Dear readers,
Thursday was the shortest day of the year. From now on, things are looking up, at least in terms of daylight hours. But it's still a long time until the start of the season. Some sailors may be feeling the winter blues.
But there is a remedy. We can also indulge in our hobby in winter. First and foremost, of course, there is the work on the boat: winter work, repairs, new purchases. For some, winter is also the most intensive time to socialise with fellow club members. If you rarely meet up during the season because everyone is travelling, it is something of a ritual in many places to greet each other in the hall at the weekend, help each other, drink a mulled wine and chat. For some, winter is the second sailing season.
However, there are also a number of activities that can be used to shorten the seemingly endless dark time of year: sailing on the beach or visiting a maritime museum, planning the next cruise or visiting a boat show, reading a good book or continuing your education - with our webinars, for example.
Or listen to a good podcast. Like the new YACHT podcast, which had its acoustic maiden voyage yesterday. In the new format, we take a look behind the scenes of some YACHT articles, talk to interesting sailors and offer knowledge and entertainment.
But I think the best way to combat winter melancholy is to keep reminding ourselves how privileged we are as sailors. In difficult times, with war in the Middle East and Ukraine, with inflation and rising energy costs, with fears about the future or a storm surge of the century, fortunately not much has changed for us as sailors so far.
Of course, mooring fees and charter prices are also rising, as are price lists for yachts. Maybe that's why some people have to cut back a little on their hobby, but what is that compared to real crises? The sea is still wide, the boat still floats, and what does it need to cast off? The wind is still free, we hardly burn any fuel, so an increase in the price per litre doesn't make much difference. If the marina becomes too expensive for us, we can drop anchor, we can do things ourselves again where we may have previously used the services of others.
But above all, we can escape. We can leave fears and bad news behind us and enjoy real freedom. Who can say that about themselves? In view of this, anyone who complains about the long winter break is doing so at a high level. And as mentioned at the beginning, the days are getting longer again, cheer up, it's getting light back there, as the saying goes.
On behalf of all my colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!
Lars Bolle,
Editor-in-chief watersports digital
PS: The big review of the year will be published here in a week's time. Subscribe to the free newsletter now and don't miss a thing!
Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
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The week in pictures:
Recommended reading from the editorial team:
New podcast episode
VAT, EU goods, customs checks: what yacht owners need to know about their yacht’s status – with Benyamin Tanis
Many owners assume that VAT on their yacht has long since been paid, until customs make enquiries and the relevant documents are missing. In the 81st episode of the YACHT – The Sailing Podcast, legal expert Benyamin Tanis explains why ‘Union goods’ status is crucial, why old purchase receipts are often insufficient, and what needs to be borne in mind on long voyages outside the EU. Anyone buying a second-hand yacht or heading for the Mediterranean and the Caribbean by boat should listen to this episode.
Team Malizia
The film by YACHT TV – Boris: “The boat is fantastic!”
It’s off to a promising start: Boris Herrmann’s new “Malizia 4” is a hit with his team. He gushes: “The boat is fantastic!” Plus, a film recommendation from YACHT TV.
Kiss 25
Kissing allowed, braking forbidden
Small, exciting, powerful. The Kiss 25 from Denmark is set to take on the established sports boat classes. This compact carbon-fibre racer is built by Neo Yachts in Italy.
SEK operation on the Flensburg Fjord
Conflict over fishing net takes a surprising turn
An anchor that had become entangled in a fishing net off Wassersleben led to a spectacular SWAT operation on the Flensburg Fjord in June 2025 and attracted widespread media coverage. As the investigation progresses, the conflict is proving to be far more complex. The investigation by the Flensburg Public Prosecutor’s Office is ongoing.
Linjett 36
Linjett 36 in the YACHT test – What the new Swedish yacht can do at sea
In the YACHT test, the Linjett 36 demonstrated plenty of speed, control and quality. This is what makes the new Swedish cruising yacht 2026 so appealing to discerning cruising sailors.
Motorboat fire in Langenargen
Boat burns to the ground in the marina alongside sailing yachts
A motorboat caught fire at Langenargen Marina. The fire brigade prevented the fire from spreading to other boats; no one was injured.
Distress at sea
Sailor stranded on Norderney following a second incident
A Dutch sailor had run aground on Norderney a week and a half ago with his boat, the ‘Filou’. Now he finally wanted to leave the island. He didn’t get very far.
Five Sisters Trophy
“Gorch Fock” wins the race alongside her sisters
Five Sisters Trophy: The "Gorch Fock" wins the race against her three sister ships on the Atlantic Ocean off Boston.
Dufour 54
Plenty of volume, a substantial boat and plenty of variety
With the new Dufour 54, the French shipyard is crowning its comprehensively revamped model range. The flagship combines a spacious cockpit, flexible sailing and interior layout options, and plenty of space below deck. *YACHT* magazine was on board for the maiden trial run in La Rochelle.
Clipper Round the World Race
New yachts for life-changing cabin charters
Two cockpits with dodgers, a modern hull design, plenty of berths for amateur racers: the regatta organiser presents the new racing yachts for the Clipper Round the World Race.
YACHT webinars
Beginner webinars for everyone. Register now!
On 2 November, we launched our extensive range of interesting online lectures on the most important topics relating to sailing. Let our experts get you in shape for the new season. In a series of webinars, we share practical knowledge and our experience on topics that concern beginners and experts alike
Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
Der Yacht Newsletter fasst die wichtigsten Themen der Woche zusammen, alle Top-Themen kompakt und direkt in deiner Mail-Box. Einfach anmelden:
