Comfort lifehack 1:Quickly installed windbreak for cosy evenings in the cockpit
At anchor, the wind comes from the front and we sit protected behind the sprayhood. In the harbour, however, when we want to make ourselves comfortable, the side wind sometimes gets in the way. For such cases, we have sewn a windbreak from tarpaulin fabric. It can be attached quickly. It is held in place at the top of the railing wire with a long zip and is simply tied at the four corners. All you then need to do is attach the protective fabric to the windward side. When removed and rolled up, the windbreak takes up very little space in the forecastle. When sailing, we want to leave the railing free, as the tarpaulin fabric would tend to obstruct the view and the unhindered movement of the foresheet.
Brigitte Lange, Kiel
Comfort lifehack 2:Cockpit cushion for round coamings
If you are sitting lengthways on the dinghy, you like to lean your back against the cabin bulkhead. On many modern yachts, this area is very rounded, so you are always pressed slightly towards the centre of the cockpit when leaning against it. To prevent this, we have made seat cushions with a suitable fit that are bevelled straight at the front. To ensure that the locker lids remain accessible, the reclining surface has been cut into accordingly.
Andreas Mengen, Spay
Comfort lifehack 3:Awning for the cockpit
At the height of summer, the sun's rays can be too strong. An awning stretched over the cockpit provides relief. To ensure that the entire cockpit is in the shade, it must be as wide as possible and tensioned to the shrouds. There are usually no suitable attachment points at the stern. The boat hook provides a remedy. We tie it to the permanently mounted mast support. Alternatively, the backstay can also be used for this. This creates attachment points that are far outwards.
Bernhard Uhrmeister, by e-mail
Comfort lifehack 4:Table leg in headstand
The cockpit table top is fitted with a hook fitting opposite the tilting mimic. When the table is folded up for use, it is held in place by a Dyneema rope, which is attached with an eye splice between the steering column and the hook fitting - simple, practical and inexpensive! And as the Dyneema used is almost free of stretching, even a thick steak can be cut on the table with virtually no vibration.
Heike Gusemann, Cologne
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