The Yacht was a gift because I backed the game ~ 6 months ago. I don't know if that version always comes in exceptional quality or with live oak, but I assume so. What is random are the upgrades like extra speed, higher turn rates etc.
While crafting ships (not sure you can craft Yachts btw, since they seem to be backer-exclusive) you can choose their quality and wood type, so teak, oak, live-oak, ...
Along with that, upgrades like I mentioned above.
All that however is only possible with the respective crafting skill / experience, which is not connected to your combat experience, that one only rises from fighting (doing damage, more precisely).
Right now, I am 2nd Lietnenant, or Sekundlöjtnant in Swedish - but as soon as this new patch arrives that also brings the next wipe, I will switch back to the only nation I find attractive when talking Age of Sail: Britannia!
