The top content in issue 21 in detail
Wringing a few more lasting miles out of autumn
Meteorologists fear that the hot summer will be followed by a virulent autumn. Icy mountain air and still very warm water temperatures harbour considerable potential for gusts and storms. Sailors are particularly worried in the Mediterranean. Many crews who have entered the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts off Malta on 22 October, are preparing even more conscientiously for strong wind events than in previous years.
Even in the north, which is already used to autumn storms, caution and prudence are advised when planning a trip. Impressive amateur footage of waterspouts off Dierhagen on the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in mid-September sent an initial warning to Baltic sailors that the atmosphere could hold unpleasant surprises in store.
Alarmism is far from my mind. On the contrary: I would find it downright sad if the justified concerns of marine weather experts led to the last days of the season being spent in harbour or even craned prematurely. After all, it is precisely these late cruises in the low light, between harbours that are much quieter than in summer, that warm the soul and keep the anticipation alive throughout a long winter. Don't miss out on these moments!
These days, however, it is more worthwhile than ever to study weather developments more closely and to keep up to date with changes. Whether thunderstorms, local downbursts or medicanes - they can now all be predicted accurately enough to avoid unprepared distress at sea or at anchor. Our weather series will also help you to better assess the situation.
In this issue, Sebastian Wache describes what you need to know about extreme situations.
Fridtjof Gunkel, Michael Rinck and Hauke Schmidt from the Test & Technology team also show on 14 pages how cruising boats make better progress, heel less and how cloths last longer. Their sailing special is a must-read for every committed skipper.
Johannes Erdmann asked designers, boat builders and insurers about the capsizing behaviour of catamarans. For a good 60 years, sailing circles have been discussing how safe and seaworthy cruising catamarans and tris are. Recent capsizes seem to confirm old prejudices. But is this true?
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
