Boating, the leisurely activity of traveling by boat, typically refers to the recreational use of boats, whether they be powered boats, sail boats, or yachts (large vessels). It is typically focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or waterskiing. Boating is an extremely popular activity, and there are millions of boaters worldwide.

Whilst sailing's invention is prehistoric, racing sailing boats is believed to have started in the Netherlands sometime in the 17th century, and it soon made its way to England, where custom-built racing "yachts" began to emerge. In 1851, a challenge to an American yacht racing club in New York led to the beginning of the America's Cup, a regatta won by the New York Yacht Club until 1983, when they finally lost to Australia II. Meanwhile, yacht racing continues to evolve, with the development of recognized classes of racing yachts, from small dinghies up to huge maxi yachts.