"During the Days of Sailing, we work closely with the regional associations and local clubs," says Rainer Tatenhorst, Head of the Cruising and Leisure Sailing Department of the DSV. "At the Ancora Yacht Festival, we receive support from the Malente-Gremsmühlen Sailing Association, the Grömitzer Segel-Club, the Yacht Club Scharbeutz Ostsee, the Neustädter Segler-Verein, the Kieler Yacht-Club and the Verein Schüler Segeln Schleswig-Holstein."
Together we want to get new target groups interested in sailing and break down any barriers to entry.
The boats, which are sailed under the guidance of trained skippers, are provided by the participating clubs. This year, Neustadt has a Hanse 311, an Albin Express and the "Team Acht" boats from the Schüler Segeln association, among others.
Two further dates will follow later in the year in Wedel near Hamburg and at Lake Constance in Friedrichshafen. If you would like to take part in one of the events, please register online (click here). This will be possible from 15 May.
Special sailing clothing is not required for the first taster trip, but rain jackets and trousers are practical depending on the weather. You should also bring a cap or hat, sun cream and sunglasses. Life jackets are provided by the DSV.
Children, young people and adults who want to get out on the water and are enthusiastic about sailing can take part. Participants under the age of 18 need the bronze youth swimming badge or equivalent swimming skills and the written consent of a parent or guardian.
The dates of the Days of Sailing 2025:
- 23 to 25 May: Ancora Yacht Festival in Neustadt i.H.
- 5 to 7 September: Hamburg Yacht Festival in Wedel
- 24 to 28 September: Interboot in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance
The DSV hopes that the campaign will get people interested in boating. Last year, the "Days of Sailing" attracted over 500 interested people of all ages to the water. In an interview with YACHT Tatenhorst said recently: "We try to keep the entry thresholds low and get people on the water. 90 per cent are then enthusiastic and ask how they can continue. We then recommend a club to them. It doesn't cost much, there are always people looking for fellow sailors and you can look over their shoulders."
The interview was published as part of the current five-part YACHT series "Sailing for beginners" (YACHT 7 to 11/2025 and also here on yacht.de).
