With his Verdier design "Macif Santé Prévoyance", 40-year-old Frenchman Charlie Dalin dominated the "race of records" over almost the entire distance. He pulverised Armel le Cléac'h's eight-year-old Vendée Globe record with a sensational time of 64 days, 19 hours and 22 minutes. You can find out all about the race and the skippers who played a key role in this edition of the toughest single-handed regatta in the world in a large Vendée Globe report.
The search for the perfect boat is on every sailor's mind. Which one suits the budget, purpose and preferred sailing area? For 22 years, the list of winners of "Europe's Yachts of the Year", the boatbuilding industry's Oscar, has provided the ideal overview of the best new yachts.
Europe's yachts of the year have been chosen
In order to evaluate the available newcomers independently and fairly, the jury consisting of the heads of the twelve most important sailing media in Europe, under the direction of YACHT, spares no effort or expense. This year, tests were carried out off Kiel and Palma de Mallorca, where the nominated boats had to prove themselves in extremely varied conditions.
The selection of test candidates was just as colourful as the sailing weather: From seaworthy small cruisers with a retro look to racy racer-cruisers, everything was represented. In the new issue, you can find out which dominant trend the experienced testers were able to identify among the sometimes very different novelties.
There we also present the winners of the "European Yacht of the Year" award, including a detailed explanation of what characterises these boats. We also reveal which yacht particularly turned the jurors' heads - and what makes it so special.
Sailing knowledge for beginners and advanced sailors
And another training tip: our extensive range of interesting webinars on the most important topics relating to sailing will enter the next round at the beginning of February. Let our experts get you in shape for the new season.
In a series of online lectures, we share practical knowledge and our experience on topics that concern beginners and experts alike. You will learn how to make harbour manoeuvres easier, what to look out for when chartering and how to buy a used boat safely. Dates and topics can be found here (just click). Participation in the webinars costs 35 euros per date; subscribers save 10 euros!
We hope you enjoy reading the new YACHT!
Martin Hager, YACHT Editor-in-Chief
The new YACHT 4/2025 is now available at newsagents and newsagents, as well as in the Delius Klasing App ready for download. Or you can simply order them directly here...
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All topics of the new YACHT at a glance:
PANORAMA
Current
Watersports industry in distress;
Dolphin in the Kiel Fjord;
What will become of Damp harbour?
YACHT skipper training;
Obituary.
Journey
Nautical charts, area guides and harbour manuals for 2025
New boats
Fast cruising cat: Gunboat 68 Voyager;
Daysailer in its purest form: J/7 from J/Boats.
Sport
Sydney Hobart Race: two fatalities in the Christmas classic;
Jules Verne Trophy: four new record attempts failed.
Norway
Adventurous days and magical nights are guaranteed on a winter cruise north of Tromsø. Report from an extraordinary charter trip.
Europe's yachts of the year
The best new models were honoured at boot. We show who won one of the coveted sailing Oscars.
Vendée Globe
How Charlie Dalin won thanks to his furious ride around the world. And: Which other skippers have caused a stir.
A day on the rescue cruiser
Ship maintenance, reading, cooking, sleeping - the daily routine of the crews is one thing above all: routine. But how do you keep the alert level high? We were on board the "Nis Randers".
Mini Globe Race
Around the world in self-built 5.80 metre boats: 15 solo sailors embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Report.
Craft
They are an adornment for any study or living room: a half or full model of your own ship. But who makes them? We looked over the shoulders of two modellers.
TEST & TECHNOLOGY
ClubSwan 28
We are used to big things from Nautor. Now the Finnish shipyard is surprising us with an 8.50 metre model. What is the strategy behind it and, above all, what can the new model do? Test.
SKIPPERS MAGAZINE
E-outboard
Small electric outboards are now a real alternative for dinghy propulsion. We present 13 current models with an output of up to two kilowatts.
Equipment
Sailing jacket from Slam;
sheathed shore power cable;
Online course Motor-Knowhow.
DIY
Tips from YACHT readers for clearing stays and halyards.
The special boat
Solaris yachts are always characterised by minimalist aesthetics. The new 74RS is no exception. Can you travel around the world on a boat like this? A visit on board.
Wake
Why you can camp on a Varianta in the middle of the forest at Schluchsee.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
