Dear readers,
If you’re reading this, I’ll be on holiday. With the firm intention of leaving work behind. Many of you will know that it’s not as easy as it sounds.
As we all know, sailing helps you switch off like hardly anything else. A peaceful evening by a skerry, moored to a rock or at anchor. Long hours of daylight instead of appointments, the buzzing of mosquitoes and the rustling of the undergrowth instead of noise. Perhaps a night-time sail. Perhaps simply the wonderful feeling of not having to be anywhere else but right there.
But when you’re an editor at *Yacht* magazine and go sailing, work always tags along a bit, like a little creaking keel pig. As a self-confessed North Sea enthusiast, I’m heading out to new waters on someone else’s boat. For a change, I’m not setting sail with the tide this time, but after breakfast. That promises relaxation and a break from the daily grind.
But what it also promises are new boats, sailing areas, people, beautiful approaches and pictures – all potential stories. That’s only to be expected when your hobby is also your job, and it’s not a bad thing at all when you have one of the best jobs in the world. That’s probably why I won’t be able to completely shake off my old habits. I’ll probably reach for my camera or notepad. Perhaps I’ll be sitting in some Swedish bay one evening with a glass of wine, thinking: That would actually make a good lead. The Kielschwein just grunts sometimes.
If you, too, are out on the water over the coming weeks: I wish you peaceful watches at anchor, good times and the ability to really switch off.
Ursula Meer
YACHT editor
Editor’s reading recommendations
New podcast episode
VAT, EU goods, customs checks: what yacht owners need to know about their yacht’s status – with Benyamin Tanis
Many owners assume that VAT on their yacht has long since been paid, until customs make enquiries and the relevant documents are missing. In the 81st episode of the YACHT – The Sailing Podcast, legal expert Benyamin Tanis explains why ‘Union goods’ status is crucial, why old purchase receipts are often insufficient, and what needs to be borne in mind on long voyages outside the EU. Anyone buying a second-hand yacht or heading for the Mediterranean and the Caribbean by boat should listen to this episode.
Team Malizia
The film by YACHT TV – Boris: “The boat is fantastic!”
It’s off to a promising start: Boris Herrmann’s new “Malizia 4” is a hit with his team. He gushes: “The boat is fantastic!” Plus, a film recommendation from YACHT TV.
Kiss 25
Kissing allowed, braking forbidden
Small, exciting, powerful. The Kiss 25 from Denmark is set to take on the established sports boat classes. This compact carbon-fibre racer is built by Neo Yachts in Italy.
SEK operation on the Flensburg Fjord
Conflict over fishing net takes a surprising turn
An anchor that had become entangled in a fishing net off Wassersleben led to a spectacular SWAT operation on the Flensburg Fjord in June 2025 and attracted widespread media coverage. As the investigation progresses, the conflict is proving to be far more complex. The investigation by the Flensburg Public Prosecutor’s Office is ongoing.
Linjett 36
Linjett 36 in the YACHT test – What the new Swedish yacht can do at sea
In the YACHT test, the Linjett 36 demonstrated plenty of speed, control and quality. This is what makes the new Swedish cruising yacht 2026 so appealing to discerning cruising sailors.
Motorboat fire in Langenargen
Boat burns to the ground in the marina alongside sailing yachts
A motorboat caught fire at Langenargen Marina. The fire brigade prevented the fire from spreading to other boats; no one was injured.
Distress at sea
Sailor stranded on Norderney following a second incident
A Dutch sailor had run aground on Norderney a week and a half ago with his boat, the ‘Filou’. Now he finally wanted to leave the island. He didn’t get very far.
Five Sisters Trophy
“Gorch Fock” wins the race alongside her sisters
Five Sisters Trophy: The "Gorch Fock" wins the race against her three sister ships on the Atlantic Ocean off Boston.
Dufour 54
Plenty of volume, a substantial boat and plenty of variety
With the new Dufour 54, the French shipyard is crowning its comprehensively revamped model range. The flagship combines a spacious cockpit, flexible sailing and interior layout options, and plenty of space below deck. *YACHT* magazine was on board for the maiden trial run in La Rochelle.
Clipper Round the World Race
New yachts for life-changing cabin charters
Two cockpits with dodgers, a modern hull design, plenty of berths for amateur racers: the regatta organiser presents the new racing yachts for the Clipper Round the World Race.
Newsletter: YACHT-Woche
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