Sail-or motor-driven vessel used for racing or recreation.
The term is popularly applied to large recreational engine-powered boats; the sailboats known as yachts and used for racing are usually light and comparatively small. Until the mid-19th century, yachts were designed along the lines of naval craft such as America in the race that established the {{link=America's Cup">America's Cup . In the 20th century, notably after World War II, smaller racing and recreational craft became more common. See also sailing .