With the YACHT 17/2026 We’re heading far afield: to a new IMOCA in Lorient, to the icy world of the Sermilik Fjord and to the Solent off Cowes. Also featured are a test of the Stem 50, a technical guide to charging large lithium batteries, special Baltic Sea destinations and boats that demonstrate just how diverse sailing is today.
These are the top stories in YACHT 17/2026
- Boris Herrmann’s new ‘Malizia 4’ in detail
- Travel report from the Sermilik Fjord in East Greenland
- 200 years of Cowes Week off the Isle of Wight
- Review of the aluminium Stem 50
- Fisher motor glider at the gathering in Laboe
- The Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC: a truly special boat
- Technical guide to charging large lithium batteries
- Seven special Baltic Sea destinations off the beaten track
“Malizia 4”: Boris Herrmann’s new IMOCA takes to the water
Boris Herrmann’s new ‘Malizia 4’ is one of the major highlights of this issue. We show what sets the new vessel apart from its predecessor, what ideas have gone into the new IMOCA, and why the boat looks completely different from the ‘Malizia Seaexplorer’.
This issue focuses on first impressions from Lorient, on design, weight and efficiency, and on how Team Malizia is repositioning itself for the Ocean Race and the Vendée Globe. Detailed background information on these topics is already available online at Boris Herrmann’s new IMOCA rocket and also, What lies behind this radical new building.
East Greenland: Our report from the world of ice
Our travel feature takes us to the east coast of Greenland. In Sermilik Fjord, the crew sails through a landscape of icebergs, rugged wilderness and anchorages that could hardly seem further removed from a typical summer sailing trip.
It’s all about spectacular landscapes, intense encounters and the unique tranquillity of a region where sailing quickly turns into an expedition. The photographs and impressions from East Greenland are among the most striking travel features in this issue.
200 Years of Cowes Week: A blend of tradition and modernity
Cowes Week is at once a regatta, a ritual and a British summer event. To mark its 200th anniversary, we look at how what began as an elite contest off the Isle of Wight has become one of the world’s best-known sailing festivals.
It explores the Solent as a challenging sailing area, its royal history, its vast race courses and the development of a regatta that today combines tradition with modern organisation. To complement the magazine, you can find our background feature online at 200 years of Cowes Week as well as the contribution to the Cowes Week App, which combines courses, starts and tracking.
Boats featured in this issue: Stem 50, Fisher and Grand Soleil 80
The test focuses on the Stem 50. The Italian aluminium yacht is said to combine seaworthiness, robustness and a distinctive design with good sailing performance. We’ll be taking a closer look at what lies behind the concept and which crews this boat might appeal to.
The British Fisher motor-sailers offer a completely different take on sailing. At the gathering in Laboe, it became clear why these cabin cutters enjoy cult status amongst enthusiasts and why many owners remain loyal to their boats for decades.
Also in this issue: the Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC. Cantiere del Pardo’s new flagship is designed for long-distance cruising, charter and racing. We have already featured this large yacht in detail online, from the concept of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC as the new flagship up to Charter, interior and price of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC.
Hands-on experience on board: charging lithium batteries and rediscovering the Baltic Sea
Skippers Magazine explores a technical topic that is currently relevant on many yachts: large LiFePO4 battery banks and the right charging solution. We explain why standard alternators can be overwhelmed by large lithium batteries and how their capacity can be utilised safely and effectively. For more in-depth information on this topic, see our online guide, how to charge lithium batteries effectively.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of seven Baltic Sea destinations off the beaten track. These are ports and towns that blend nature, culture and maritime history. For further inspiration, take a look at our online feature on Hidden gems on the Baltic Sea.
Also in YACHT 17/2026
In our Panorama section, we report, amongst other things, on the ‘Gorch Fock’ in New York, Danish mooring buoys, a navigation app, an exploded life raft and the fight against the quagga mussel. In the ‘New Boats’ section, we look at an ORC racer from NYX Yachts and the Oyster 515, the smallest model from the British luxury shipyard.
The sports section reports on European Championship gold for a German skiff duo, another World Championship title for Kröger, and the Sailing Bundesliga in Kiel. Also featured are equipment, galley, readers’ letters, Kielwasser and the YACHT Market.
YACHT 17/2026 is now available at newsagents and in magazine shops, and will also be available shortly at the Delius Klasing App Available to download. Or you can simply order it directly here...
Which story appeals to you most: ‘Malizia 4’, East Greenland or Cowes Week? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital