SailingLife
The sailing blog for tips, trends and trips
Welcome to our sailing blog – your go-to destination for everything about the fascinating world of sailing. Whether you're a seasoned old salt or a curious sailing novice, here you'll find inspiring stories, practical tips and detailed guides that take your sailing experience to the next level. Discover the most beautiful sailing grounds around the world, get to know the latest techniques and trends, and benefit from expert advice on equipment, safety and navigation. Set sail with us and dive into the thrilling world of maritime adventure.
Catamaran sailing stands for speed, freedom and pure "beach life". Anyone who has ever experienced a beach catamaran coming up onto the plane will never forget that feeling. Two brands have shaped this sailing class like no others: Hobie Cat from California and Topcat from Germany. Both manufacturers have their roots in the 1970s, and both offer boats for beginners, families and regatta sailors…
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Cruising sailors who set off on major voyages across oceans and into remote regions face a wide range of dangers. It's no wonder that safety concepts are hotly debated in sailing circles – especially since several well-known accidents revealed the weaknesses of conventional production yachts. This article examines the most common causes of sinking yachts and takes an in-depth look at two modern blue-water yachts that…
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A logbook is much more than a collection of notes – it's the heart of every sailing trip, an indispensable document and a connection to centuries-old maritime tradition. But why is keeping a logbook so important, what significance does it have and how is it kept properly? In this blog post, we explore these questions…
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The nautical mile – this special unit of measurement that has accompanied sailors, navigators and explorers for centuries – is far more than just a technical figure. It tells a story of adventure, scientific progress and an enduring fascination with the world's oceans. In this article, we take a closer look at what the nautical mile actually is, why it came about and…
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A sailing trip is a unique experience: the vastness of the sea, the tranquillity of nature and the feeling of freedom. But at the same time, we bear a responsibility to protect our environment. Plastic is one of the greatest threats to our oceans. Even as a crew member, you can help to avoid plastic waste and make your trip more eco-friendly. Here…
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Sailing with the family can be an unforgettable experience – especially when the little sailors are on board too. To make the family trip a complete success, good preparation and well-thought-out safety measures are essential. In this article, we'll give you the best tips on how to ensure safety and entertainment for your children on board…
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The Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, historic sights and unique islands. From Italy's magnificent coastlines to hidden coves and lively towns, the Tyrrhenian Sea offers a wealth of experiences for travellers, history buffs and nature lovers alike. In this article, we'll take a look at the top highlights of the Tyrrhenian Sea…
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Speed can be expressed in various units, depending on context and region. In the maritime world, speed is usually given in knots (kn), while on land kilometres per hour (km/h) are more common. If you need to convert between these units, it's important to know the correct method. In this article, you'll learn how to…
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The Corinth Canal connects the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth, significantly shortening the shipping route around the Peloponnese peninsula. It separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese peninsula, realising plans that date back to antiquity. It is around 6.3 kilometres long and was built at the end of the 19th century.…
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Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and offers an impressive variety of beaches, historic sights and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for picturesque sandy beaches, medieval old towns or culinary delights, Naxos has something to offer everyone. In this article, you'll find out which beaches to visit, which sights you shouldn't miss and which…
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The Panama Canal, one of the world's most important waterways, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has revolutionised global trade by drastically shortening sea voyage times. The canal serves as a vital shortcut, significantly cutting down the traditional route and offering ships a cost-effective way to bypass the treacherous Cape Horn. Discover in this article…
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Are you already dreaming again of tranquil, idyllic anchorages in the Mediterranean? Markus Silbergasser from UNTER SEGELN, a true Mediterranean expert, takes you on an exciting virtual journey of discovery with stunning imagery and clear drone footage of the Mediterranean's most unspoilt spots. The bay tips and special features, conveyed with passion and conviction, along with the wealth of relevant information for…
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The Vendée Globe is one of the most prestigious and toughest sailing races in the world. It is a non-stop round-the-world regatta in which participants sail alone on the open sea, without outside assistance and without any stopovers. The challenge and appeal of this race attract sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. The most important thing about…
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How can boat building become more sustainable? This article shows approaches and examples for the use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies in boat building, focusing on “sustainability in boat building”. The availability of data on pollutant emissions is crucial for tracking progress in emissions reduction and giving other shipyards and interested parties access to this information…
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Celestial navigation is the art of determining one's own position using celestial bodies. Sailors and pilots measure the altitude of the sun, moon and stars to guide their journey. This article explains the basics and shows how to use tools such as the sextant. Practical courses in celestial navigation are especially important for teaching participants the basics of this…
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Would you like to know how you can travel the world without spending a lot of money? In this article you'll find out how to travel for free by using alternative accommodation options, hitchhiking and taking part in various programmes. Read on to discover the best tips for your next trip. The key facts at a glance Couchsurfing enables…
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The winds in the Mediterranean region significantly shape the weather and sea conditions there. Which winds are the best known here? In this article you'll get a comprehensive overview of the most important Mediterranean winds such as the Bora, Sirocco, Meltemi and Mistral and their characteristic features. The key facts at a glance The article describes the most important winds in the Mediterranean region…
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The Danish islands, particularly the “Danish islands” such as Zealand, Funen and Bornholm, offer breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and a wide range of activities. Find out more about these beautiful places and what makes them so special. In this article you'll find information and inspiration about the most beautiful islands in Denmark and specific regions in Zealand. The most important facts at…
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A Madeira holiday is a year-round destination, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, a mild climate and exciting activities. Whether you love hiking, water sports or cultural experiences, Madeira has something for everyone. In this article you'll learn everything important about the best travel times, getting there, accommodation, activities and useful tips for a…
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When is flying cheapest? One important factor is knowing which days flights tend to be cheapest, so you can find the best deals. Flights are usually cheaper when booked on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Very early and very late flights also tend to be cheaper. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There…
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Why are there increasing numbers of orca interactions with sailing boats? Since 2020, there have been more and more reports of orca attacks on sailing boats, in which the killer whales, also known as orcas, ram and damage the boats. Find out in this article why this is happening and which regions are most affected. The most important facts at a glance The number…
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Sails play a central role on a sailing boat. They are crucial for propulsion, steering and the manoeuvrability of the boat. In this article, we explain the most important sail types and how they are used. We cover the basic sails such as the mainsail and headsails, discuss additional sails such as the spinnaker and gennaker and…
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Which sights on Heligoland should you definitely visit? In this article, we introduce you to the island's top highlights so you don't miss a thing. Heligoland is the ideal destination for a day trip, where you can enjoy the island's impressive sights, convenient transport links and culinary delights. The key facts at a glance The Heligoland…
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The Balearic Sea, often referred to as the Mediterranean in its Balearic form, is a fascinating body of water surrounding the beautiful islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. This region is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear water, but also for its diverse leisure opportunities and cultural treasures. In this post, we take a look…
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Boris Herrmann, an outstanding sailor, is competing in the 2024 Vendée Globe, which starts in Les Sables d’Olonne. His achievements to date, intensive training and technical improvements make him a favourite. Find out how he is preparing for the toughest race in the world. The key facts at a glance Boris Herrmann is a favourite for the…
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What sights does a Croatia holiday offer? Croatia is famous for its breathtaking coastline, which stretches for more than 2000 kilometres and encompasses more than 1000 islands. Here are the top 20 highlights and sights of Croatia that you shouldn't miss. The most important facts at a glance The Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park…
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The Rügen sailing area impresses with its versatility, charm and incomparable coastline. A sailing trip around Rügen is an experience that perfectly showcases the diversity of the coastal landscapes and historic towns. Interested in sailing Rügen? Here you'll find the best routes and harbours for your perfect sailing trip around the island. The most important facts at a…
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Looking for the best lakes for sailing in Germany? In this article, we introduce you to the top sailing areas, which stand out for their ideal wind conditions, impressive scenery and first-class infrastructure – and are often right on your doorstep. In these places, lake sailing is a genuine alternative to the sea. Chiemsee: The Bavarian Sea Chiemsee, also…
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Would you like to go sailing with your dog, but aren't sure what to look out for? In this article, we answer the most common question: What do you need to consider when sailing with a dog? We give you tips on trip planning, the right equipment and show you how to prepare your dog for life on board.…
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A catamaran has two parallel hulls, which provide stability and speed. A monohull boat, as the name suggests, has only one hull. But when is a catamaran the best choice? In this article, we compare catamarans with monohulls and highlight their advantages and disadvantages. The key facts at a glance Catamarans…
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A Caribbean holiday offers paradise beaches, turquoise-blue water and a wide range of activities. Here you'll find everything you need to know for your dream holiday: the best destinations, accommodation and experiences. From the picturesque beaches of Cuba to the luxurious resorts of the Bahamas – the Caribbean offers a wealth of options for every taste and every budget. Discover the best…
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How is artificial intelligence changing the sport of sailing itself? From optimising tactics to improving safety – AI is bringing numerous innovations onto the water. The ongoing development of artificial intelligence is having a profound impact on many areas of life, including sailing, and is helping sailors make better decisions and improve their performance. Find out…
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Wondering how to avoid seasickness on your next boat trip? Seasickness is caused by the unfamiliar movements at sea and often leads to nausea, dizziness and vomiting. In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about preventing and treating seasickness. The key facts at a glance Seasickness is caused by conflicting sensory perceptions from the inner ear and the…
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After the sinking of the Jambo and my rescue in the South Atlantic, Anke and I are giving a lot of thought to how things should continue. Perhaps we should carry on our travels in a motorhome instead. That definitely has its own appeal and opens up a whole different set of possibilities. Olli from the Pandora took this route after the sinking of his Hanse…
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Seafaring is full of secrets and puzzles, and two terms that repeatedly cause frowns are starboard and port. But why don't sailors simply use the words right and left? Let's dive into the fascinating world of maritime terminology to solve this mystery. The meaning of starboard and port Before we…
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Sailing while having a stable internet connection? With Starlink, this becomes reality. Starlink gives sailing boats high-speed internet, whether out on the open sea or at anchor. But how does Starlink work on a sailing boat, and what are the benefits? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about Starlink on sailing boats: from installation to…
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The sea has always exerted a magical pull on people. The idea of endless horizons, gentle waves and salty sea air awakens a longing for adventure and freedom. One way to make these dreams come true is by sailing along with others. In this blog post, we want to explore this fascinating world of sailing along, together with its joys and its challenges…
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Who doesn't dream of exploring the vastness of the seas, remote bays or idyllic lakes? With a boat licence, you can experience all this for yourself. The skipper online course (skipperwerden.de) offers a flexible and efficient way to train for a boat licence. In this article, together with Nina and Simon – the two founders of skipper –…
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The online marketplace Miet-Boot.de offers a straightforward and efficient platform where boat listings can be presented. Whatever type of boat it is – whether a sailing boat, motor yacht, raft or even a pedal boat – potential renters will find the perfect selection here. Miet-Boot.de is a self-developed online marketplace that has already…
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We sailed along at Germany's largest offshore regatta event, and on its 100th anniversary too! We sailed aboard SY Dantés, a Swan 48 from 1976. One of the few yachts at the Nordseewoche that also allowed cabin charter guests to take part in the regatta event. The following post offers some impressions from the preparation, the regattas and…
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The British Yachtmaster from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the sailing licence with the highest recognition and acceptance worldwide. But how does the Yachtmaster actually compare to the sailing licences awarded by the DSV (Deutscher Segler-Verband), and where are the differences and similarities in terms of requirements, exam content, exam procedure and the value of the licences? We dare to make a comparison…
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After recently introducing the most popular international sailing vlogs in our blog post, today we turn our attention to German-language YouTube channels. There's been a lot of movement here recently. Alongside well-known names such as Blue Horizon, the Bootsprofis, the Segeljungs and M Jambo, various smaller channels have established themselves, just waiting to be…
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Which sailing enthusiast doesn't love watching other sailors in their everyday sailing life? You can comfortably discover new sailing areas from the sofa, get involved in trip planning, weather the next storm together, follow countless smaller and larger repairs on the yacht, and share the protagonists' joy when their sailing adventure goes well. But above all, many…
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The Lipari Islands, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, form the backdrop for our Hike & Sail autumn trip. We can look forward to breathtaking panoramic hikes, steep rocky coastlines, lush vegetation, steaming volcanoes, picture-perfect little towns, black lava beaches and secluded bays. The islands we visit – Vulcano, Salina, Panarea and Lipari – each have their own unique character despite their many similarities. Sailing area: Tyrrhenian…
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Jumping from the swim platform into crystal-clear water, with the Maritime Alps as a backdrop, and world-famous coastal towns such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Antibes and Monaco in between: welcome to the Côte d'Azur! This trip report describes a week-long sailing trip along what is probably the most famous stretch of the French Mediterranean coast. The starting harbour is Bormes-les-Mimosas, sailing eastwards to Antibes. On…
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White cottages and windmills, crystal-clear water and secluded bays, rustic taverns and Greek wine, dreamy fishing villages and trendy hotspots: the Cyclades offer all this and much more. This trip report describes a two-week island-hopping adventure through the central island group of the Aegean, including a detour into the Saronic Gulf. Sailing takes place in the early season, which means on the one hand…
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Many sailing novices often want information even before their first cabin charter trip about life on board, the key technical functions of a yacht, and explanations of the most important sailing terms. Sailing also comes with its own specialist vocabulary, which can often seem daunting to newcomers. After all, what exactly do you do with a preventer again? Is the…
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The Lesser Antilles is the name given to the island chain in the eastern Caribbean, stretching from the Virgin Islands in the north to the Venezuelan coast. Due to the prevailing north-east trade wind, the Lesser Antilles can be further divided into the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. In English, the islands…
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