The history of steam yachts starts with large sailing yachts with a steam auxiliary engine. Early examples, driven with paddle wheels, had a railed platform from which the person conning the vessel could walk across the vessel above the main deck, the origin of the bridge. In the late 18th century, steam engines became more efficient, spars were removed and a screw propellors became standard. Large steam yachts were luxurious; their staff included a captain, engineer, and stewards, as well as deck hands.