Dear readers,
It's exciting to see how experienced sailors react to an article about navigation tools. In YACHT 19, Sven M. Rutter presented the different variants of course rulers, manual plotters and compasses and outlined their respective advantages and disadvantages. We referred to this article on Facebook last weekend.
One of the first comments was: "How unrealistic can you be? We live in the age of tablets with navigation apps."
That is undoubtedly true. We ourselves regularly Navigation apps and also test GPS chart plotter. But does that mean that in return you completely turn your back on the analogue way of sailing - in this case navigating? And at the same time dismissing all others who still want to hold on to it as eternally yesterday's people?
Let me take the idea a step further: manually operated sheet winches or even anchor winches? Pah, who needs such things any more? These days you operate them at the touch of a button! Explaining harbour manoeuvres, possibly showing how to steam into the spring? Who is still travelling without a bow thruster? Watching the clouds in the sky or creating weather charts yourself - what for? After all, wind forecasts are conveniently available via smartphone, and some of them are even free of charge.
Yes, modern technology doesn't stop at sailing. And nor should it. But in return, we don't have to banish traditional skills from our minds or from the boat.
Not only do some people enjoy running their fingers over the paper chart, marking out courses, measuring distances and plotting positions. What is even more important is that you acquire the necessary knowledge in the first place - and refresh it regularly if necessary.
In short, it's about a basic understanding of sailing. It's about having an idea of what I'm doing. I don't get that, or at least it's much harder if I'm just pressing buttons and staring at small displays on which the computer tells me what course to steer. If it doesn't pass the corresponding command on to the autopilot straight away...
In other words, anyone who thinks they already know and can do everything they need to know to get from A to B safely by boat is welcome to rely on the various technical achievements. The main thing is that they can still manage if they are unexpectedly unavailable.
For all others, however, for whom analogue, "do-it-yourself" sailing is an important part of their hobby - and there are more of them than some might think - please continue to do so. At least I wouldn't want to miss any future articles in YACHT that explain to beginners and advanced sailors alike how to find their way to their destination without electronics, how to keep on course without an autopilot and how to moor and cast off safely without a bow thruster.
If you think this is superfluous, you can keep scrolling or clicking; no problem. Disparaging comments, on the other hand, can be safely omitted. Don't you agree? I look forward to hearing your opinion.
Pascal Schürmann,
YACHT copywriter
Click on it to see through:
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
Der Yacht Newsletter fasst die wichtigsten Themen der Woche zusammen, alle Top-Themen kompakt und direkt in deiner Mail-Box. Einfach anmelden:
