Yacht Rock? There’s Such a Thing?

I recently stumbled upon something that completely took me by surprise: a music genre called “yacht rock.”

As a yachtsman in my 50s, I’ve spent countless hours on the water, my boat slicing through waves beneath expansive skies, with the sun dipping below the horizon. Music has always been a cherished companion on these journeys, yet I had no idea that the songs I’ve been listening to for decades had their own genre!

The name “yacht rock” has a quirky, charming appeal that instantly resonated with me. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of my time on the water—smooth sailing, golden sunsets, and that liberating feeling of being out at sea. These songs, with their soft rock warmth and mellow vocals, have woven themselves into the fabric of my nautical life.

Artists like Michael McDonald, Toto, and Kenny Loggins have filled my yacht with tunes that blend seamlessly with the rhythmic sound of waves against the hull. It’s amusing to realise that classics like “Sailing” by Christopher Cross or “Ride Like the Wind” fit neatly into this delightful category of yacht rock—a name that brings a smile to my face.

This discovery has deepened my appreciation for the music that has accompanied me all these years. Knowing that there’s a genre dedicated to these songs feels like an affirmation of my life on the water, a genre that celebrates both the music and the lifestyle I hold dear.

So here I am, a seasoned sailor, embracing this newfound label with a grin. Yacht rock isn’t just a genre—it’s a celebration of sailing’s natural symphony, the perfect harmony of timeless tunes and the open sea. My love for this music feels even richer now, knowing it resonates with others who share this passion. Here’s to yacht rock, the soundtrack to my seafaring soul.

-M

ABOUT