Knowledge

- A stable high-pressure system, intensified by climate change, is bringing heat, calm conditions and a light sea breeze, particularly on the outer regatta courses.
- Temperatures of over 30 degrees and an increased risk of thunderstorms are expected until the final weekend, followed by a change in the weather with westerly winds and greater influence from low-pressure systems.
- In the long term, hot days, dry spells and light winds are becoming more frequent during Kiel Week, whilst the traditional ‘14 degrees and drizzle’ weather is becoming less common.

Kieler Woche: When a high-pressure system dominates the world’s largest regatta

- Increase your distance from naval vessels at an early stage; carry out clear evasive manoeuvres; do not rely on formal right of way or a better vantage point for photographs.  
- Keep the radio tuned to Channel 16, take warning signals (five short blasts) seriously, use AIS but do not rely on it, and check for exercises and restricted areas.  
- Avoid firing ranges, warning zones and training areas; observe instructions and flag signals; report observations objectively and only from a safe distance.

​Naval vessel ahead: What sailors need to know now

- A stationary high-pressure system over the North Sea and the Baltic Sea is initially bringing heat, sunshine, calm conditions and light swells, which in some cases is testing the patience of sailors.  
- From Friday, according to the DWD, there will be a regionally increasing risk of thunderstorms, some of which may be severe, accompanied by gusts, heavy rain, hail and sudden strong winds such as downbursts.  
- Crews should factor in engine hours and heat precautions, closely monitor weather models and DWD warnings, and opt for shorter legs with a safe harbour.

​Omega pattern: What sailors can expect now in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

- Higher Regional Court of Schleswig confirms liability for damages: Mooring lines only on a slip were not sufficient when extreme high water was forecast.  
- Owners must appoint a reliable person in their absence; harbour master or neighbours are not obliged without prior agreement.  
- Judgement stipulates from a maritime perspective that lines must be secured against high tides in the event of a storm surge warning; similar claims do not expire until 31 December 2026.

Law: Court ruling sets standards for mooring yachts

- The Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan replaces the failed national park project and comprises a 16-point programme for three marine protected areas.  
- A working group with around 30 stakeholders is developing navigation rules for these areas, which are subject to the federal government as federal waterways.  
- Once the consultations have been completed, Schleswig-Holstein will submit applications for a federal navigation ordinance with sanction and implementation rules.

Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan: Interview on planned navigation rules

- Union status of boats, proof via T2L, EU guidelines and Q&A clarify many special cases regarding customs and VAT issues.
- If boats leave the EU, they lose their EU status; duty and VAT-free return only for returned goods, usually within three years, in the same condition.
- Third-country boats can remain duty-free in the EU for up to 18 months for temporary use; crossing the border usually counts as an (import/export) declaration.

VAT: Questions and answers on the new EU guidelines

- A configuration error in the BSH GeoSeaPortal temporarily made licensed nautical chart data freely accessible; FreeNauticalChart was not at fault.
- The BSH must distribute quality-assured nautical chart products for a fee via licence holders; WMS open data services are classified as ‘not to be used for navigation’.
- Official BSH charts offer higher, traceable data reliability and frequent updates; FreeNauticalChart could establish a commercial model via licensing.

FreeNauticalChart: The BSH gives its view – Interview with Thomas Dehling

- Increasing GNSS/GPS interference in the Baltic Sea region, particularly in the eastern Gulf of Finland, is affecting navigation and on-board systems.
- Crews should continuously check position data for plausibility and be proficient in traditional navigation using charts, a compass, bearings and a plumb line.
- Being prepared with paper nautical charts, navigational instruments, a logbook, an emergency plan and regular notes of the last known safe position increases confidence in decision-making.

GPS interference: What should you do if the chartplotter fails?

- Aqua Map displays official messages for sailors as symbols directly on the map, including buoy displacement, restricted areas and new dangers.  
- The service uses data from Denmark, France, the USA and Canada, among others; German BSH messages are not integrated and must be called up separately.  
- This function is part of the paid Advanced Tools (Expert €14.99/year, Master €24.99/year) with auto-updates and offline caching.

Navigation: Navigation app Aqua Map integrates notices to mariners - Germany is missing

Navigation

- 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

- El Niño 2026 has been confirmed; there is a 63% probability that it will become ‘very strong’ by autumn, dampening Atlantic storm activity whilst intensifying typhoon activity.
- In the Atlantic, the expected number of named storms is falling significantly, but insurance requirements for yachts during the hurricane season remain strict.
- Barefoot Route: weaker trade winds and more unsettled weather possible; sailors in the North Sea and Baltic Sea will feel only minor, delayed effects.

Confirmed: El Niño is shifting storm patterns – with consequences for sailors

Meteorology

- Historical data from 1940-2024 show: Spring and autumn storms become more frequent, stronger, last longer and cover longer distances.  
- Storm DAVE 2026, with wind speeds of up to 145 km/h and eleven metre-high waves, is an example of new paths extending as far as Scandinavia.  
- Decline in Arctic sea ice changes storm paths; the previous "closed season" for sailors no longer applies, spring voyages become riskier.

Research: Spring storms over the North Atlantic on the rise - study from Gothenburg

- El Niño will dampen hurricane activity in the Atlantic in 2026, while the most active typhoon season in a decade threatens in the Northwest Pacific.  
- Caribbean sailors will benefit statistically from fewer storms, but will still have to observe hurricane belts, safe harbours and strict insurance requirements.  
- Pacific sailors and yachts remain bound to restrictive cyclone zones despite a calm forecast; only minor El Niño effects are expected for the North and Baltic Seas.

El Niño expected: calmer Atlantic, extremely stormy Pacific

- 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

- According to Sven M. Rutter, marine radio remains essential, not only for emergencies, but above all to clarify uncertainties and avoid risky situations.
- Many skippers shy away from radioing for fear of making mistakes and strict radio discipline, but prepared radio messages and the use of channel 16 according to the standard can help.
- A radio certificate is mandatory as soon as a marine radio system is on board; in an emergency, however, anyone can use the radio, even without a corresponding certificate.

New podcast episode: Mayday and Pan-Pan - how to radio correctly at sea

Driving licence

- 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

- Headlands, breakwaters, reefs, currents and tides can cause side swell and strong rolling at the anchorage despite wind protection.  
- The most important protection against rolling is to choose a suitable anchorage with the aid of nautical charts, depth contours and observing currents and waves.  
- Anchor tricks and furling aids (mainsail as a support sail, triangular line, stern anchor, SwiTec stabilisers) reduce rolling, but cannot compensate for poor choice of place.

Rolled out at anchor: the right choice of place and what really helps

- Careful preparation of anchor, chains/lines, connections, spare parts, anchor ball, anchor light and weather data is essential.
- Standard manoeuvres: explore the area, turn into the wind, drop the anchor in a controlled manner, insert a sufficient length of chain/ropes, bury the anchor slowly.
- To increase safety: limit the swinging circle, use second anchor variants, shore lines, skerry and single-handed manoeuvres and electronic drift controls.

Anchoring special: Better anchoring, episode 3: safely run in the ground anchor - 9 manoeuvres

Anchoring

- Despite modern technology, harbour manoeuvres remain stressful, as larger, bulkier yachts are more susceptible to the wind in narrow harbours.  
- Safety and control stem primarily from preparation: brief the crew, prepare mooring lines and fenders correctly, and check the engine, sails and anchor.  
- In crosswinds and confined spaces, clear priorities and contingency plans are essential: focus on windward lines; moor provisionally if necessary; do not use your body as a ‘fender’.

Harbour manoeuvres: 20 tips for mooring and casting off without any stress

- Rigging noises are caused by, among other things, flapping halyards, fluttering tarpaulins, loose cables and swaying masts, and are particularly disruptive at night.
- This can be remedied by correctly securing halyards, tightening headsail covers, securing cables, adjusting the backstay tension and strategically placing fenders.
- During storms and in harbour, measures to stabilise the rigging also help protect the equipment; established routines when clearing the rigging prevent noise and damage.

Sailing: Annoying rigging noises – what to do about flapping halyards

- Reffing early and in a prepared manner improves safety and sailing comfort, and avoids having to rely on the engine when sailing in winds above 4 Beaufort.  
- The timing of reefing depends on the course, rudder pressure, position and type of boat; it is better to reef too early and make full use of trim options before reefing.  
- The order of reefing varies depending on the rig and sail size; careful course selection, crew coordination and avoiding the use of power on electric winches are crucial.

Seamanship: How to reef properly for maximum safety and comfort

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!

Kieler Woche
When a high-pressure system dominates the world’s largest regatta

Naval vessel ahead
What sailors need to know now

Omega pattern
What sailors can expect now in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Law

Law
Court ruling sets standards for mooring yachts

Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan
Interview on planned navigation rules

VAT
Questions and answers on the new EU guidelines

Navigation

FreeNauticalChart
The BSH gives its view – Interview with Thomas Dehling

GPS interference
What should you do if the chartplotter fails?

Navigation
Navigation app Aqua Map integrates notices to mariners - Germany is missing

Meteorology

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

Confirmed
El Niño is shifting storm patterns – with consequences for sailors

Research
Spring storms over the North Atlantic on the rise - study from Gothenburg

El Niño expected
Calmer Atlantic, extremely stormy Pacific

Driving licence

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

New podcast episode
Mayday and Pan-Pan - how to radio correctly at sea

Anchoring

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

Rolled out at anchor
The right choice of place and what really helps

Anchoring special
Better anchoring, episode 3: safely run in the ground anchor - 9 manoeuvres

Manoeuvre

Harbour manoeuvres
20 tips for mooring and casting off without any stress

Sailing
Annoying rigging noises – what to do about flapping halyards

Seamanship
How to reef properly for maximum safety and comfort

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!

Kieler WocheWhen a high-pressure system dominates the world’s largest regatta

​Naval vessel aheadWhat sailors need to know now

​Omega patternWhat sailors can expect now in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Law

LawCourt ruling sets standards for mooring yachts

Baltic Sea Protection Action PlanInterview on planned navigation rules

VATQuestions and answers on the new EU guidelines

Navigation

FreeNauticalChartThe BSH gives its view – Interview with Thomas Dehling

GPS interferenceWhat should you do if the chartplotter fails?

NavigationNavigation app Aqua Map integrates notices to mariners - Germany is missing

Meteorology

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

Thunderstorms at seaHow sailors and yachts can protect themselves

ConfirmedEl Niño is shifting storm patterns – with consequences for sailors

ResearchSpring storms over the North Atlantic on the rise - study from Gothenburg

El Niño expectedCalmer Atlantic, extremely stormy Pacific

Driving licence

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

New podcast episodeMayday and Pan-Pan - how to radio correctly at sea

Anchoring

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

Rolled out at anchorThe right choice of place and what really helps

Anchoring specialBetter anchoring, episode 3: safely run in the ground anchor - 9 manoeuvres

Manoeuvre

Harbour manoeuvres20 tips for mooring and casting off without any stress

SailingAnnoying rigging noises – what to do about flapping halyards

SeamanshipHow to reef properly for maximum safety and comfort

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

Kieler Woche
When a high-pressure system dominates the world’s largest regatta

Naval vessel ahead
What sailors need to know now

Omega pattern
What sailors can expect now in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Law
Court ruling sets standards for mooring yachts

Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan
Interview on planned navigation rules

VAT
Questions and answers on the new EU guidelines

FreeNauticalChart
The BSH gives its view – Interview with Thomas Dehling

GPS interference
What should you do if the chartplotter fails?

Navigation
Navigation app Aqua Map integrates notices to mariners - Germany is missing

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

Confirmed
El Niño is shifting storm patterns – with consequences for sailors

Research
Spring storms over the North Atlantic on the rise - study from Gothenburg

El Niño expected
Calmer Atlantic, extremely stormy Pacific

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

New podcast episode
Mayday and Pan-Pan - how to radio correctly at sea

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

Rolled out at anchor
The right choice of place and what really helps

Anchoring special
Better anchoring, episode 3: safely run in the ground anchor - 9 manoeuvres

Harbour manoeuvres
20 tips for mooring and casting off without any stress

Sailing
Annoying rigging noises – what to do about flapping halyards

Seamanship
How to reef properly for maximum safety and comfort

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