120 years of YACHT
It has been 120 years since YACHT was first published. On 15 July 1904, the "Illustrierte Zeitschrift für Yachtwesen, Wassersport, Reisen, Motor- und Schiffbau" went on sale for the first time - for 50 pfennigs at the time. Number 1, of which exactly one copy still exists in our editorial archive, had 30 pages and was illustrated with 25 photos and a full-page painting. Pleasure sailing", as our colleagues from the past so beautifully described our favourite hobby, was still reserved for the wealthy at the time and the number of private yachts was very limited. But sailing was already a source of admiration everywhere.
Thanks in part to the America's Cup, which premiered more than 50 years before the first edition of YACHT. Since then, it has guaranteed top sailing performances as well as great spectacle. This year, we can look forward to another exciting chapter in the battle for the famous silver jug.
How times have changed. Today, America's Cuppers fly over the regatta course on razor-sharp foils at 100 kilometres per hour, driven by athletes clad in impact protection waistcoats, helmets, ski goggles and functional clothing that are more reminiscent of modern gladiators than sailors. And our cruising sailing has also long been accompanied by marine diesel engines and often sophisticated electrical systems. Plotters, GPS and autopilots have grown on us. Does that diminish the fun of the sport, of travelling with the wind? Not at all.
Even if times are changing, sailing is and remains the most beautiful thing in the world! The second best thing is to read about it. That's what we're here for! To mark the 120th anniversary, contemporary witnesses dug out anecdotes from the varied everyday life of the editorial team.
This year will be extra exciting in sporting terms. For the first time in the history of sailing, three superlative events are taking place within twelve months: America's Cup (from 22 August), Vendée Globe (from 10 November) and the current Olympic Games. 14 German sailors, surfers and kiters will be competing for precious metal in ten classes in the Bay of Marseille from 28 July. We introduce our success-hungry team.
Enjoy this issue!
Martin Hager, YACHT Editor-in-Chief
All topics of the new YACHT at a glance:
PANORAMA
- Classic Week 2024 Every five years, the who's who of the local classic car scene comes together - an event of superlatives. We were there
- West Sweden In the labyrinth of a thousand stones - a cruise to the fascinating Väderöarna archipelago and the Koster Islands
- SailGP How the German sailors fared at the thrilling foiling summit of the world's elite. Report from New York
- Navigation series, part 5 How the skipper ideally prepares the upcoming day's stage: Things to know about routing
- 120 years of YACHT Facts and anecdotes that provide unusual insights into everyday editorial work from times gone by
- Kiel Week Of victories, defeats and capricious weather: Taking stock of the world's biggest regatta event
- A day with ... Martin Renner is the harbour master in Schilksee. We accompanied him at work
- Blue water How three young men from southern Germany conquered the world under sail
- Olympic Games This year is once again dominated by the rings. Which German sailors have a chance of a place on the winners' podium
TEST & TECHNOLOGY
- Nautitech 48 Open Flat superstructure, stretched lines, sporty sail plan: The new catamaran from France is designed for fast sea passages - without compromising on comfort. Will it succeed?
- Multihull News Which exciting catamarans and trimarans will soon be coming onto the market
SKIPPERS MAGAZINE
- Sun protection The boat and crew should be protected from excessive UV radiation. Which accessories are suitable for this
- Equipment Dismountable anchor; solar cell support for the rear basket; back-friendly mattress
- DIY Deflector for the foresheet to ensure smooth tacking
THE SPECIAL BOAT
- Fast performance cruiser and robust explorer yacht - the Pure 49 wants to be both at the same time. But is that possible? We went for a test sail
KIELWASSER
- Yacht instead of jazz: Why a professional musician preferred to become a sailing school teacher
