Dear readers,
A special magic emanates from small boats. The magic of simple, uncomplicated sailing. On 17, 20 or even 25-footers, you can always find a spot somewhere in the harbour, even if it's full to bursting. Costs for equipment, mooring fees, simply everything, are kept within limits. The small boat follows us faithfully on the trailer behind the car to any sailing area and spends the winter frugally on the trailer behind the house.
It's no wonder that the small cruiser fan community is huge, whether among regatta and after-work sailors, cruising sailors or even circumnavigators. Last week, the news spread that 2025 a regatta around the world on self-built plywood minis is to be organised. The response, both among potentially interested parties and among readers, is great: there are even two German candidates on the provisional starting list.
It certainly sounds like a daring endeavour. On the other hand, skippers of much smaller boats have already proven that it is possible to make it around the world. The Frenchman Yann Quenet recently completed a set off on his second circumnavigation of the world in a small boat he built himself, which was only four metres(!) long. On the plywood minis there was already a transatlantic raceand experienced sailors like the Pole Szymon Kuczynski have also shown that it is possible, sailing around the world in a small production boat like the Maxus 22. And even non-stop.
It would probably be wise to stay in sheltered areas with all these small boats, whether self-built or series-produced, whether made of plywood or GRP. On inland lakes or on the coast. But then many exciting sailing trips would never have taken place, let alone extreme journeys such as those of the Habeck family, who even sailed around the world in an Etap 21i. An email recently received by the editorial team shows the impact such trips can have and their potential to inspire others, especially young sailors. A young sailor from southern Germany, just in his mid-twenties, described how much the trip, the book and the boat described had inspired him - even though the adventure took place several years ago.
In the end, he also bought an Etap 21i. Not to sail around the world, but to fulfil his own big sailing dream after completing his bachelor's degree: a tour of the Mediterranean. The interview with this young man, which will soon be published about his trip on yacht.de and in YACHT, makes it clear once again what the great attraction of small boats is. The skipper decided to chug across France from Heidelberg on his own keel instead of bringing the boat there on a trailer. However, he can determine the end point of his Mediterranean voyage - which is still ongoing - flexibly by bringing his boat back on the trailer after all.
This example shows once again that you have a choice with small cruisers. This gives you freedom and flexibility - and makes the small ones the real big ones.
Kristina Müller,
YACHT editor
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The week in pictures
Recommended reading from the editorial team
Safety
Seal leaks in a matter of seconds with the Leak Stop Gun
The new Leak Stop Gun S promises a quick fix for water ingress. A CO₂-powered balloon seals leaks on yachts, even whilst submerged.
Warnemünder Woche
‘Skendata-Illbruck’ wins the 88th Round of Bornholm
This year, the course had to be shortened at short notice from around 250 to about 120 nautical miles due to a storm. Even over half the distance, two large racing yachts were locked in a close battle for the fastest time. In the end, the “Skendata-Illbruck” came out on top. The winners have also been decided in the other classes.
Rolls-Royce
The Phantom Regatta celebrates English sailing culture
Rolls-Royce is presenting a one-off model at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July: the Phantom Regatta combines automotive engineering with the sailing culture of the south coast of England. The Extended model features hand-painted gallery art, a starry sky inspired by tidal currents, and yacht-style picnic tables.
The Oyster 515 brings that beach club vibe to a 50-foot yacht
Oyster Yachts is unveiling the Oyster 515 as the successor to the award-winning 495, with the aim of setting new standards in the 50-foot class.
Team Malizia
“You’ll never see them like this again!”
"Malizia 4" has passed its 90-degree heel test. Team Malizia’s new IMOCA also made a strong impression during the test. The crew were delighted.
The sinking of the ‘Bayesian’
A high-stakes gamble over design flaws or crew error
Was the ‘Bayesian’ a death trap – or did the crew fail? Two investigations, conflicting findings and a multi-million lawsuit in the background.
Team Malizia
Lighter, narrower, faster – Boris Herrmann’s new IMOCA rocket
Boris Herrmann’s new IMOCA rocket in its element. “Malizia 4” was launched on Monday morning at La Base in Lorient. The mast will be hoisted later on Monday.
Race to the Arctic
‘Momo’ and ‘Gaia’ ride the polar low-pressure system to victory
Three German boats, two victories in the Race to the Arctic: this two-handed race to the Arctic Circle, bathed in the light of the midnight sun, has all the makings of a classic.
Sail 4th 250
The “Gorch Fock” takes part in New York – and a yacht from Germany
Off the coast of New York City, the sailing celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the USA have begun – with a parade off the city’s coast. Alongside the “Gorch Fock”, another German ambassador is also taking part.
The “Königin” cruise ship
A 90-year-old classic stays on course
The “Queen” is 90 years old and is still actively sailed. Why this rare seagoing cruiser by Abeking & Rasmussen continues to fascinate to this day.
Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
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