Knowledge

- Alpine lakes are very popular in hot weather, but can become dangerous within minutes due to rapidly developing thunderstorms and Föhn gales.  
- A two-tier storm warning service using orange lightning symbols (40/min for strong winds, 90/min for storms) warns of dangerous gusts on Lake Constance and the Bavarian lakes.  
- Switzerland and Austria use similar visual warning systems, some with two warning levels and others with just one, depending on the lake or federal state in question.

Extreme weather on the Alpine lakes: Everyone should be aware of these storm warning services

- A 65-year-old woman fell overboard during a storm on Lake Constance and was recovered dead the following day off Langenargen.  
- Around 200 emergency personnel from Germany, Austria and Switzerland searched for the missing woman; the search was suspended in the evening.  
- The Lake Constance warning system, featuring orange storm lights and advice on what to do, is designed to protect people from rapidly approaching thunderstorms and strong winds.

Thunderstorm on Lake Constance: 65-year-old woman falls overboard and dies

- Due to a lack of funding, Pukropski ended her competitive sporting career and, at the age of 24, took over her former sailing school using a personal loan.
- She worked almost non-stop, bore full financial responsibility and, as a young boss, was sometimes not taken seriously, but learnt about leadership and organisation.
- The aim is to create an accessible water sports centre offering low-cost and inclusive activities, combining education, community and experiential learning.

Interview: Setting up his own sailing school at 24: “When I do something, I do it properly”

- The Union goods status of yachts is crucial; old proof of purchase is often insufficient; owners must be able to provide conclusive evidence of the goods’ taxed status.  
- Long voyages, the three-year rule, EU outermost regions and refits carried out outside the EU can jeopardise Union goods status and require careful documentation.  
- Buyers of second-hand boats are increasingly asking for proof of VAT payment; Tanis explains which documents are valid and how checks and any potential additional claims are handled.

New podcast episode: VAT, EU goods, customs checks: What yacht owners need to know about their yacht’s status – with Benyamin Tanis

- The ‘Union goods’ status of recreational craft depends on whether they are manufactured within the EU or have been duly imported and VAT has been paid; it is not a permanent characteristic.
- The law firm Tanis von der Mosel offers a free initial assessment via mwst-boot.org, as well as status documents for a fee, with a money-back guarantee.
- Leaving EU waters results in the loss of this status; it can be regained within three years provided the vessel remains in the same ownership and has not undergone any significant alterations.

EU goods status for recreational craft: yachting lawyer offers a solution

- The WSV is demanding high usage fees for seagrass restoration in the Baltic Sea, which is putting planned planting initiatives by volunteers at serious risk.  
- It is disputed whether restoration constitutes ‘use’ of the seabed; Environmentalists see this as a contradiction with EU restoration legislation and Baltic Sea conservation objectives.  
- A conflict of jurisdiction between the federal government (WSV/Ministry of Transport) and the state of Schleswig-Holstein is delaying a resolution, whilst the limited planting season ends in August.

Protection of the Baltic Sea: Those who plant seagrass should pay – federal authority halts volunteers’ efforts

- A legervall occurs in onshore winds, waves or currents and can quickly cause yachts that are not at a sufficient distance from the leeward coast to run aground.
- Clusters of accidents, particularly in Seegatten and harbour entrances, are often the result of overconfidence, unfamiliarity with the area and technical failure.
- Prevention: choose the leeward shore, factor in currents and break-off points, keep the anchor clear, keep sails ready to reef, make radio contact early and consider insurance risks.

Avoiding Legerwall: What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

- Light signals have shaped warfare, communication and safety at sea for millennia – from Troy to Pharos to the October Revolution.  
- Beacons and navigation lights made shipping safer, but were also misused, for example in cases of beach raiding or during the sinking of the ‘Wilhelm Gustloff’.  
- Despite GPS and modern electronics, lighthouses remain important as a safety backup, cultural symbols and romantic locations.

History: Lighthouses – More than just coastal romance

- Sea Alert bündelt amtliche Navigationswarnungen aus 21 europäischen Ländern und NAVAREA-Zonen auf einer interaktiven Karte mit Näherungsalarmen.  
- Die App bietet Favoriten, Crewmeldungs-Sharing, eigene Meldungen, integrierten Sofort-Übersetzer und Offline-Modus mit vorab ladbaren Karten.  
- Verfügbar für iOS und Android: 14 Tage kostenlos testbar, danach Jahresabo für 29,99 Euro, nutzbar auf bis zu drei Geräten.

Sicherheit: Navigationswarnungen per App, mit Sea Alert europaweit

Navigation

- In the Croatian Adriatic, the Bora, the Jugo and, in particular, the highly unpredictable Nevera pose significant dangers to charter crews.  
- The Bora is a cold, gusty downwind with gusts that can reach gale force, whilst the Jugo is a steady south to south-easterly wind that builds up the swell.  
- Nevera are short, violent thunderstorms with gale-force gusts; DHMZ and lightning detection apps are key tools for assessing the risk.

​Bora, Jugo, Nevera: When Adriatic winds become dangerous in Croatia

- Böen entstehen durch dynamische (Reibung, Topografie, Höhenwinde) und thermische Turbulenz (labil geschichtete, aufsteigende Warmluft).
- Kaltfronten, Trogtiefs, labil geschichtete Herbstlagen und ablandige Winde an gegliederten Küsten führen zu besonders heftigen, drehenden Böen.
- Warnsignale sind Quellwolken, Schauer-/Gewitterlinien, verdunkelte Wasserflächen und Schaumkronen; Skipper müssen schnell Kurs und Segel anpassen.

Weather knowledge: Strong gusts out of the blue - development and sail handling

- Über dem Bodensee bei Friedrichshafen bildete sich eine bis zu 20 Minuten sichtbare Wasserhose mit geschätzten 100–150 km/h Windgeschwindigkeit.
- Trotz Nähe zum Ufer, Angst unter Beobachtern und zahlreicher Fotos/Videos gab es laut Wasserschutzpolizei keine Notfälle oder gemeldeten Schäden.
- Auslöser war eine Gewitterzelle über ungewöhnlich warmem Wasser; Wasserhosen sind selten, meist kurzlebig und am Bodensee typischerweise im Spätsommer.

Wetter: Spektakuläre Wasserhose zieht über den Bodensee

Meteorology

- In the 19th century, Georg von Neumayer studied ocean currents using messages in bottles and used his findings to create a groundbreaking current map.
- His approach continues to have an impact: since 2000, Argo floats have been measuring ocean temperature, salinity and pressure worldwide, supporting climate prediction models.
- Neumayer founded the German Maritime Meteorological Service, shaped its development until 1903, and was a pioneer of polar research; the Neumayer Antarctic Station is named in his honour.

200th birthday: Georg von Neumayer – from a message in a bottle to a research station

- Reefing early, starting the engine, and securing the vessel’s position, the crew and the electronics significantly reduces damage during thunderstorms at sea.  
- Thunderstorms at sea are difficult to predict; frontal thunderstorms bring squalls, heavy rain, sudden changes in wind direction and strong, gusty winds.  
- Effective lightning protection requires continuous earthing of the rig and metal parts, equipotential bonding and protection of electronic equipment against induction damage.

Thunderstorms at sea: How sailors and yachts can protect themselves

- Rum has been a staple of seafaring since the 17th century, from serving as a substitute for drinking water and a protection against scurvy to the daily ration of the Royal Navy.
- Rum is closely linked to slavery, Caribbean plantations, Flensburg’s rum trade, as well as modern sailing culture and regattas such as the Route du Rhum.
- Despite blood alcohol limits, rum remains a symbol of maritime culture; breaches on board result in fines, penalties and the loss of insurance cover.

World Rum Day: “Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest …”

- The KVR primarily govern collision prevention worldwide; local regulations such as the SeeSchStrO or EmsSchO may, in some cases, take precedence over them.
- Rules on giving way follow the principle that one vessel must give way in good time and in a clear manner, whilst the other maintains its course and speed in a visible manner.
- Exceptions apply, for example, in situations with poor visibility and in ‘last-minute manoeuvres’ if the vessel required to give way does not react appropriately.

Rules of right of way: Right of way and giving way: These are the rules sailors need to know

- Around 14,800 visitors and 170 exhibitors at the Ancora Yacht Festival 2026, the target of 18,000 guests was missed and the downward trend continues.
- The in-water format focussing on cruising yachts is considered unique in Germany; numerous innovations such as the Linjett 36 and Bavaria Voyager 45 made their debut.
- Around 100 exhibitors showcased technology and over 90 presentations dealt with practical and safety topics; the next event is scheduled for 28 to 30 May 2027.

Ancora Yacht Festival: Fewer guests in Neustadt, but a good atmosphere

Driving licence

- Dropping anchor creates a moment of pause, in which engines fall silent, thoughts quieten and a sense of contentment becomes tangibly apparent.  
- At anchor, security and freedom come together: the boat becomes a protective cocoon, the anchor a symbol of stability in a turbulent environment.  
- Stepping away from the rhythm of everyday life reveals what really matters: few possessions, genuine closeness, honest conversations and the confidence that the anchor will hold.

Essay: Anchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

- Muringbojen bieten eine alternative Liegeoption zum Ankern oder Hafen, bestehen aus Boje, Kette und festem Grundgeschirr wie Betonblock oder Bodenschraube.
- Nutzung, Kosten, Regeln und Traglast variieren je nach Region und Betreiber, etwa in Dänemark, auf den Balearen oder in Eckernförde.
- Risiken sind unklare Wartung, mögliche Brüche oder Grundberührungen; Skipper haben Sorgfaltspflicht und sollten Zustand und Eignung der Boje prüfen.

Practice: How to moor safely to a mooring buoy

- In Scandinavia, Midsummer marks the longest day, with hardly any darkness, and is celebrated with light, nature and simple rituals.  
- On board, Midsummer can be experienced intensely through soft, continuous lighting, the special atmosphere in the archipelago and tailored traditions such as the menu, flowers and night-time swimming.  
- Sailors can choose between quiet natural anchorages, lively harbours or regattas; the peak season requires early planning for alternative moorings.

Midsummer on a boat: making the most of the shortest night of the year

Anchoring

- Physical intervention to prevent boats from colliding carries a high risk of injury; maintain a safe distance solely by manoeuvring, using lines and fenders.
- Fenders must be correctly positioned at the widest point of the boat; do not climb over or jump from the boat unless the distance can be safely controlled.
- Boat control in the harbour is achieved through prepared mooring lines, clear procedures and the correct sequence when securing the boat, particularly in crosswinds.

Mooring a boat: How to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

- Gaff sails were a defining feature of sailing for centuries, but were later superseded by engines on commercial vessels and by square sails on yachts.  
- The classic gaff sail uses a topsail for light winds; variants with a steeper gaff do not require a topsail and allow for shorter masts.  
- The Dutch type, with a long mast leech and short gaff, lowers the sail’s centre of gravity; the wishbone rig increases sail area and ease of handling, but is expensive and complex.

Traditional sails: What gaffs and spread gaffs can do

- The junk sail distributes tension via partial sheets to the battens, uses lightweight canvas, has virtually no heel, and can be reefed very easily without reefing lines.
- Boats with a junk rig are considered less capable than sloops when sailing close to the wind, but are otherwise similarly capable whilst being significantly easier to handle.
- Sprit sails are simple, inexpensive and gaff-like; they were used on many working boats and, despite their large sail area, allow the boat to be operated with a small crew.

Traditional sail types: junksails and sprit sails explained

Manoeuvre

Seamanship: This wind pressure is generated on yachts during storms

Knots: Sailors must be able to do these six knots

Rope customer: Make your own soft shackles from Dyneema

Sailor's knot

New podcast episode: What should sailors look out for in yacht insurance?

Winter storage: When snow becomes a burden

New podcast episode: The right insurance for an ocean crossing - with Timo Elfes from Pantaenius

Insurances

Sailing knowledge - simply explained: sailing law, meteorology & co. ✅ Learning to sail: manoeuvres & navigation ✅ Tips for sailors ✅

Sailing knowledge: Tips & info about sailing!

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Sailing knowledge: Tips & info about sailing!

Extreme weather on the Alpine lakes
Everyone should be aware of these storm warning services

Thunderstorm on Lake Constance
65-year-old woman falls overboard and dies

Interview
Setting up his own sailing school at 24: “When I do something, I do it properly”

Law

New podcast episode
VAT, EU goods, customs checks: What yacht owners need to know about their yacht’s status – with Benyamin Tanis

EU goods status for recreational craft
Yachting lawyer offers a solution

Protection of the Baltic Sea
Those who plant seagrass should pay – federal authority halts volunteers’ efforts

Navigation

Avoiding Legerwall
What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

History
Lighthouses – More than just coastal romance

Sicherheit
Navigationswarnungen per App, mit Sea Alert europaweit

Meteorology

Bora, Jugo, Nevera
When Adriatic winds become dangerous in Croatia

Weather knowledge
Strong gusts out of the blue - development and sail handling

Wetter
Spektakuläre Wasserhose zieht über den Bodensee

200th birthday
Georg von Neumayer – from a message in a bottle to a research station

Thunderstorms at sea
How sailors and yachts can protect themselves

Driving licence

World Rum Day
“Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest …”

Rules of right of way
Right of way and giving way: These are the rules sailors need to know

Ancora Yacht Festival
Fewer guests in Neustadt, but a good atmosphere

Anchoring

Essay
Anchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

Practice
How to moor safely to a mooring buoy

Midsummer on a boat
Making the most of the shortest night of the year

Manoeuvre

Mooring a boat
How to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

Traditional sails
What gaffs and spread gaffs can do

Traditional sail types
Junksails and sprit sails explained

Sailor's knot

Seamanship
This wind pressure is generated on yachts during storms

Knots
Sailors must be able to do these six knots

Rope customer
Make your own soft shackles from Dyneema

Insurances

New podcast episode
What should sailors look out for in yacht insurance?

Winter storage
When snow becomes a burden

New podcast episode
The right insurance for an ocean crossing - with Timo Elfes from Pantaenius

Sailing knowledge: Tips & info about sailing!

Extreme weather on the Alpine lakesEveryone should be aware of these storm warning services

Thunderstorm on Lake Constance65-year-old woman falls overboard and dies

InterviewSetting up his own sailing school at 24: “When I do something, I do it properly”

Law

New podcast episodeVAT, EU goods, customs checks: What yacht owners need to know about their yacht’s status – with Benyamin Tanis

EU goods status for recreational craftYachting lawyer offers a solution

Protection of the Baltic SeaThose who plant seagrass should pay – federal authority halts volunteers’ efforts

Navigation

Avoiding LegerwallWhat skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

HistoryLighthouses – More than just coastal romance

SicherheitNavigationswarnungen per App, mit Sea Alert europaweit

Meteorology

​Bora, Jugo, NeveraWhen Adriatic winds become dangerous in Croatia

Weather knowledgeStrong gusts out of the blue - development and sail handling

WetterSpektakuläre Wasserhose zieht über den Bodensee

200th birthdayGeorg von Neumayer – from a message in a bottle to a research station

Thunderstorms at seaHow sailors and yachts can protect themselves

Driving licence

World Rum Day“Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest …”

Rules of right of wayRight of way and giving way: These are the rules sailors need to know

Ancora Yacht FestivalFewer guests in Neustadt, but a good atmosphere

Anchoring

EssayAnchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

PracticeHow to moor safely to a mooring buoy

Midsummer on a boatMaking the most of the shortest night of the year

Manoeuvre

Mooring a boatHow to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

Traditional sailsWhat gaffs and spread gaffs can do

Traditional sail typesJunksails and sprit sails explained

Sailor's knot

SeamanshipThis wind pressure is generated on yachts during storms

KnotsSailors must be able to do these six knots

Rope customerMake your own soft shackles from Dyneema

Insurances

New podcast episodeWhat should sailors look out for in yacht insurance?

Winter storageWhen snow becomes a burden

New podcast episodeThe right insurance for an ocean crossing - with Timo Elfes from Pantaenius

Extreme weather on the Alpine lakes
Everyone should be aware of these storm warning services

Thunderstorm on Lake Constance
65-year-old woman falls overboard and dies

Interview
Setting up his own sailing school at 24: “When I do something, I do it properly”

New podcast episode
VAT, EU goods, customs checks: What yacht owners need to know about their yacht’s status – with Benyamin Tanis

EU goods status for recreational craft
Yachting lawyer offers a solution

Protection of the Baltic Sea
Those who plant seagrass should pay – federal authority halts volunteers’ efforts

Avoiding Legerwall
What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

History
Lighthouses – More than just coastal romance

Sicherheit
Navigationswarnungen per App, mit Sea Alert europaweit

Bora, Jugo, Nevera
When Adriatic winds become dangerous in Croatia

Weather knowledge
Strong gusts out of the blue - development and sail handling

Wetter
Spektakuläre Wasserhose zieht über den Bodensee

200th birthday
Georg von Neumayer – from a message in a bottle to a research station

Thunderstorms at sea
How sailors and yachts can protect themselves

World Rum Day
“Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest …”

Rules of right of way
Right of way and giving way: These are the rules sailors need to know

Ancora Yacht Festival
Fewer guests in Neustadt, but a good atmosphere

Essay
Anchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

Practice
How to moor safely to a mooring buoy

Midsummer on a boat
Making the most of the shortest night of the year

Mooring a boat
How to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

Traditional sails
What gaffs and spread gaffs can do

Traditional sail types
Junksails and sprit sails explained

Seamanship
This wind pressure is generated on yachts during storms

Knots
Sailors must be able to do these six knots

Rope customer
Make your own soft shackles from Dyneema

New podcast episode
What should sailors look out for in yacht insurance?

Winter storage
When snow becomes a burden

New podcast episode
The right insurance for an ocean crossing - with Timo Elfes from Pantaenius