For a long time, the rumour persisted that sailing - whether as a competition or a cruising sport - was merely a pretext for a higher purpose of this maritime lifestyle. What is meant is the sociable atmosphere, or après-sail, the magic that unfolds on deck, in the cockpit or inside many a yacht after a day's sailing and often turns into a colourful evening. Including the not entirely balanced consumption of liquid food.
Perhaps this gossip dates back to the years of the economic miracle, when, after the hardships of the post-war period, the duty-free provisioning of seagoing pleasure craft flourished without question. Fuelled by the envy of those who stayed at home, who then had to listen to heroic tales of regattas and the high seas and the evenings afterwards.
"Besanschot an!" as the slogan for the start of the evening
And the tradition-conscious sailor probably still saw himself in the right. In navies and on merchant ships all over the world, there is a slogan for the moment when all the work is done and the end of the day has been heralded. "Besanschot an!" in German, for example, and "Splice the main brace!" in English, meaning in both cases that everything has been cleared up and the crew is ready with a drink. The Norwegians, however, were a little more direct and shouted: "Släpp nu lärkan ut ur buren!" - let the lark out of the cage.
That was all a long time ago. Of course, sailors can still celebrate today, but the organisation of the nautical after-work is a lot more varied these days than it used to be in the old days, according to the story.
Party or planning, relaxing or toasting
Over the years, Berlin-based photographer Sönke Hucho, who himself sails a classic dinghy cruiser in his home waters, has captured what makes the blue hour on board so special. The result is an atmospheric collection of scenes that will whet your appetite for the upcoming summer of sailing.
Whether it's a harbour party or bathing fun, a nap in the hammock on the foredeck or planning the next day's trip, gazing into the starry night or eating in the cockpit under the open sky. And if you like - a mooring sip is still included today!
