We recently presented a series of polarising yacht designs on yacht.de. From the angular ocean-going dwarf ACE 30 to the aluminium tourer Revolution 29 equipped with a scow bow and the almost 20-metre-long trimaran Hanstaiger X1, which bears an impressive resemblance to a sailing greenhouse. "Awesome or ugly?" was our headline for the exceptional appearance and we received plenty of entertaining comments on the extravagant ideas, particularly on social media platforms.
It is well known that there is no accounting for taste, and boats follow their own rules anyway. This is where the design principle "Form follows function", often abbreviated to FFF, hits the mark. Sometimes yacht designers take it to extremes, resulting in extraordinary sailing boats. What a boring world our YACHT world would be without these experimental masterminds!
There are good reasons why designers are not so bold with series models - the moulds are too expensive and the economic pressure is too great. Series-produced boats have to sell and therefore appeal to as many people as possible. Mass-produced instead of exceptional!
The new Dufour 44 is both extraordinary and suitable for the masses. The latest model from the French shipyard celebrated its world premiere at boot Düsseldorf and its opulent multi-bend hull shape and sensational prototype paintwork led to exciting discussions about the usefulness and appeal of the lines.
But here, too, the shipyard decided in favour of FFF. Maximum volume and living comfort on as little ship length as possible paired with good sailing characteristics. You can read how Umberto Felci's design fared in the exclusive test in Brittany and what characterises it in the new issue.
Anchor gear offers a special kind of freedom. The chain, ground anchor and co. sometimes transform a ship into a peaceful island. But the question "Will the anchor hold?" always remains in the back of your mind - no matter how experienced the skipper is.
Our anchor expert Hauke Schmidt has put together the ideal basic equipment for you and reveals which equipment makes life on the hook easier.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue
Martin Hager, YACHT Editor-in-Chief
All topics of the new YACHT at a glance:
PANORAMA
Horizons
The first sail picture of the brand new America's Cupper of the Italian team Luna Rossa
Current
Distress at sea;
German Offshore Award;
Retro meeting of the singletons;
"Gorch Fock" trial kicks off
Journey
Flotilla charter cruise in the Arctic Circle;
60 million euro donation for environmental protection projects in the Mediterranean;
Online charter portal introduces insurance certificate
New boats
Recreational craft code 0.1;
Cruising catamaran Lagoon 43;
Small cruiser Milan 22
Sport
Start of the German Sailing League season;
Final decision in the 49er FX for the Olympic starting place
OSTSEE SPECIAL
Limfjord
Exciting cruise report from the fascinating area between the North Sea and Kattegat
German coast
News from the ports of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Funen
The twelve best anchorages in the Great and Little Belt
Boat show
What you can expect at this year's Ancora Yacht Festival in Neustadt
Navigation
Why the paper nautical chart is far from obsolete, even in the age of GPS and plotters
Orcas
What consequences the ongoing killer whale attacks can have for long-distance crews
Sailing clubs
Just a club or a real benefit? The advantages and disadvantages of club membership
Opti-Odyssey
The incredible story of a three-year odyssey of donated dinghies from Germany to Tierra del Fuego
Portrait
Sven Jürgensen is driving inclusive sailing in this country like no other - despite all the resistance
TEST & TECHNOLOGY
Dufour 44
Whether in the owner's or charter version, the 13-metre yacht promises an unimaginable amount of space and comfort. Large exclusive test
SKIPPERS MAGAZINE
Safe at anchor
Which anchor type for which bottom? What chain thickness and length? What additional equipment? Interesting facts about anchor gear
Equipment
Compact combination gas cooker and grill from Skotti;
Wempe ship's chronometer;
smart anchor buoy from Vision Anchor;
Clothing from Elvstrøm
DIY
How to optimise lazy jacks and the lazy bag - tips from YACHT readers
YACHT MARKET
Germany's most up-to-date water sports exchange
On nine pages the complete offer for sailors: used boats, purchase requests, broker and insurance offers, school and charter advertisements
The special boat
Dith its new 72-foot catamaran, the French Gunboat shipyard has once again struck a balance between sport and luxury. A visit on board
Wake
How a Ukrainian boat designer defies the turmoil of war
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
