Knowledge

- Dead reckoning becomes increasingly important in the event of GPS interference, as the course and speed are continuously plotted on the nautical chart.
- Sources of error include magnetic declination, deviation, wind and current offsets; these are corrected by course conversion and bearing adjustment.
- Plotting ahead, logbook entries and simple aids such as a railing log ensure navigation even without electronic equipment and allow for the calculation of ETA and speed.

Navigation by bearing: From the chart bearing to the correct compass bearing

- ‘He Dreiht’ is currently Germany’s largest offshore wind farm, with a capacity of 960 MW; the safety zone has been permanently closed since March 2026.  
- The joint safety zone covers He Dreiht, BorWin epsilon, Nordlicht I and BorWin kappa; Vessel access to German wind farms will be prohibited from the end of 2025.  
- Further wind farms (Nordlicht I/II, Gode Wind 1–3, NC 1/2, Borkum Riffgrund 3) and grid connections will result in extended restricted areas until at least 2029.

Offshore wind power: ‘He Dreiht’ now operational – the North Sea is getting busier

- Within a few weeks, at least seven boats were broken into at Wieltsee, with engines and engine parts being the main items stolen.
- A tampered motorboat sank at the club jetty, causing oil and petrol to leak; the damage there amounts to around 45,000 euros.
- The police are investigating a possible link between the cases, though no suspects have been identified; clubs are discussing enhanced security measures, such as CCTV, from the 2027 season onwards.

Crime: Spate of thefts at Wieltsee

- In future, yacht owners will be able to provide evidence of their boat’s EU goods status as a precautionary measure by means of an official T2L certificate, even without having undertaken a specific voyage.
- mwst-boot.org checks the boat’s history and documentation, assesses its VAT and EU status, and assists with the T2L application where appropriate.
- This solution is particularly relevant for older yachts and in cases of a change of ownership, as the EU requires robust evidence in cases of doubt regarding EU status.

EU goods status for recreational craft: Official proof is now available

- A 26-year-old motorboat driver has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, eight of which are suspended, for causing death by gross negligence following a fatal collision on Lake Constance.  
- He was travelling at approximately 60 km/h, was distracted by his mobile phone, taking photos, attempting to make bookings and having conversations, and failed to notice the sailing boat; a 57-year-old woman died, whilst her husband survived.  
- The judgement is not yet final; mitigating factors included his confession, his previous conduct and psychological distress; he was ordered to pay 5,000 euros to the bereaved.

Mobile phone use whilst driving: Young motorboat driver sentenced to prison

- In Sicily, bundles of cash were washed ashore following an alleged money-laundering case; they were seized as evidence and not treated as lost property.
- In Germany, flotsam generally remains the property of the person who lost it; finders must report finds worth 10 euros or more and only acquire ownership after six months.
- For yachts, salvage law applies: salvage entitles the salvager only to a salvage reward, not to ownership; the owner’s liability may continue despite having abandoned the vessel.

Flotsam and ghost ships: What sailors are actually allowed to keep

- GPS can fail due to interference or faults, so terrestrial navigation using a map, compass and bearings remains essential.
- Positioning is carried out using position lines, cross and double bearings, four-point bearings, and distance and depth lines.
- Accuracy requires the correct conversion of compass bearings, suitable bearing objects, reliable navigation and up-to-date nautical charts.

GPS failure on board: How to determine your position

- OhMyWind combines weather, sea state and current data with boat performance curves to enable realistic passage planning without automatic route optimisation.  
- The software uses different weather models depending on the area, takes into account tacking and efficiency factors, but is no substitute for a nautical chart or local knowledge.  
- Multiple departure times can be calculated and analysed via the AI client; decisions regarding the route and departure remain with the user.

Navigation: OhMyWind: Free weather planner with AI integration

- High-quality, sometimes high-resolution weather and routing apps with special models for certain areas are essential for safe cruise planning.  
- The 15 apps presented cover a range from free services to complex professional solutions with routing, satellite connection and plotter functions.  
- Price and subscription models vary greatly; users have to choose between one-off purchases, annual subscriptions and regionally limited packages depending on their needs and budget.

Apps: A comparison of the best weather apps – features and subscriptions

Navigation

- In the summer of 2026, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea were just under one degree above average; off Heligoland, 66 days of marine heatwaves were recorded.  
- Warmer seawater promotes algal blooms, shifts in species composition, oxygen depletion and ‘dead zones’, which are particularly critical in the Baltic Sea.  
- High sea surface temperatures increase evaporation and the potential for heavy rainfall, but do not allow direct conclusions to be drawn about individual storms.

Heatwaves: The North Sea and the Baltic Sea are significantly too warm in summer

- Rain is primarily a matter of comfort; it becomes a serious issue in the event of poor visibility, squalls, thunderstorms or an overwhelmed crew.
- Preparation is key: weather conditions, visibility, sound signals, manoeuvring procedures, dry areas and ventilation must all be clarified before setting sail.
- Simple legs, specific alternative harbours and defined decision points make a trip in the rain safer than a rigid plan with no Plan B.

Sailing in the rain: What skippers should check before setting sail

- Meteotsunamis (‘Rissagas’) caused water level fluctuations of up to 1.44 m on Mallorca and Menorca, leading to flooding and the deployment of the fire service and police.  
- These are caused by atmospheric pressure disturbances which, via Proudman resonance and harbour resonance, significantly amplify long-period water waves, particularly in Ciutadella.  
- For skippers, warnings are crucial: use long, flexible mooring lines, additional lines, good abrasion protection, ensure fenders are properly fitted, and do not leave the boat unattended.

Mini-tsunamis: Why harbours are suddenly flooded

Meteorology

- On 12 August 2026, a rare and significant solar eclipse will take place; it will be total in northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, and partial (up to 90 per cent) in northern Europe.  
- For sailors, an unobstructed view to the west-north-west and keeping a safe distance from coastal hills are crucial; totality will be visible off the coasts of Valencia, Mallorca and Ibiza, amongst other places.  
- It is essential to use ISO-certified eclipse glasses; the DLR is studying the ionosphere; minor GPS disruptions and short-term weather effects are possible, but pose no particular danger.

​​Solar eclipse 2026: Tips for sailors – from Kiel to Ibiza

- 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

- XP SAIL Academy is launching on 12 September in Kaarst as a new sailing school with a focus on competitive, performance-oriented sailing.
- Fabrice Roghé is critical of traditional classroom teaching and favours interactive teaching methods, modern learning approaches and a high-quality environment.
- At the heart of the academy are regattas and training sessions on three performance cruisers, with the XP-44 “Sophie Emilie” serving as the flagship.

Interview: From the classroom to lifestyle

- 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 the age of 24: “When I do something, I do it properly”

- 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 …”

Driving licence

- 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

- 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

Anchoring

- KVR classifies vessels according to manoeuvrability: at the top, those unable to manoeuvre or with restricted manoeuvrability; next, fishing vessels and sailing vessels; at the bottom, motorised vessels.
- A vessel’s status is determined by the signals it displays and its means of propulsion; the overtaking vessel is always obliged to give way, regardless of its priority.
- In narrow fairways and within the VTG, larger vessels must not be obstructed and vessels must keep to the right; crossings must be clearly visible and as close to right angles as possible.

KVR rules on giving way: Which vessel must give way to which?

- The Voxtob Manoeuvre Box visualises harbour manoeuvres, clarifies responsibilities and facilitates crew briefings ahead of stressful situations in the harbour.  
- The haptic board, featuring a model boat and a simulated harbour, is particularly useful for helping inexperienced crews to plan manoeuvres together.  
- The box is no substitute for practical experience on the water, but it can help to structure procedures; it costs 49 euros (S) or 64 euros (larger version with a second boat).

Voxtob Manoeuvring Box: Prepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

- The distinction between the vessel obliged to give way and the vessel maintaining course only applies when there is a risk of collision, as indicated, amongst other things, by a stationary bearing.
- The risk of collision is assessed using a bearing compass, radar (CPA/TCPA) and, where applicable, AIS; in cases of uncertainty, the worst-case scenario must be assumed.
- Vessels obliged to give way must take early, clear and wide-ranging action, whilst vessels on course must maintain their course and speed and only give way in an emergency.

KVR explains: When the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

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 ✅

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Sailing knowledge: Tips & info about sailing!

Navigation by bearing
From the chart bearing to the correct compass bearing

Offshore wind power
‘He Dreiht’ now operational – the North Sea is getting busier

Crime
Spate of thefts at Wieltsee

Law

EU goods status for recreational craft
Official proof is now available

Mobile phone use whilst driving
Young motorboat driver sentenced to prison

Flotsam and ghost ships
What sailors are actually allowed to keep

Navigation

GPS failure on board
How to determine your position

Navigation
OhMyWind: Free weather planner with AI integration

Apps
A comparison of the best weather apps – features and subscriptions

Meteorology

Heatwaves
The North Sea and the Baltic Sea are significantly too warm in summer

Sailing in the rain
What skippers should check before setting sail

Mini-tsunamis
Why harbours are suddenly flooded

Solar eclipse 2026
Tips for sailors – from Kiel to Ibiza

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

Driving licence

Interview
From the classroom to lifestyle

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

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

Anchoring

Avoiding Legerwall
What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

Essay
Anchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

Practice
How to moor safely to a mooring buoy

Manoeuvre

KVR rules on giving way
Which vessel must give way to which?

Voxtob Manoeuvring Box
Prepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

KVR explains
When the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

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!

Navigation by bearingFrom the chart bearing to the correct compass bearing

Offshore wind power‘He Dreiht’ now operational – the North Sea is getting busier

CrimeSpate of thefts at Wieltsee

Law

EU goods status for recreational craftOfficial proof is now available

Mobile phone use whilst drivingYoung motorboat driver sentenced to prison

Flotsam and ghost shipsWhat sailors are actually allowed to keep

Navigation

GPS failure on boardHow to determine your position

NavigationOhMyWind: Free weather planner with AI integration

AppsA comparison of the best weather apps – features and subscriptions

Meteorology

HeatwavesThe North Sea and the Baltic Sea are significantly too warm in summer

Sailing in the rainWhat skippers should check before setting sail

Mini-tsunamisWhy harbours are suddenly flooded

​​Solar eclipse 2026Tips for sailors – from Kiel to Ibiza

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

Driving licence

InterviewFrom the classroom to lifestyle

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

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

Anchoring

Avoiding LegerwallWhat skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

EssayAnchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

PracticeHow to moor safely to a mooring buoy

Manoeuvre

KVR rules on giving wayWhich vessel must give way to which?

Voxtob Manoeuvring BoxPrepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

KVR explainsWhen the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

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

Navigation by bearing
From the chart bearing to the correct compass bearing

Offshore wind power
‘He Dreiht’ now operational – the North Sea is getting busier

Crime
Spate of thefts at Wieltsee

EU goods status for recreational craft
Official proof is now available

Mobile phone use whilst driving
Young motorboat driver sentenced to prison

Flotsam and ghost ships
What sailors are actually allowed to keep

GPS failure on board
How to determine your position

Navigation
OhMyWind: Free weather planner with AI integration

Apps
A comparison of the best weather apps – features and subscriptions

Heatwaves
The North Sea and the Baltic Sea are significantly too warm in summer

Sailing in the rain
What skippers should check before setting sail

Mini-tsunamis
Why harbours are suddenly flooded

Solar eclipse 2026
Tips for sailors – from Kiel to Ibiza

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

Interview
From the classroom to lifestyle

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

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

Avoiding Legerwall
What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

Essay
Anchoring – The best moment of a sailing trip

Practice
How to moor safely to a mooring buoy

KVR rules on giving way
Which vessel must give way to which?

Voxtob Manoeuvring Box
Prepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

KVR explains
When the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

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