• The week in pictures
• Recommended reading from the editorial team

Dear readers,

A cruise can be short and yet feel like an extended sailing holiday - as our author Detlef Teufel has just demonstrated in the story about his three-day round of Lake Constance in the Opti described.

We are probably all familiar with the phenomenon that the clocks tick differently when cruising. But why is it that a single day on the water can fill your batteries like a whole week's holiday? That seven days on a cruise sometimes seem like a whole month? Is it the many impressions between mooring and unmooring, the unforgettable moments at sea and on land?

Some time ago we published a report on mini sailing holidays ( YACHT 20/2019 ). It was about the short break in between, the afternoon or after work on the water. Owner Heike Prange told us that two or three hours are enough for her to clear her head. Sometimes with friends on their boats, sometimes with an anchor stop behind an Elbe island. "And then a pizza at the beach club afterwards - that's the perfect day," says the sailor.

In the article, psychologist and sailor Dr Ewald Piel explains why even an afternoon on the water is so beneficial, why even short trips have a positive effect on health and can even prevent illness. "In order to achieve a measurable effect, however, you should sail regularly, perhaps twice a week," says Piel. Then a stroke on the water has a similar effect to autogenic training or other relaxation methods.

The psychologist also explained why this is the case: stress is reduced, the physical activity of sailing leads to the release of endorphins and an accompanying feeling of elation. Working towards a goal together with the crew provides mutual reassurance. In addition, when sailing, sunlight hits the skin, which produces melatonin - a precursor for serotonin, which the brain needs for a high mood. The story was called "A small dose of happiness".

So it's no wonder that many become addicted to this happiness and don't want to (or can't?) leave it at a small dose, but set off for a big sailing break. Just like Astrid and Ulrike Ewe, who repeatedly start challenging trips to the north, like Martin Finkbeiner, who has already sailed around the world as a young man like Micro boat builder Thorsten Bender who is planning a large Baltic Sea tour in a small cruiser.

Trips like these inspire people to go sailing for a while themselves. Including me, of course. That's why "sailing time-out" is in the diary for next summer. I'm already curious to see how long - or short - it will feel.

Incidentally, Detlef Teufel's Opti time-out on Lake Constance has also inspired others. Shortly after his essay was published, the editorial team received an email from a reader. "What a wonderful cruise report about the happiness of a cruising sailor," wrote the author. "My resolution for the coming sailing season will be to seek cruising happiness on a small scale instead of just dreaming about the big picture." A simply good plan!

Kristina Müller, YACHT editor

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The week in pictures:

Recommended reading from the editorial team:

THE OCEAN RACE

Always up to date- Daily updates

After Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia secured second place in the first part of the third leg, an exciting duel with Holcim-PRB has developed at the top. Here on yacht.de you will find daily updates and background information on the race!

Season start special

Out of the hall and onto the water!

The new season is finally starting. But before the boat returns to its usual element and sets off on its first trip, there are a few preparations to be made. The big season start guide for all to-dos!

An overview of the topics:

• Part 1: Renew antifouling
• Part 2: Servicing the steering gear
• Part 3: Correct polishing of hull and deck
• Part 4: Check rig and mast and trim correctly
• Part 5: Maintenance of deck fittings and winches
• Part 6: Check and repair sails
• Part 7: Safety equipment check
• Part 8: Engine and outboard motor maintenance

• Click here for all previous "YACHT Week" columns