DSV driving competition: New edition of the classic enters its second season
Lasse Johannsen
· 18.04.2025
Following a comprehensive revision, the DSV announced the former cruising competition of the disbanded cruiser department in 2024 in a modernised form for the first time. Newcomers are now also being targeted. Whether an extended sailing sabbatical, a family break or a short cruise - all cruising sailors should be encouraged to document and submit their voyages.
Long tradition
Despite the new format, the DSV has over 100 years of history to draw on. Shortly after its foundation in 1911, the German Cruiser Yacht Association launched the cruising competition and thus achieved the recognition of cruising sailing as a sporting category, at that time still in competition with the regatta-orientated DSV.
On the other hand, the cruising competition has since promoted the exchange of information about experiences at sea and in harbours through the publication of travel reports, which was invaluable at a time when there was hardly any infrastructure for cruising yachts.
Special prizes and new ratings
With the modernisation for the 2024 season, the concept of the sailing competition, which recently suffered from a lack of applicants, has been simplified and adapted to current needs. Gold, silver and bronze awards are presented in the inland, coastal and sea/ocean categories. In addition to these main categories, the jury can award special prizes for outstanding achievements.
These include the Commodore Prize, the Gudrun Calligaro Prize for the best voyage led by a female skipper and an environmental prize. As an innovation, an audience prize was introduced, which is awarded directly by those present at the awards ceremony. These additions are intended to recognise special aspects of cruising sailing and increase the attractiveness of the competition.
Diversity and stories
Rainer Tatenhorst, Head of the Cruising and Leisure Sailing Department of the DSV, takes a positive view of the first season after the revision: "It was worth it! Many interesting voyages were submitted - stories that make up cruising sailing."
The analysis of the 2024 competition entries showed that it was not necessarily the longest voyages that stood out. Rather, the "hidden gems" among the submitted trips were characterised by diversity: from short charter trips and summer holidays to sabbaticals under sail.
Call for participation
For the 2025 season, the organising DSV is looking for voyages that inspire imitation, present exciting areas or open up new perspectives on cruising. Experiences and thoughts on sustainable sailing are particularly welcome. Tatenhorst emphasises: "We would also like to encourage less experienced skippers in particular to submit their trip reports and compete in the 'Starter' category."
A special category is aimed at family crews: the prize is awarded to voyages in which the children on board are under 16 years of age. All members of a member club registered with the DSV as cruising sailors are eligible to take part. The association encourages people to take the idea of the cruising competition with them on their voyage and to submit their trip afterwards.
Practical information
Categories
- Main categories: Inland, Coastal, Sea/Oceans
- Awards: Gold, silver, bronze
Special prices
- Commodore Prize: For outstanding achievements
- Gudrun Calligaro Prize: Best voyage led by a female skipper
- Environmental award: For particularly sustainable sailing
- Audience Award: Awarded by those present at the award ceremony
Conditions of participation
- Membership: In a DSV club
- Registration: Free of charge as a cruising sailor with the DSV
Special ratings
- Starter category: For novice sailors
- Family crews: special classification for travelling with children under 16 years of age
