The America's Cup is the most important, biggest and most historic regatta in the world. No other sailing event attracts as much media attention as the oldest sporting trophy. Only Formula 1 trumps the development costs for sports equipment, the level of secrecy in the R&D departments is at secret service level - "Q" sends its regards. And after four years of waiting, there are - finally - fast races.
But the joy is clouded, because rarely has there been so much discussion about the attractiveness and meaningfulness of our sport as since the start of the current challenger round. It seems that the duels at the Louis Vuitton Cup are not really catching on with the spectators.
America's Cup good or bad?
Discussions are also boiling over within the editorial team. Fans of the former monohull cuppers in particular criticise the lack of visible action on board and the relatively bland manoeuvres. I also miss the sail changes, including acrobatic manoeuvres by the forecastle crew or athletic windward-leeward changes.
Nevertheless, the incredibly high speeds of the AC75s in just six knots of true wind fascinate me, and I'm sure that 12-man regattas in these conditions would be spectator torture. I can't wait to see which challenger team will start the final rounds against New Zealand on 12 October. Current reports, background information and sporting facts about the 37th America's Cup can be found at yacht.com.
Women's power ahead of Barcelona
The first Women's America's Cup will also be exciting - a historic event! We are keeping our fingers crossed for our GER team, even though we know that the conditions for the twelve participating teams are - to put it kindly - unbalanced. Three-time Olympic champion Jochen Schümann acts as mentor to our crew and reveals in an interview how good the chances of victory are.
There is also plenty to discover in this issue outside of sport. We show you the beauty of Bornholm, present smart refuelling aids with which you can transfer fuel from the canister without spilling, and give you tips on lightning protection
The new YACHT 20/2024 is now available at newsagents and newsagents, as well as in the Delius Klasing App ready for download. Or you can simply order them directly here...
A sudden rudder break and the tragic consequences
If the bearing breaks, water can get in and cause an accident. You can find out why every skipper should pay regular attention to the steering apparatus, as well as everything you need to know about the Starlink system: around 5,000 satellites from the commercial communications company currently ensure good coverage - and even enable video conferences from the boat office far from the coast. We explain what has changed technically since the satellite service was introduced and which tariffs are particularly interesting for sailors.
Enjoy this issue!
Martin Hager, YACHT Editor-in-Chief
All topics of the new YACHT at a glance:
PANORAMA
Current
The sinking of the "Bayesian";
Classics meeting in Laboe;
severe weather in the Balearic Islands;
Bacteria in the Baltic Sea;
spectacular salvage of the "Bibelot"
Precinct
What will become of Damp? Dispute over restoration of the harbour widens
New boats
Explorer yacht from Elan;
Daysailer from Mylius;
fast cruising catamaran from Ocean Rider
Sport
Preliminary heats for the Louis Vuitton Cup;
Burke/Fink try a new start in the Class40
Journey
Bornholm is rich in sights - and harbours!
We show you which places on the island you should definitely visit
Long trip
With his old half-tonner, Philipp Hympendahl sailed
to the Caribbean and back. Single-handed! Why he did it
and what it brought him
General average
Yachts that have sunk after a broken rudder,
have hit the headlines recently.
What the causes were and how they could be avoided
Sport
The America's Cup is no longer just for men.
In 2024, youth and women's teams will also be competing off Barcelona.
Among them: German crews. The report
Severe weather
Experiencing thunder and lightning up close can
can be extremely unpleasant. We show you how thunderstorms develop
and how best to arm yourself on board
Yachts of the year
The European "Sailing Oscar" is entering a new round.
Who will win the race this time? All nominated boats at a glance
TEST & TECHNOLOGY
Trade fair
At the end of September, the Interboot in Friedrichshafen
opens its doors. What exciting things will be on show there for sailors
Baycruiser 21
The six-metre boat aims to be a true all-rounder:
classic and at the same time ultra-modern, sporty and yet
yet also suitable for touring. The test
SKIPPERS MAGAZINE
Technology
The Starlink system has revolutionised satellite communication.
revolutionised satellite communication. But is it also suitable for sailors?
Comparison of transmission rates and data tariffs
Practice
When transferring fuel from the canister to the tank, things often go wrong. This can be avoided with special devices. A buying guide
Equipment
E-motors: Sail-Drive from Yanmar and outboard from Tohatsu.
Also: shore power socket; spotlights; tiller boom
DIY
Ideas for readers on how to store tools and other
utensils can be stowed away without slipping
YACHT-MARKT
Germany's most up-to-date water sports market
On nine pages the complete offer for sailors: used boats, purchase requests,
broker and insurance offers, school and charter adverts
The special boat
Mathis Menke prefers to sail over rather than on the water.
A portrait of the successful German moth self-builder
Wake
Why Mads Bo Falk lives on not one, but two yachts
