or YATCH, a vefel of state, usually employed to convey princes, ambaffadors, or other great perfonages, from one kingdom to another.

As the principal design of a yacht is to accommodate the passengers, it is usually fitted with a variety of convenient apartments, with suitable furniture, according to the quality or number of the perfons contained therein.

The royal yachts are commonly rigged as ketches, except the principal one referved for the sovereign, which is equipped with three masts like a ship. They are in general elegantly furnished, and richly ornamented with sculpture; and always commanded by captains in his majesty's navy.

Befides thefe, there are many other yachts of a smaller kind, employed by the commiffioners of the excife, navy, and customs; or ufed as pleafure-boats by private gentlemen.