Dear readers,
The changes are noticeable: the days are getting noticeably longer, the birds are chirping cheerfully again in the mornings and the first delicate flowers are emerging in the garden, tentatively heralding the approach of spring. And; when the ubiquitous high fog on Lake Constance occasionally lifts and gives way to the sun, you can even casually fiddle around on the boat in front of the house in a T-shirt - without catching your death. The signs are clear: spring is fast approaching. At last! The gloomy, cold days are gradually giving way and the time between sunrise and sunset is currently increasing by almost four minutes every day. Marvellous!
I look forward to this time like a child looks forward to Christmas. Winter jackets in the box, sailing gear and shorts out of the box. And thinking about how to plan the season. The first regattas have already been announced. And, training is the order of the day to get up to operating temperature. There's also a lot of work to be done on our own boats before we can get going again. I'm already really excited - as I am every year at this time.
So much for the freestyle. And what about the duty? Everyday working life as a Test editor of YACHT is currently characterised by anticipation and excitement. This year in particular, we can expect numerous interesting new launches. This was already emphasised at the trade fair boat in Düsseldorf where many innovative new-build projects with unusual concepts, bold design and creative solutions caused a stir.
An outstanding example of this is the new Wauquiez 55which soon became the number one topic of conversation in Düsseldorf. It remains to be seen whether their innovative concept will live up to the high expectations. We will try it out as soon as possible. But other shipyards are also venturing into new territory. Saffier Yachts from the Netherlands, previously known for its smart daysailers and weekenders, presents a large luxury cruiser with a 46-foot hull length for the first time in 2025 thus opening up a completely new market line. The Italians from Cantiere del Pardo are taking the opposite approach and are launching the Grand Soleil Blue a genuine weekender as a novelty for the brand and at the same time the smallest boat in its portfolio to date. X-Yachts from Denmark is also self-confident: the shipyard has invested a great deal in the development of the new XR 41 invested. The exciting racer is set to become a big hit on the regatta courses this year.
Of course, these are just a few of many examples. What is clear is that the world of sailing boats and yachts is facing a particularly exciting year full of innovations and new trends. In my opinion, these developments show that the industry as a whole is still full of dynamism and innovation. Bold reforms and new market strategies prove that things are still moving forward, even in the current economically challenging times.
It seems to me to be a good sign that progress in the yacht building industry is currently being driven by many smaller or medium-sized shipyards in particular, while the large serial manufacturers are currently tending to stand still. Brands that focus on progress and quality can learn from these examples and take inspiration from them. It is probably a clear sign that it pays to invest in creativity and technological development.
Michael Good
YACHT editor
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The week in pictures
Recommended reading from the editorial team
Malizia 4
First the damage to the foil, now the mainsail has torn
First the damage to the foil, then broken hull reinforcements, and now a tear in the mainsail. Two new videos show how Team Malizia is repairing and further developing the IMOCA ahead of the Route du Rhum.
Silting up of the Elbe
Small ports are fighting for every metre of water depth
The Lower Elbe is silting up, time windows are shrinking and ports are becoming difficult to reach. With flat-bottomed boats and homemade dredgers, sailors are fighting to preserve their fishing grounds.
Propulsion
Max Bianchi variable-pitch propeller, which adjusts its pitch whilst the aircraft is in flight
A variable-pitch propeller that automatically adjusts its pitch whilst in flight: this is what Max Prop’s Max Bianchi model is designed to achieve in powered flight and motor-sailing.
Interview
What is it like to work on board the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’?
The ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ has been sailing the world’s oceans for more than 40 years. YACHT editor Fabian Boerger explains why this historic vessel remains relevant.
Hurricanes 2026
Dramatic rescue off the coast of California – El Niño shapes the storm season
A lifeguard rescues a sailor from a partially flooded yacht off the coast of California. Why the 2026 hurricane season is turning out so differently between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Blue-water yachts
These five are heading to the ends of the earth
Five blue-water yachts, five designs: the Boréal 56, Kraken 58, Pure 49, Stem 50 and Breehorn 55 demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses on a long-distance voyage.
Record low water level in Lake Zurich
Sailing yacht flown by helicopter to its winter storage facility
Water levels in Lake Zurich are below the previous record low. Because his sailing yacht was stuck in the shallow water and in danger of capsizing, a 65-year-old owner had his boat airlifted out by helicopter. The operation cost around 2,000 francs and highlights just how much the exceptionally low water level is now affecting navigation.
Series of thefts continues
Thieves make off with two 300 PS outboard motors from Wieltsee
Thieves have struck again at Wieltsee: they have stolen two boats and removed heavy outboard motors. This is already the fourth such incident in three months.
Second-hand boat of the week
Arietta 31 – the dawn of an era
A narrow waist, mahogany hull and elegant overhangs: the Arietta 31, designed by Olle Enderlein, prioritises balanced lines and seaworthiness over maximum living space. As a forerunner of later Scandinavian cruising yachts, it is now an interesting classic for sailors seeking a traditional, compact cruising yacht.
Breehorn 55 review
Is it the ideal home at sea?
A pilothouse, teak fittings and an unusually accessible service tunnel: this is how the Breehorn 55 works below deck, and these compromises remain.
Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
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