? So recession or no recession, it's the age-old fantasy of taking to the open seas that draws crowds to the London Boat Show.
By Katie Fraser BBC News Magazine Yachting has always spoken to the wealthy set - who else can afford a craft of so little practical value? So recession or no recession, it's the age-old fantasy of taking to the open seas that draws crowds to the London Boat Show.
Yachts. Wealth, glamour and a lifestyle beyond most people's wildest dreams. No summer is complete without the steady stream of paparazzi pictures of tanned celebrities lounging around on decks and taking dips in the clear blue sea. A light fast-sailing ship, in early use esp. for the conveyance of royal or other important persons; later, a vessel propelled by motive power other than oars, and used for pleasure excursions, cruising, etc Oxford English Dictionary
Yachts. Wealth, glamour and a lifestyle beyond most people's wildest dreams. No summer is complete without the steady stream of paparazzi pictures of tanned celebrities lounging around on decks and taking dips in the clear blue sea. A light fast-sailing ship, in early use esp. for the conveyance of royal or other important persons; later, a vessel propelled by motive power other than oars, and used for pleasure excursions, cruising, etc Oxford English Dictionary
During the nine days of the 55th London International Boat Show - it finishes on Sunday - thousands of people will peruse the multimillion-pound yachts, the displays of sealants, the second-hand inflatable boats.
During the nine days of the 55th London International Boat Show - it finishes on Sunday - thousands of people will peruse the multimillion-pound yachts, the displays of sealants, the second-hand inflatable boats.
Although most of the crowd do not own a boat, they aspire to one day.
Although most of the crowd do not own a boat, they aspire to one day.
Why the fascination with a mere mode of transport, which can be prohibitive for financial or logistical reasons?
Why the fascination with a mere mode of transport, which can be prohibitive for financial or logistical reasons?
The idea of going out on the water - or the open seas - captivates so many. While rare is the person who gets misty-eyed at the prospect of a salt spray-filled journey on the Stranraer to Belfast ferry, mention a yacht and it's a different story.Howards' Way, devised to rival the glitz of Dynasty and Dallas
The idea of going out on the water - or the open seas - captivates so many. While rare is the person who gets misty-eyed at the prospect of a salt spray-filled journey on the Stranraer to Belfast ferry, mention a yacht and it's a different story.Howards' Way, devised to rival the glitz of Dynasty and Dallas
At a time when many luxury items have lost their prestige, yachting carries cachet that most cannot afford. These boats have always been seen as a true status symbol, however many zeros there are on the price tag.
At a time when many luxury items have lost their prestige, yachting carries cachet that most cannot afford. These boats have always been seen as a true status symbol, however many zeros there are on the price tag.
Throughout history, from Cleopatra's golden boat to the Royal Yacht Britannica, these vessels have been the choice of the upper echelons of society.
Throughout history, from Cleopatra's golden boat to the Royal Yacht Britannia, these vessels have been the choice of the upper echelons of society.
When BBC television executives had to come up with an idea to match the lavish Dallas and Dynasty in the 1980s, they chose the yachting lifestyle and created Howards' Way. It brought the glamour and desirability of the sailing world into millions of British homes.
When BBC television executives had to come up with an idea to match the lavish Dallas and Dynasty in the 1980s, they chose the yachting lifestyle and created Howards' Way. It brought the glamour and desirability of the sailing world into millions of British homes.
No limits
No limits
Alastair Walton, editor of Yacht World magazine, says interest has soared dramatically as yachting has become more affordable. "There's been an explosion in boat building in the past 20 years. This is pretty much down to two things; the relatively cheap finance available - though not now - and the huge developments in yacht building." YACHTS IN NUMBERS 167m: Biggest yacht in the world, owned by Roman Abramovich120,000: Visitors to London Boat ShowShow's biggest yacht, at 37m, costs £9.7mSmallest boat, at 1.4m, costs £549
Alastair Walton, editor of Yacht World magazine, says interest has soared dramatically as yachting has become more affordable. "There's been an explosion in boat building in the past 20 years. This is pretty much down to two things; the relatively cheap finance available - though not now - and the huge developments in yacht building." YACHTS IN NUMBERS 167m: Biggest yacht in the world, owned by Roman Abramovich120,000: Visitors to London Boat ShowShow's biggest yacht, at 37m, costs £9.7mSmallest boat, at 1.4m, costs £549
The escapism offered by yachts is a major attraction, says Hugo Andreae of Motor Boat and Yachting magazine. The idea of breaking free, heading out to sea, is a way of escaping the laws and conventions of life ashore. "It's the last of the few areas of one's life that isn't managed by government or other people. There are no limitations or licences to worry about."
The escapism offered by yachts is a major attraction, says Hugo Andreae of Motor Boat and Yachting magazine. The idea of breaking free, heading out to sea, is a way of escaping the laws and conventions of life ashore. "It's the last of the few areas of one's life that isn't managed by government or other people. There are no limitations or licences to worry about."
To have a few drinks then take the wheel is not to be reasonably contemplated in a car, but somehow a boat is viewed differently. It has long been the case that, unlike on the road and in the sky, rules regarding alcohol consumption whilst at the wheel have been less stringent. Although the British government introduced alcohol laws for non-professional mariners in 2003 this is still very difficult to police. Ah, pottering about in boats
To have a few drinks then take the wheel is not to be reasonably contemplated in a car, but somehow a boat is viewed differently. It has long been the case that, unlike on the road and in the sky, rules regarding alcohol consumption whilst at the wheel have been less stringent. Although the British government introduced alcohol laws for non-professional mariners in 2003 this is still very difficult to police. Ah, pottering about in boats
There is also a real feeling of heading back to nature. It's difficult to come across the true "open road" without first travelling via miles of congestion. Where private jets were once seen as the ultimate luxury, perhaps global awareness for the environment has diminished their appeal.
There is also a real feeling of heading back to nature. It's difficult to come across the true "open road" without first travelling via miles of congestion. Where private jets were once seen as the ultimate luxury, perhaps global awareness for the environment has diminished their appeal.
Perhaps the roots of this desire can be traced to childhood classics such as Swallows and Amazons and Wind in the Willows, which largely involve messing about in boats. These stories encapsulate the adventures boat-lovers yearn for - building one's own cocoon and taking it to the unknown. "It's about the ocean being yours to explore," says Mr Andreae.
Perhaps the roots of this desire can be traced to childhood classics such as Swallows and Amazons and Wind in the Willows, which largely involve messing about in boats. These stories encapsulate the adventures boat-lovers yearn for - building one's own cocoon and taking it to the unknown. "It's about the ocean being yours to explore," says Mr Andreae.
There are those who love boats because of the privacy these vessels offer, a way to control their environment rather than break free of it. These are the owners of superyachts.
There are those who love boats because of the privacy these vessels offer, a way to control their environment rather than break free of it. These are the owners of superyachts.
Mine's bigger than yours
Mine's bigger than yours
And then there is the competitive element. "Roman Abramovich's latest superyacht, which is currently under construction, is reputed to be the biggest yet at 548ft (167m)," says Mr Bryant. "It has so far been known as Eclipse as it's expected to eclipse any other in size."Dodi and Diana liked to keep away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi
And then there is the competitive element. "Roman Abramovich's latest superyacht, which is currently under construction, is reputed to be the biggest yet at 548ft (167m)," says Mr Bryant. "It has so far been known as Eclipse as it's expected to eclipse any other in size."Dodi and Diana liked to keep away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi
While some superyacht owners do venture out to open sea, many never move their luxury vessels further than hops between upmarket marinas. "There's less of a sailing side of it, they are essentially floating houses. It's about the privacy, security, familiarity. You can get on a plane with just one suitcase and arrive in a place that's full of your own things," says Mr Andreae.
While some superyacht owners do venture out to open sea, many never move their luxury vessels further than hops between upmarket marinas. "There's less of a sailing side of it, they are essentially floating houses. It's about the privacy, security, familiarity. You can get on a plane with just one suitcase and arrive in a place that's full of your own things," says Mr Andreae.
Tiger Woods' superyacht is even called Privacy.
Tiger Woods' superyacht is even called Privacy.
But such vessels are hardly inconspicuous, "The people who buy the serious superyachts love nothing more than being very overt with their discreteness," says Mr Walton.
But such vessels are hardly inconspicuous, "The people who buy the serious superyachts love nothing more than being very overt with their discreteness," says Mr Walton.
And there is also a bubble effect of being hidden, away from normality. Last summer British politician George Osborne got into trouble after talking to Oleg Deripaska about things he perhaps shouldn't have aboard the Russian oligarch's luxury yacht.
And there is also a bubble effect of being hidden, away from normality. Last summer British politician George Osborne got into trouble after talking to Oleg Deripaska about things he perhaps shouldn't have aboard the Russian oligarch's luxury yacht.
The love this island nation has for yachts may ebb and flow with the economic tide, but it is unlikely to wane.
The love this island nation has for yachts may ebb and flow with the economic tide, but it is unlikely to wane.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
