Two fundamentally different sailing boats, both of which set standards in their own way: The Kraken 58 is a GRP long-distance yacht that is as robustly built as an aluminium explorer yacht. The test shows how the numerous safety features affect the sailing behaviour. At the same time, the editorial team scrutinised the Happy Cat Star Carbon from Grabner. The inflatable catamaran has already won numerous fans as a standard model. Now there is a new version with carbon equipment, which should inspire sporty sailors. The testers reveal how well it does this and what differences there are to the basic model.
Both tests provide detailed insights into the construction, handling and sailing characteristics under different conditions. The Kraken 58 is aimed at crews who value maximum safety on long journeys, while the Happy Cat Star Carbon is a lightweight, transportable alternative for sporty sailors.
Special boat with rarity value
The boat portrait is dedicated to the "Arningali", an extraordinary sailing ship weighing 14 tonnes. A large part of this considerable weight is due to the interior fittings, which are truly rare. The design and equipment of the "Arningali" differ significantly from modern production boats. The portrait shows the philosophy behind the construction and provides an insight into the history of the ship.
This time the travel report takes us to St Martin in the Caribbean, a small Antillean island with a special status. The Netherlands and France border directly on each other here. Sailors benefit from the best of both worlds, as the report shows. The island stands for Creole-European flair and great sailing dreams.
Fit on board in old age
The "Fit on board" report deals with a question that concerns many sailors: How do you deal with physical limitations that often increase with age? Several skippers talk about their experiences and solutions for making life on board much easier. These include technical aids, adapted boat equipment and changes to cruise planning. The report provides specific suggestions on how to adapt the boat to suit the age of the skipper. It also presents exercises that help to maintain fitness.
Further topics at a glance
Issue 7/2026 contains numerous other reports and guides. The Panorama section features a horizon with a spectacular view of the scow design "Palanad 4". The News section reports on a lawsuit against sailors on the Steinhuder Meer, sailing drones, oil pollution on the North Sea and lighthouses. The accident report documents the sinking of a yacht off Gran Canaria. Kai Linnenbrügger describes the accident and the rescue of his crew.
In the new boats section, the editorial team presents a carbon retro classic from Knierim and the model upgrade for the Arcona 465. The sports section presents the highlights from the SailGP in Sydney. An adventure report follows in the footsteps of naval aviator and Tierra del Fuego pioneer Gunther Plüschow. In 1927, Plüschow sailed from Europe to Tierra del Fuego and explored the canals of Patagonia. Osvaldo Torres is currently following his course in the Cape Horn region.
Portrait and guide
Kirsten Neuschäfer has captured the hearts of the international yachting scene. The sailor has now written a book about her experiences in the Golden Globe Race. YACHT is publishing excerpts from the book about her analogue circumnavigation.
The radio guide explains what you need for an inland and marine radio licence and how to establish a routine for radio communication. Another report deals with long-distance dreams. It is often a long way from wish to reality. A young couple report on how they managed to get out and cast off. In the Kielwasser interview, artist Erwin Wurm explains why he moulds boats.
YACHT 7/2026 is now available at newsagents and newsagents, and will soon be available in the Delius Klasing App ready for download. Or you can simply order them directly here...
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
