SIGHTS
Multiple decks, ropes, flags flying at the top of the boat, a main salon (couches and sofas, throw pillows, windows all around with thick curtains, a television, carpeting, a bar and stools), a galley (sink, fridge, freezer, oven, counter space, cabinetry), a dining salon area (table and chairs, dishes, flower arrangements, napkins), a bridge (leather seating, a steering wheel, joysticks, throttles, cup holders, screens, buttons, keypads, knobs, maps, navigational equipment and tools, communications equipment), staircases between floors, multiple cabins below decks (beds and pillows, televisions, mirrors, personal items and furnishings to make the boat more homey), covered decks on various levels with seating, a wet bar and hot tub, cabins for the crew (bunks and pillows, storage, bathrooms, a washer and dryer), an engine room, a gym, a movie theater, masts and rigging (on a sailing yacht), crew dressed in uniform (as they take care of the boat, report to the captain, prepare meals, and attend to guests), first aid kits and flotation devices clipped in place, fire extinguishers on all levels, recreational vehicles (wave runners, inner tubes, kayaks) stored at the back on a platform, a ground-level deck with lounge chairs
SOUNDS
Engine sounds (idling, accelerations, decelerations), the hull slicing through the water, waves crashing against the hull, seabirds crying out as they fly overhead, music playing, people talking and laughing, kids yelling, bare feet slapping against the deck, the splash of kids jumping into the ocean, the mechanical sounds of toilets flushing, metallic anchors being dropped, wind filling one’s ears, water pouring into a sink, soda and beer cans cracking open, beverages being poured into glasses, ice cubes clinking against a glass, the crew talking quietly to each other and to the guests, the snap of flags outside, wind rustling curtains and clothing, kitchen noises from the galley, silverware scraping over dishes, water dripping from a wet suit onto the deck, a wave runner engine growling as guests take it out and jump through the waves
SMELLS
Ocean air, wet towels, food cooking, leather, wood polish, coffee, beer and other beverages, clean linens, cleaning products
TASTES
Fresh fish and seafood, soda, water, lemonade, coffee and tea, alcoholic beverages, salt on the skin
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
The wind whipping one’s hair, ocean spray, wooden decking underfoot, thick carpeting, soft couches, cushioned deck chairs, delicate stemware, glasses wet with condensation, a wooden or stainless steel banister under one’s palm, thick coverlets, silky sheets, a cool drink in the throat, sunglasses sliding down one’s nose, sunburn, sweat gathering on the skin, water from a wet bikini string dripping down one’s back, diving into the salty ocean, salt water stinging one’s eyes, a cool shower washing away the sweat and salt that coats one’s skin
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Falling or being pushed overboard
The mutiny of a rogue crew
Sabotage by a jealous associate or family member
The boat breaking down far from home
Losing one’s way and wandering into hostile territory
Running into pirates
Drama among guests or crew members
Unsupervised children playing in dangerous places
Food poisoning or disease that puts one’s guests in jeopardy
The sudden death or disappearance of anyone who knows how to drive the boat
A shark attack
The air conditioning quitting while out at sea
Running out of something crucial (food items, medication, drinking water)
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
A chef, captains, deckhands, family members, groups chartering the yacht, guests, mates, stewards and stewardesses, yacht owners
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Rural Volume: Beach, beach party, ocean, tropical island
Urban Volume: Black-tie event, limousine, marina
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Yachts come in a variety of lengths; though definitions vary, it’s generally accepted that small yachts begin around 25 feet, mega yachts are in excess of 164 feet long, and super yachts fall somewhere in the middle. Smaller yachts can be driven by the owner, while larger boats often employ a crew, and the size of the boat will determine the onboard amenities and their level of luxuriousness, including swimming pools, elevators, helicopter pads and more.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
The water was black and warm, like swimming in a tub of ink. Mother would freak out if she knew I’d gone out so far at night, but it wasn’t like I could get lost; the distant yacht was lit up like a gigantic parade float, and I bet you could hear its music for miles. Of course, it wasn’t the dark or me getting lost that Mother was really worried about. Two muscular arms slipped around my waist while a pair of lips brushed the back of my neck, making me shiver in the tepid water. I grinned and turned to greet Duke.
Techniques and Devices Used: Light and shadow, multisensory descriptions, simile
Resulting Effects: Characterization, establishing mood