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Definition of yacht

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of yacht  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

Examples of yacht in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yacht.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

obsolete Dutch jaght , from Middle Low German jacht , short for jachtschip , literally, hunting ship

1557, in the meaning defined above

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing yacht

Articles related to yacht.

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Dictionary Entries Near yacht

yacht chair

Cite this Entry

“Yacht.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yacht. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of yacht.

Kids Definition of yacht  (Entry 2 of 2)

from obsolete Dutch jaght (now jacht ), short for jachtschip, literally, "hunting ship"

More from Merriam-Webster on yacht

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for yacht

Nglish: Translation of yacht for Spanish Speakers

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yacht

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Navigating the Spelling of Yacht: A Smooth Sailing Guide

The word "yacht" often raises eyebrows when it comes to spelling. This term, synonymous with luxury and leisure on the water, has a spelling that doesn't quite align with its pronunciation, leading many to second-guess themselves. In this article, we'll set sail through the correct spelling of "yacht," providing you with tips and examples to ensure that your writing journey is as smooth as a serene sea.

Understanding Yacht

A yacht is a type of boat or ship that is often used for pleasure, racing, or cruising. Originating from the Dutch word "jacht," which means "hunt," it was originally used to describe light, fast sailing vessels used to chase pirates. The transformation from "jacht" to "yacht" in English is where the spelling complexity lies.

The Spelling Challenge

The main challenge with "yacht" is its unorthodox spelling compared to its pronunciation. The 'ch' is silent, and there's no hint of the 't' in how it's spoken, which can lead to misspellings like "yatch," "yaght," or "yaht."

Tips for Spelling Yacht

• Remember the Dutch origin: The 'cht' is a common Dutch spelling.
• Silent 'ch': The 'ch' in yacht is not pronounced.
• End with 't': Despite not being pronounced, it's always there.

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Examples in Context

Using "yacht" in sentences can help reinforce its correct spelling:

• They spent the weekend sailing on a luxury yacht.
• His dream was to circumnavigate the globe in a yacht.

Spelling Yacht Correctly

To ensure you always spell "yacht" correctly, consider these strategies:

• Link to Its Origin : Remembering its Dutch origin can help with the 'cht.'
• Visual Association : Associate the word with an image of a yacht, reinforcing the spelling.
• Create a Mnemonic : Think of "You Always Can Have Tea" (Y-A-C-H-T).

Summary and Key Insights

Remember, spelling "yacht" correctly is all about understanding its origin and unique spelling pattern. It's a word that might not follow the usual rules, but with a bit of practice, it becomes easy to handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common mistake when spelling "yacht".

A common mistake is spelling it as "yatch," reversing the 'a' and the 't.'

Can "yacht" refer to any boat?

No, a yacht specifically refers to a medium to large-sized boat used for leisure, racing, or cruising.

How can I easily remember the spelling of "yacht"?

Remember the silent 'ch' and the Dutch origin. A mnemonic like "You Always Can Have Tea" can also be helpful.

Why does "yacht" have a silent 'ch'?

The silent 'ch' in "yacht" comes from its Dutch origin, where such spellings are more common.

Is "yacht" spelled differently in other languages?

Yes, the spelling of "yacht" can vary in languages other than English, often aligning more closely with its pronunciation.

Mastering the spelling of "yacht" is like learning to navigate the high seas – it might seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and practice, it becomes second nature. Whether you're writing about maritime adventures or luxury travel, getting the spelling right is crucial. And for all your writing needs, from crafting engaging travel blogs to professional content, our expert content writing agency at Strategically is here to help, offering SEO content, unlimited revisions, and more to ensure your writing is as impressive as a sleek yacht gliding over the waves.

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Yatch vs. Yacht: Mastering the Correct Spelling

Which is correct: Yatch or Yacht

Yatch is Incorrect

Yacht is Correct

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Yatch or Yacht – Which is Correct?

• by Sarah Thompson
• March 1, 2024

Yacht or yatch, which is it? This is a common question that many people have when it comes to spelling this particular word. Whether you’re a native English speaker or someone who is learning English as a second language, it’s important to get the spelling and usage of words right. In this case, the correct spelling is “yacht.”

Now, let’s learn why “yacht” is the correct spelling and how you can remember it with a few simple examples.

Firstly, the word “yacht” is of Dutch origin, and it refers to a luxurious, recreational boat typically used for pleasure or racing. This word has been a part of the English language for centuries, and over time, it has become widely accepted and recognized.

To understand why “yacht” is the correct spelling, let’s look at the pronunciation of the word. It is important to remember that the “ch” in “yacht” is pronounced as a “k” sound, as in the word “cat.” This pronunciation is consistent with other words like “ache,” “architect,” and “mocha.”

Now, let’s consider some examples to solidify your understanding. Imagine you are having a conversation with someone, and you want to mention a luxurious boat that you saw during your vacation. You could say, “I saw a beautiful yacht in the harbor yesterday.” Here, using the correct spelling “yacht” helps you effectively communicate your message, ensuring that others can understand the specific type of boat you are referring to.

Furthermore, imagine you are reading a brochure about an upcoming regatta, a prestigious sailing competition. The brochure would likely use the correct spelling “yacht” to describe the boats participating in the event, such as “The world’s finest yachts will be racing against each other.”

It is worth noting that common misspellings such as “yatch” or “yeacht” may occur due to the “ch” sound in “yacht.” However, it is essential to remember that confusing the “ch” sound with a “tch” sound, as in the words “catch” or “watch,” is incorrect.

To ensure that you are using the correct spelling “yacht,” you can try a simple trick to remember it. Think of a yacht as a “yummy and cool boat.” By associating the word “yummy” with the letter “y” and the word “cool” with the “ch” sound, you can remember the correct spelling and pronunciation.

In conclusion, the correct spelling of this luxurious boat is “yacht.” The word has a rich history and is widely recognized in the English language. Remember to pronounce the “ch” sound as a “k” sound. By using the correct spelling “yacht” in your conversations and writing, you can effectively communicate and demonstrate your understanding of the English language. So, next time you encounter this word, remember, “yacht” is the way to go!

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Yacht or yatch?

Correct spelling, explanation: this word comes from the Dutch word jacht , which means hunt . It’s sail- or power-driven vessel, used for racing or for recreation. As you can see, the English spelling is similar to the Dutch one – only -j changes to -y . That’s why the only correct form is yacht , not yatch .

Definition of yacht : noun, a medium-sized sailing boat equipped for cruising or racing. I want to be so rich that I can afford a yacht . Harry was sailing around the world in his yacht .

Collocations with yacht : Some most commonly used collocations include: luxury yacht , motor yacht , racing yacht , royal yacht , and sailing yacht .

Incorrect spelling, explanation: this word is a misspelling. There is no reason to write it like that. When we look at its etymology, we can clearly see that -ch should appear before -t , not the other way around. The pronunciation indicates that as well. Therefore, the only correct form is yacht , not yatch .

Incorrect spelling

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Definition of 'yacht'

yacht in British English

Yacht in american english, examples of 'yacht' in a sentence yacht, trends of yacht.

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• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Derived terms
• 1.3.2 Translations
• 1.4.1 Translations
• 1.5 Anagrams
• 2.1 Etymology
• 2.2 Pronunciation
• 2.4 Further reading
• 3.1 Etymology
• 3.2 Pronunciation
• 3.4 References
• 3.5 Further reading
• 4.1 Etymology
• 5.1 Etymology
• 5.3 References
• 6.1 Etymology
• 6.3 References
• 7.1 Alternative forms
• 7.2 Etymology
• 7.3.1 Declension
• 7.3.2 Derived terms
• 7.4 Further reading

Circa 1557; variant of yaught , earlier yeaghe ( “ light, fast-sailing ship ” ) , from Dutch jacht ( “ yacht; hunt ” ) , in older spelling jaght(e) , short for jaghtschip ( “ light sailing vessel, fast pirate ship ” , literally “ pursuit ship ” ) , compound of jacht and schip ( “ ship ” ) .

In the 16th century the Dutch built light, fast ships to chase the ships of pirates and smugglers from the coast. The ship was introduced to England in 1660 when the Dutch East India Company presented one to King Charles II, who used it as a pleasure boat, after which it was copied by British shipbuilders as a pleasure craft for wealthy gentlemen.

Pronunciation

• ( UK ) enPR : yŏt , IPA ( key ) : /jɒt/
• ( US ) enPR : yät , IPA ( key ) : /jɑːt/ , /jɑt/

• Rhymes: -ɒt

yacht ( plural yachts )

• 1897 December (indicated as 1898 ), Winston Churchill , chapter X, in The Celebrity: An Episode , New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company ; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd. , →OCLC : The skipper Mr. Cooke had hired at Far Harbor was a God-fearing man with a luke warm interest in his new billet and employer, and had only been prevailed upon to take charge of the yacht after the offer of an emolument equal to half a year's sea pay of an ensign in the navy.
• 1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers , chapter VI, in The Younger Set , New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company , →OCLC : “I don’t mean all of your friends—only a small proportion—which, however, connects your circle with that deadly, idle, brainless bunch—the insolent chatterers at the opera,   [ … ] , the chlorotic squatters on huge yachts ,   [ … ] , the neurotic victims of mental cirrhosis, the jewelled animals whose moral code is the code of the barnyard—!"

Derived terms

• motor yacht , motoryacht , MY
• sailing yacht , steam yacht , SY
• yacht person

Translations

yacht ( third-person singular simple present yachts , present participle yachting , simple past and past participle yachted )

• ( intransitive ) To sail , voyage , or race in a yacht .

• Cathy , tachy , tachy- , yatch

Borrowed from English yacht , from Dutch jacht .

• IPA ( key ) : /jɔt/ , /jot/ , ( Canada ) /jat/

yacht   m ( plural yachts )

Further reading

• “ yacht ”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [ Digitized Treasury of the French Language ] , 2012 .

Unadapted borrowing from English yacht .

• IPA ( key ) : /ˈjɔt/ [ 1 ]
• Rhymes: -ɔt

yacht   m ( invariable )

• the letter Y in the Italian spelling alphabet
• ^ yacht in Luciano Canepari , Dizionario di Pronuncia Italiana (DiPI)
• yacht in Treccani.it – Vocabolario Treccani on line , Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana

Borrowed from English yacht .

yacht   ? ( plural yachts )

• ( Jersey ) yacht

Norwegian Bokmål

From Dutch jacht , via English yacht .

yacht   m ( definite singular yachten , indefinite plural yachter , definite plural yachtene )

• “yacht” in The Bokmål Dictionary .

Norwegian Nynorsk

yacht   m ( definite singular yachten , indefinite plural yachtar , definite plural yachtane )

• “yacht” in The Nynorsk Dictionary .

Alternative forms

yacht   c

• yacht in Svenska Akademiens ordlista ( SAOL )
• yacht in Svensk ordbok ( SO )
• yacht in Svenska Akademiens ordbok ( SAOB )
• yacht in Svenskt nautiskt lexikon (1920)

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Yatch vs. Yacht — Which is Correct Spelling?

Table of Contents

Which is correct: yatch or yacht.

Key Differences

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Definition of yacht noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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Yacht - correct spelling, this grammar.com article is about yacht - correct spelling — enjoy your reading.

noun and verb Example: His yacht cost a fortune. noun Example: He likes to yacht throughout the Caribbean. verb

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English pronunciation of yacht

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(English pronunciations of yacht from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus and from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary , both sources © Cambridge University Press)

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SailingEurope Blog - Sailing, Yacht Charter and Beyond

The Yacht – The Meaning and the Origin of the Word

In my language there are a few words for a floating object, or a vessel. According to the size and the purpose of the vessel, those words could be translated as “dinghy”, “yacht”, “boat” or “ship”. Some types of vessels have international names, for example “catamaran” or “hovercraft”.

What Does Yacht Mean?

However, when you say “ yacht” in my language, everyone know exactly what it is about. The word “yacht”, unlike other terms, has certain connotations. It always links with something classy, fancy, wealthy, elegant, and even glamorous.

For example, if you say that you have spent a week aboard a sailing boat , the recations of people will be more or less neutral. On the other hand, if you say that your week aboard a yacht was excellent, many people will become jealous. They will imagine you in a scene from a James Bond movie : aboard a massive white yacht in Monte Carlo , having a cold martini (shaken, not stirred)…

I wanted to share with you this language introduction because I found an interesting story about the word “yacht” and its origin. The word “yacht” became an English and an international term after an event that happened a long time ago.

How Do You Spell ‘Yacht’?

This word comes from the Dutch word “jacht”, which means “hunt”. Furthermore, “ j achtschepen” was the name for narrow, light and very fast sailing boats that the Dutchmen were using for intercepting larger and slower boats and ships.

One of the ‘hunters’ was given as a present to the British king Charles II . In His Majesty’s free time this vessel was not used for intercepting. Instead, was using it for fun. That is why the word “yacht” eventually became the term for vessels/boats made for pleasure.

I would highly appreciate comments from the native speakers of the  English and Dutch languages. Especially since I am not one of them. No matter whether this story is true or not, it still sounds interesting to me.

Find out more about sailing quotes and phrases here .

I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!

8 thoughts on “The Yacht – The Meaning and the Origin of the Word”

I looked up the origin of the word yacht, and it said it is a mid 16th century, Early Modern Dutch word from ‘jaght,’ from ‘jaghtschip’ meaning “fast pirate ship,” from ‘jaght’ which means “hunting” + ‘schip’ meaning “ship”.

I like the story of King Charles. It makes sense that that is why a yacht has the definite aura of wealth and pleasure!

Almost but not 100%. Actually the verb ‘jagen’ to hunt goes back to middle high German,i.e. Deutsch not Dutch, and before that it was ‘jagon’ in lower high German. But it seems that it all started with Greek and travelled North.

I guess that mid 16th century, the Dutch word jaght or jaghtschip was the word that got picked up. Not the earlier middle high German word where it came from.

Today it is jacht in Dutch, meaning hunting and it also the word for a luxury sailing boat.

In German Jagd is the word for hunt. Germans use the Dutch or English Jacht or Yacht for the boat.

Did the Germans design the original schooners? I think not! Since some Netherlanders speak a form of the Deutschland language, this word is shared (jacht/Dutch—jagd/German: meaning to hunt). It was the Dutch (Netherlanders) who designed the “flyut” or flute sailing ships, l-o-n-g before any British ever thought of such a ship—and—any German. The schooner grew out of the basic designs of the Dutch flute sailing ship (known for it’s speed). The Dutch economy relied heavily on trade and shipping, and were, thus, cutting edge innovators in ship building. Their engineering skills, was and is, plainly seen in their dike system, as well.

My father built a beautiful wooden replica of the”yacht” referred by the author (“Yacht Mary”) which was a present from the city of Amsterdam to King Charles II of England in 1660. They wrecked the ship a few years later (already too much partying on yachts, perhaps?)

I noticed the plaque that came with the model ship spelled the name as “Yatch” Mary. First, I thought, maybe, it was old English or Dutch spelling but it looks like it was just an error.

Nice, We have made an eplainermovie about this subject!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3HDZHF8w2E

In my head yogurt used to be spelled yoghurt and yacht used to be spelled yaught. Am I completely mis-remembering?

Dear Margaret, you are quite right for the spelling of the word yogurt that used to be, and sometimes still is, spelled with its old spelling yoghurt. However, there are no traces of the word yacht to have ever been spelled as yaught, but it would be best to take an etymology expert’s word for it.

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What does the noun yacht mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun yacht . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun yacht ?

How is the noun yacht pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun yacht come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun yacht is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for yacht is from before 1584, in the writing of S. Borough.

yacht is a borrowing from Dutch.

Etymons: Dutch jaght(e .

Nearby entries

• yabber, v. 1841–
• yabbering, n. 1839–
• yabble, n. 1827–
• yabble, v. 1808–
• yabbler, n. 1901–
• yabby, n. 1887–
• yabby, v. 1941–
• yabbying, n. 1934–
• yabu, n. 1753–
• yacca, n. 1843–
• yacht, n. a1584–
• yacht, v. 1836–
• yacht basin, n. 1929–
• yacht broker, n. 1882–
• yachtdom, n. 1901–
• yachter, n. 1828–
• yachtery, n. 1861–
• yachtian, n. 1842–
• yachtie, n. 1874–
• yachting, n. 1836–
• yachting, adj. 1847–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for yacht, n..

yacht, n. was first published in 1921; not yet revised.

yacht, n. was last modified in July 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into yacht, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1921)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View yacht, n. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for yacht, n., browse entry.

Italy yacht rescuers discover two bodies in sunken wreckage

The bodies of two people on board the sunken superyacht in Italy have been found by divers investigating the wreck.

The yacht, named Bayesian, had sunk following a violent spell of weather in the early hours of Monday morning - and while 15 survivors had escaped the vessel, its sinking had sparked a large-scale search effort .

On Wednesday afternoon, a source close to the matter said divers had found the bodies of two of the six passengers who were missing.

One of the bodies belonged to a "heavily-built" man, the source said, while Italian newspaper La Reppublica reported that the corpses were seen behind two mattresses on board.

Rescue teams did not immediately give the names or the sex of the drowned people - who are the second and third victims of the shipwreck to be found.

The body of the yacht's cook, Recaldo Thomas, was located shortly after the vessel sank.

The search for survivors, potentially stuck inside air pockets in the wreck, had entered its third day on Wednesday, but the discovery of the two bodies has dashed hopes on whether specialist divers can find the four remaining passengers.

The six people still unaccounted for on day three had included Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, lawyer Chris Morvillo, his jewellery designer wife Neda, Jonathan Bloomer, a non-executive chair of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy.

LATEST ON THE SUPERYACHT SINKING:

・ Yacht hit by tornado off Sicily was in 'danger zone,' says meteorologist

・ Mike Lynch was holding 'celebration' after personal victory before tornado caused yacht to sink

・ Superyacht captain breaks his silence after 'unprecedented' sinking as 'complicated' search for survivors continues

The wreck, had been lying on its side around 50 metres below the water's surface - and the Italian fire department had called the investigation a "long and complex" operation.

The yacht's inside spaces were obstructed by furniture and debris, and scuba divers had fewer 10 minutes beneath the waves before needing to resurface.

Italy's coast guard had deployed a remotely-operated vehicle to scan the seabed and record underwater footage which it said could provide "useful and timely elements" for prosecutors looking into the disaster.

Other boats were still seen circling the area above the wreck on Wednesday afternoon, including one vessel administrated by Italy's financial guard, a militarised wing of its police force which deals with organised financial and drug crime.

More to follow...

Five bodies found inside superyacht that sank off Sicily

PORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers recovered four bodies Wednesday from inside a superyacht that sank in a sudden storm off Sicily , Salvatore Cocina, director of the island's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed to NBC News.

Cocina later confirmed to Sky News that a fifth body had been found and was being brought to shore. One passenger remains missing.

The identities of the bodies were not immediately released. Their recovery follows a dayslong search in the deep waters off Italy where British tech tycoon Mike Lynch  and several others were believed to be trapped in the hull. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived.

The rest had been missing since early Monday, when the Bayesian was caught in the storm anchored off the coast of Porticello, a village near the Sicilian capital city, Palermo.

The body of the ship’s cook, identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan national, was recovered Monday. 

On Wednesday, NBC News witnessed what appeared to be at least three body bags being lifted from fire department boats after they pulled into port at Porticello. It was unclear whose bodies they were. Some were later transferred to ambulances and driven away from the dock.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda, are also missing. 

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors rescued by a nearby vessel after they got into a lifeboat.

Built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.  

Regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was  acquitted of fraud by a San Francisco jury this year, stemming from the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who brought Bloomer, who testified in his defense, and Morvillo, one of his U.S. lawyers, on the trip.

Lynch's co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain was not aboard the Bayesian, but in what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a  car struck and killed  him Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

Claudio Lavanga and Claudia Rizzo reported from Porticello. Henry Austin reported from London.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Sicily Yacht Company CEO Shares "Endless" Errors That May Have Led to Fatal Sinking Tragedy

After the sinking of a yacht off the coast of sicily that left six people—including tech tycoon mike lynch—dead, ceo giovanni costantino is shedding light on the errors that could have been avoided..

The CEO behind the sunken superyacht believes the tragedy in Sicily could have been prevented. 

Just days after  superyacht the Bayesian sank off the coast of Palermo, Italy  during a freak storm early Aug. 19,  Giovanni Costantino , the founder and CEO of The Italian Sea Group which owns the company that built the ship in 2008, is shedding light on what he believes was an "endless chain of errors from the crew."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told Italian newspaper  Corriere della Sera  Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

As Costantino explained, the crew should have known about the storm, calling the claim that it was sudden and unexpected untrue.

"It was all predictable. I have the weather charts here in front of me," he said. "Ask yourself: why were no fishermen from Porticello out that night? A fisherman reads the weather conditions and a ship doesn't? The storm was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The CEO also asserted the Bayesian was "one of the safest boats in the world" and practically "unsinkable."

"I'm saying that, in fact, mistakes were made," he added. "There's a world between the arrival of a storm and the loading of water. A series of activities had to be done to avoid finding ourselves in that situation."

In order to have avoided the tragedy, he explains that the first step would have been to armor the hull and deck "by closing all the doors and hatches, after having placed the guests in the assembly point of the ship as per emergency procedure."

Twenty-two people were originally on the yacht when it sank, including 10 crew members and 12 guests. The group had come together to  celebrate the acquittal  of tech tycoon  Mike Lynch  on charges of fraud related to Hewlett Packard's $11 billion takeover of his company Autonomy Corp.

Unfortunately,  Lynch's body was recovered on Aug. 22  from the ship's hull. The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman  Jonathan Bloomer  and his wife  Judy Bloomer  and Clifford Chance lawyer  Chris Morvillo  and his wife  Neda Morvillo   had been recovered on Aug. 21 .

Lynch's 18-year-old daughter  Hannah  is the sixth and final missing person, with rescuers still searching for her.

In all, 15 of the 22 passengers survived the wreckage—one of them Lynch's wife  Angela Bacares —while the body of the ship's cook  Renaldo   Thomas  was recovered following the sinking.

One survivor,  Charlotte Golunski ,  recounted the harrowing experience , sharing how she, her 1-year-old  Sophie  and partner  James Emsley  survived.

"For two seconds, I lost my daughter in the sea, then quickly hugged her amid the fury of the waves," she told Italian newspaper  La Repubblica  Aug. 20, per the  BBC . "It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others." 

According to Golunski, a lifeboat was soon inflated that 11 of the survivors—including her family—climbed in.

Director of Sicily's Civil Protection Agency  Salvatore Cocina  had previously stated that it was likely a waterborne tornado—known as a waterspout—that struck the area and caused the tragedy.  He noted that the yacht was unfortunately  "in the wrong place at the wrong time."

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Yacht maker says 'indescribable' crew errors led to fatal Sicily shipwreck

Giovanni costantino is the ceo of the italian sea group, which built the british-flagged bayesian in 2008.

The moment a luxury yacht sinks off the coast of Italy is caught on camera with 6 presumed dead

Grainy CCTV footage shows the moment a storm struck the Bayesian luxury yacht, which sank Aug. 19, 2024, off the coast of Italy. Six people are missing, officials say. (Giornale di Sicilia)

The CEO of a manufacturing company responsible for building the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily this week blamed a series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" by the crew for the vessel’s demise.

Reuters reported that Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which includes Perini Navi, the Italian high-end yacht maker that built the British-flagged Bayesian in 2008, directed blame at the crew of the 183-foot superyacht that sank after capsizing Monday.

"The boat suffered a series of indescribable, unreasonable errors. The impossible happened on that boat ... but it went down because it took on water. From where, the investigators will tell," Costantino said in an interview.

Bayesian had 22 people on board — 12 passengers and 10 crew — when it capsized and sank within minutes of being hit by a predawn storm while anchored off the coast of northern Sicily.

MOMENT LUXURY YACHT SINKS OFF COAST OF ITALY CAUGHT ON CAMERA, WITH 6 PRESUMED DEAD

Italian firefighter divers bring ashore in a plastic bag the body of one of the victims of a shipwreck in Porticello, Sicily, southern Italy, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli)

The yacht has been refitted twice since it was built, the most recent time in 2020, but not by Perini.

Costantino ruled out design or construction flaws as reasons the ship sank, saying it was unlikely after 16 years of trouble-free navigation, including in more severe weather than Bayesian encountered this week.

Instead, he blamed the yacht’s crew for the "incredible mistake" of not being prepared for the storm, which was included in shipping forecasts.

BODY OF MIKE LYNCH RECOVERED FROM SUPERYACHT WRECK AS ITALIAN DIVERS SEARCH FOR FINAL MISSING PERSON

Italian firefighter scuba divers bring ashore the body of one of the victims from the British-flagged vessel Bayesia Wednesday.  (Salvatore Cavalli)

"This is the mistake that cries out for vengeance," Costantino said.

The passengers should have been called out of their cabins and assembled at a safety point as the ship was preparing for the storm by pulling up the anchor, the CEO said. Additionally, doors and hatches should have been closed, and the keel should have been lowered to increase stability, among other safety measures, Costantino declared.

Had correct procedures been followed, all passengers would have gone back to sleep after one hour, "and the next morning they would have happily resumed their wonderful cruise," Costantino added.

WHO IS MIKE LYNCH, THE BRITISH TECH ENTREPRENEUR MISSING AFTER YACHT SANK?

Billionaire British tech titan Mike Lynch's body was among those recovered from the luxury superyacht. (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images/File)

Billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch's body was among the five recovered from the luxury superyacht after it sank.

Lynch, a British tech titan, was apparently aboard the Bayesian to celebrate his recent acquittal in a U.S. fraud case with associates who helped him through the trial.

Included among the six missing people were Lynch; his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Christopher Morvillo, an American lawyer with Clifford Chance who defended Lynch in the fraud case; and Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, who testified in Lynch’s defense.

ITALIAN DIVERS FIND 5 MORE BODIES, 1 STILL MISSING AFTER SUPERYACHT DISASTER SURVIVOR'S OMINOUS TEXT MESSAGE

Recaldo Thomas, a chef who died in the yacht disaster off Sicily's coast, poses for a selfie in this picture obtained from social media. (Recaldo Thomas/via Reuters)

Morvillo’s wife, Neda, and Bloomer’s wife, Judy, were also among the missing.

Divers have been searching for the missing in the hull of the Bayesian, which now rests on the seabed 164 feet underwater. Though the sixth person, whom officials said is a woman, remains missing , the operation is considered a recovery since there have been no signs of life over three days of searching.

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A nearby sailboat rescued 15 people, including a 1-year-old girl. The body of onboard chef Recaldo Thomas, an Antiguan citizen, was recovered Monday.

Investigators are seeking to learn why the superyacht sank so quickly.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner.

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Why we don’t let compassion get in the way of a good conspiracy theory

The sicilian superyacht disaster proves one thing – that where once we did collective sympathy so well, human tragedy now seems to bring out the worst in us, says claire cohen.

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W hat are the chances? On the surface, it’s a fair question. On Monday, the Bayesian superyacht – on which the man once dubbed the ‘British Bill Gates’, tech multi-millionaire Mike Lynch , and his loved ones were celebrating the end of his US fraud trial – was sunk by a violent tornado in Sicily .

Just 48 hours earlier, his former business partner and co-defendant, Stephen Chamberlain , was fatally hit by a car while he went jogging in Cambridgeshire.

My first thought on hearing both pieces of news was how extraordinary and cruel the world can be. Two men, both cleared after a decade-long legal battle and who felt – as Lynch had put it, after a year under house arrest, away from his wife and two daughters – that they had a second chance at life. Now this.

There should be nothing remarkable about that reaction. But we no longer seem to live in an age of shock, sympathy or nuance. What else could explain the unsightly rush to brand this appalling human tragedy as a conspiracy ? Or, as my social media feeds would have it: “Anyone else think this is totally suss?”

Deep breath. Firstly, it shouldn’t need saying that rescue teams in Italy are still searching for 59-year-old Lynch and his teenager daughter, Hannah, who are among the six passengers and crew as yet unaccounted for; at least one person has so far been confirmed dead. This isn’t the time for crass, misinformed speculation or lies. Does that really need spelling out?

Where once we did collective sympathy so well, with social media acting as a gathering place for heartfelt messages of condolence and #RIPs, human tragedy now seems to bring out the worst in us.

The whole thing has taken on the feel of a “I know something you don’t know” playground chant – an opportunity to become a self-appointed expert and “truth-teller” in an online culture that prizes breaking news and boastful “I was there first” narratives that care little for fact or common sense.

Even basic decency, given the number of people posting vile messages about the vanity of capitalists with superyachts, or tweeting about “karma” .

Are we so selfish and paranoid that we can no longer locate the appropriate emotion – sadness, sympathy, horror – within ourselves? Has our ready access to search engines over the last two decades reprogrammed us to constantly question things and seek the result that best suits our personal script? (Sorry, that sounded dangerously like a conspiracy theory, didn’t it…?)

Part of the problem, of course, is our ability to twist truths and manipulate images, sending them around the globe in seconds. Take the conspiracy theory, earlier this year, that Hawaiian wildfires were the work of futuristic energy weapons being secretly developed by the US military, a falsehood that spread with alarming speed on TikTok.

That’s just one example among thousands. We need to start asking ourselves serious questions, like, what happens when we no longer believe anything? Or what happens when we believe too much? After all, Britain has seen the impact of such misinformation in the wake of the Southport killings and subsequent riots this summer, and how delicate the balance between sympathy following a tragedy and the desire for a motive, or someone to blame, has become.

Yes, on some level it’s probably more comforting to believe there are dark forces at work, rather than accept that such freak accidents, such as the Bayesian’s sinking, can and do occur – and that none of us, however rich or well-connected, is immune.

But coincidences happen; that’s the random and unfair truth of human existence, however tiny the chances might have been on paper. Just because something is mind-boggling and difficult to process, that doesn’t make it anything other than what it seems.

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A Waterspout Was Seen When a Luxury Yacht Sank. What Is It?

Witnesses reported seeing the tornado-like phenomenon hit the Bayesian, a sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

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By Eve Sampson

What caused the sinking on Monday of a sailing yacht carrying the British billionaire Mike Lynch and 21 other people off the coast of Sicily is still unknown. But some attention has focused on observations by witnesses, who described seeing a small tornado-like column known as a waterspout forming over the water during an abrupt and violent storm as the vessel sank.

Fifteen passengers on the 180-foot yacht, the Bayesian, escaped on a raft before being rescued by a neighboring cruise ship. The body of the ship’s cook was recovered on Monday and six people remain unaccounted for , including Mr. Lynch and his daughter Hannah, according to officials with Sicily’s civil protection agency.

Prosecutors in the nearby city of Termini Imerese have opened an inquiry into the cause of the sinking.

Here is what to know about waterspouts, a surprisingly common weather phenomenon that may have helped sink the luxury yacht.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts are columns of spinning air and moisture — similar to tornadoes over water, according to the National Weather Service .

While some form in fair weather, and are aptly called fair weather waterspouts, another more dangerous variety called tornadic waterspouts develops downward from a thunderstorm. These tornadic waterspouts can either form as regular tornadoes over land and move out to sea, or form in a storm already over a large body of water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association .

Fair weather waterspouts are weak, often dissipate quickly and do not cause major damage, according to the agencies, but tornadic waterspouts are more often associated with high winds, dangerous and frequent lightning, and hail. The Italian authorities recorded strong winds and intense lightning activity at the time the yacht went down.

How common are waterspouts?

Experts say waterspouts may be more common than tornadoes, but because oceans are so vast, they are more difficult to track — and as difficult to predict.

“The Mediterranean is possibly one of the places where waterspouts are most likely around the world due to the warm ocean surface and a climate that is very susceptible to thunderstorms throughout the summer and autumn,” according to a statement by Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Inness pointed to a 2022 study by scientists from University of Barcelona , which found that waterspouts occurred more frequently over warmer sea surfaces. The North Atlantic ocean has been unusually hot for over a year, repeatedly reaching record highs for the time of year , according to data from the oceanic association.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research on Monday said on X , the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it had confirmed 18 waterspouts near Italy in recent days, and several fishermen in the area of the accident told Italian media that they had witnessed a waterspout near the yacht.

What may have happened?

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby boat that rescued the 15 passengers, said in an interview that he saw the Bayesian about 490 feet away before the wind and lightning picked up.

While it was difficult to see what happened amid the storm, “my theory was that she was capsized first and then went down over the stern,” he said.

Towering over 237 feet tall, the Bayesian mast was one of the tallest aluminum masts in the world and it also had a special keel that could be raised or lowered, according to its manufacturer, Perini Navi. A keel is the downward-extending centerline underneath a boat that can help stabilize the vessel.

“In this case, having a tall aluminum mast would not make it the safest port to be in case of a storm,” said Andrea Ratti, associate professor of nautical design and architecture technology the Politecnico di Milano.

He added that “a lot of questions will remain until we have other elements at our disposal.”

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting.

Eve Sampson is a reporter covering international news and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Eve Sampson