A yacht, nowadays, has a broad meaning of any vessel, other than a dinghy, propelled by sail, power or both and used for pleasure cruising and/or yacht racing. Deriving from 'yacht", yachting is also defined broadly as a noncommercial boating activity. It may be racing sailing boats, cruising to distant shores, or day-sailing along a coast.

These days, yacht racing and dinghy racing are common participant sports around the developed world, particularly where favourable wind conditions and access to reasonably sized bodies of water are available. Most yachting is conducted in salt water, but smaller craft can be - and are - raced on lakes and even large rivers.

Yachting for pleasure as a lifestyle was formerly the province of the wealthy due to expense and the manpower required (because the boats were big), but today has become the pastime of many worldwide.

Check out the links provided here for more information about yachting.

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