The Yacht Express: A Mega Transporter
The Yacht Express is a semi-submersible ship that transports luxury yachts across the Atlantic, offering a shuttle service for these high-end vessels.
Key Facts:
- Capable of carrying 16 luxury yachts
- Can flood its cargo deck to accommodate cargo
- 48-hour loading process
- Cost: $16 million (ship) and $250,000 per yacht (transportation)
- Combined value of yachts: $188 million
Journey Overview:
- 4,600 nautical mile journey from Florida to Genoa, Italy
- Two-week journey at an average speed of 15 knots
- Crew performs maintenance tasks on board the yachts
Challenges and Success:
- Complex loading process requiring precision and planning
- Team of divers led by Bowie secures yachts on wooden blocks
- High water levels in the cargo deck pose a threat to the yachts
- Successful delivery of luxury yachts to the Mediterranean
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Submersible | A type of ship that can partially submerge in the water to load or unload cargo. | The Yacht Express is a semi-submersible ship that can flood its cargo deck to accommodate luxury yachts. |
| Nautical Mile | A unit of distance used at sea, equivalent to 1.15 land miles. | The Yacht Express travels 4,600 nautical miles from Florida to Genoa, Italy. |
| Knot | A unit of speed used at sea, equivalent to one nautical mile per hour. | The Yacht Express travels at an average speed of 15 knots during its two-week journey. |
| Cargo Deck | A flat area on a ship used for carrying cargo. | The Yacht Express has a cargo deck that can be flooded to accommodate luxury yachts. |
| Wooden Blocks | Timber blocks used to support and secure cargo on a ship. | A team of divers led by Bowie secures yachts on wooden blocks on the Yacht Express. |
| Maintenance Tasks | Regular activities performed to keep equipment or vehicles in good working condition. | The crew performs maintenance tasks on board the yachts during the journey. |
| High-End | Of high quality or luxury. | The Yacht Express transports high-end vessels, such as luxury yachts. |
| Shuttle Service | A regular transportation service between two points. | The Yacht Express offers a shuttle service for luxury yachts across the Atlantic. |
| Accommodate | To provide space or facilities for something or someone. | The Yacht Express can accommodate up to 16 luxury yachts on its cargo deck. |
| Precision | The quality of being precise or exact. | The loading process of the Yacht Express requires precision and planning. |
Vocabulary Quiz: The Yacht Express
Test your knowledge of vocabulary from the article about The Yacht Express.
Answer Key:
1. b) A ship that can partially submerge underwater to load cargo
2. a) Flooding
3. b) Knot
4. b) Team leader
5. c) Securing
The Use of the Present and Past Participles in Reduced Relative Clauses
| In the provided text, reduced relative clauses using present and past participles are used to provide additional information about the nouns they modify. A present participle (e.g., ‘requiring’, ‘securing’, ‘offering’) is used to describe an action that is ongoing or general, whereas a past participle (e.g., ‘flooded’, ‘loaded’, ‘combined’) is used to describe an action that is completed. These reduced relative clauses can be used in formal or informal writing to make sentences more concise and easier to read. |
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Quiz: Reduced Relative Clauses with Present and Past Participles
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. The cargo deck, _______________________ to accommodate cargo, is a key feature of the Yacht Express.
A) being flooded
B) flooded
C) flooding
D) to flood
2. The team of divers, _______________________ by Bowie, secures yachts on wooden blocks.
A) led
B) leading
C) to lead
D) lead
3. The Yacht Express, _______________________ luxury yachts across the Atlantic, offers a shuttle service for these high-end vessels.
A) transporting
B) transports
C) to transport
D) transported
4. The combined value of yachts, _______________________ at $188 million, is a significant amount.
A) estimated
B) estimating
C) to estimate
D) combine
5. The crew, _______________________ maintenance tasks on board the yachts, ensures their safety during the journey.
A) performing
B) performs
C) to perform
D) performed
Answer Key
1. B) flooded
2. A) led
3. A) transporting
4. A) estimated
5. A) performing
