SailingLife

The sailing blog for tips, trends and trips

Stories, tips and guides about sailing – for newcomers and old hands alike. From the finest sailing areas to technology and trends, equipment, safety and navigation.

Sailing technique

The Different Sails on a Sailing Boat: A Comprehensive Overview

Sails on a sailing boat play a central role. 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 look at the mainsails such as the mainsail and the headsails, discuss additional sails such as spinnaker and gennaker and explain special sails for extreme conditions. You will also learn which material and which constructions are best suited and how to select the right sails. The essentials at a glance The mainsails of a sailing boat, such as the mainsail and headsails (jib, genoa), are crucial for propulsion and manoeuvrability and should be tailored to the specific needs and conditions…

Travel

Top sights on Heligoland: discover the island's highlights

Which sights on Heligoland should you definitely visit? In this article we present the island's top highlights so that you don't miss anything. Heligoland is the ideal destination for a day trip, where you can enjoy the impressive sights, the convenient transport options and the culinary delights of the island. The essentials at a glance The Heligoland Dune is a paradise for nature lovers and offers the opportunity to observe grey seals and harbour seals in their natural environment. The cliff path on the main island offers spectacular views of the sea and sights such as the lighthouse, the Pinneberg and the Lange Anna. Heligoland is home to impressive bunker installations from the Second World War, which provide insights into the war history and…

Sailing area info

The charm of the Balearic Sea: beauties and secrets

The Balearic Sea, often referred to as the Mediterranean in its Balearic manifestation, is a fascinating body of water surrounding the beautiful islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. This region is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear water, but also for its diverse leisure activities and cultural treasures. In this article we take a detailed look at the Balearic Sea, its attractions and why it is worth a visit. 1. The geographical location of the Balearic Sea The Balearic Sea extends along the eastern coast of Spain and forms the south-western part of the Mediterranean. It is bordered to the west by mainland Spain and to the east by the Italian island…

General

Boris Herrmann at the Vendée Globe: second attempt with new goals

Boris Herrmann, an outstanding sailor, is competing in the Vendée Globe 2024, which starts in Les Sables d'Olonne. His past successes, intensive training and technical improvements make him a favourite. Discover how he is preparing for the toughest race in the world. Key points Boris Herrmann is a favourite for the Vendée Globe 2024, supported by an impressive sailing career and strong preparation. Comprehensive preparations, including numerous transatlantic races and technical upgrades to his boat, strengthen Herrmann's chances in the competition. Team Malizia, which supports Herrmann, combines technical support with environmental commitment, further cementing his position as a top contender. Boris Herrmann: A favourite at the Vendée Globe…

Travel

Sights in Croatia: our top 20 highlights

What sights does a Croatia holiday offer? Croatia is famous for its stunning coastline, which stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres and encompasses over 1,000 islands. Here are the top 20 highlights and sights of Croatia that you should not miss. Key points The Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park are amongst the most breathtaking natural wonders of Croatia and are known for their spectacular waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. A Croatia trip would be incomplete without visiting these natural wonders. Dubrovnik and Split are two of Croatia's most significant historic cities, impressing with their mediaeval architecture and cultural offerings. Croatia's island world, including Hvar and the island of Pag, offers…

Sailing area info

Sailing Rügen: The best routes and harbours for your trip

The Rügen sailing area captivates with its versatility, charm and incomparable coast. A sailing trip around Rügen is an experience that perfectly showcases the diversity of 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. Key points Rügen offers diverse sailing routes that encompass distinctive points such as Cape Arkona, the chalk coast and the island of Hiddensee. These routes offer not only spectacular views, but also short distances and numerous anchorages. The island offers a variety of beautiful harbours, including Glowe, Marina Lauterbach and Sassnitz town harbour. These harbours are ideal for sailors to…

Sailing area info

The best lakes for sailing in Germany: Top sailing areas at a glance

Looking for the best lakes for sailing in Germany? In this article we present the top sailing areas, which are distinguished by ideal wind conditions, impressive landscapes and first-class infrastructure and are often right on your own doorstep. In these places, lake sailing is a genuine alternative to the sea. Chiemsee: The Bavarian Sea Chiemsee, also known as the Bavarian Sea, is Bavaria's largest lake and covers nearly 80 square kilometres. With its magnificent Alpine backdrop, Chiemsee offers a unique scenery that attracts sailors from all over the world. The picturesque shores and clear water make Chiemsee an ideal place for a sailing weekend or longer…

Seamanship

Sailing with a dog – The best tips for a stress-free trip

Would you like to go sailing with your dog but don't know 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 for trip planning, the right equipment and show you how to prepare your dog for life on board. Key points Proper trip planning takes into account the dog's needs and safety, including travel destination, yacht choice and precautions on board. Safety on board includes netting along the guardrails, a dog life jacket and a secure, non-slip place for the dog. Training and familiarisation are essential to avoid stress and to gradually accustom the dog to life on board…

sailing knowledge

Catamaran or monohull – pros and cons compared

A catamaran has two parallel hulls that provide stability and speed. A monohull is a boat that, 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 examine their advantages and disadvantages. Key points Catamarans offer greater stability and comfort through their two hulls, particularly in rough weather conditions, and enable higher speeds and better energy efficiency. Monohulls are distinguished by their traditional elegance, high agility and better manoeuvrability, which is why they are popular with purist sailors and for regattas. Catamarans are more expensive to purchase and maintain, but offer more…

Travel

Caribbean Holiday: Top Tips for Your Dream Holiday in the Caribbean

Caribbean holidays offer paradisine beaches, turquoise water and varied activities. Here you will find everything important for your dream holiday: the best destinations, accommodation and experiences. From the picturesque beaches of Cuba to the luxurious resorts in the Bahamas – the Caribbean offers a wealth of possibilities for every taste and every budget. Discover the best places for watersports, enjoy the local cuisine in first-class restaurants or simply relax on one of the many dreamlike beaches. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique culture and the hospitality of the locals and experience an unforgettable holiday. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or both, in the Caribbean you are guaranteed to find the…

General

Cruising sailing and artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence in Sailing: Sailing More Efficiently and Smartly

How is artificial intelligence in sailing changing the sport itself? From optimising tactics to improving safety – AI is bringing numerous innovations onto the water. The ongoing development of artificial intelligence is having far-reaching effects on many areas of life, including sailing, and is helping sailors to make better decisions and improve their performance. In this article, find out how these technologies help sailors to make better decisions and improve their performance. The key points at a glance The use of AI in sailing enables precise performance analysis and tactical optimisation through the processing of extensive real-time data, which is particularly evident in the America's Cup, where teams such as Oracle Team USA…

General

Sea Conditions and Wellbeing: Everything You Need to Know About Seasickness

Are you wondering how to avoid seasickness on your next voyage? Seasickness arises from the unfamiliar motion at sea and often leads to nausea, dizziness and vomiting. In this article you will find out everything important about preventing and treating seasickness. The key points at a glance Seasickness arises from conflicting sensory perceptions of the inner ear and the eyes, which overwhelms the brain and leads to typical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. To prevent seasickness it is effective to stay in the calmer areas of the ship, to fix your gaze on the horizon, and to maintain a low-histamine diet. For acute symptoms, medication such as dimenhydrinate and scopolamine can be used; in addition…

General

The old boat has sunk, but the dreams haven't: a story about the search for a boat

After the sinking of Jambo and my rescue in the South Atlantic, Anke and I are giving a lot of thought to how we should go on. Perhaps we should continue our travels in a motorhome. That definitely has its appeal too and offers quite different possibilities. Olli from Pandora took that route after the sinking of his Hanse in the North Atlantic (2019) and found himself with his "Beast", as the motorhome was called, always back at the water. After that he switched back to a sailing boat. We would feel the same, that becomes very clear early on, because we are drawn to the water. What we experienced in the South Atlantic and having been in distress at sea there…

sailing knowledge

Why starboard and port aren't simply right and left

Seafaring is full of secrets and mysteries, and two terms that always cause puzzled frowns are starboard and port. But why do seafarers not simply use the terms right and left? Let us dive into the fascinating world of maritime terminology to unravel this mystery. The meaning of starboard and port Before we plunge into the depths of history, let us clarify what these terms actually mean. Starboard refers to the right-hand side of a ship when one is facing in the direction of travel, whilst port denotes the left-hand side. The roots of these terms reach far back to the time when pirates still sailed the seven seas and sailing ships…

Technology

Sailing in the Age of Connectivity: Starlink on Sailing Boats

Sailing whilst having a stable internet connection? With Starlink this becomes reality. Starlink offers sailing boats high-speed internet, whether on the high seas or at anchor. But how does Starlink work on a sailing boat and what are the advantages? In this article you will find out everything you need to know about Starlink on sailing boats: from installation through to using the Starlink sailing boat system. The key points at a glance Starlink offers sailors worldwide reliable high-speed internet with download speeds from 50 Mbit/s to 220 Mbit/s and upload speeds from 5 Mbit/s to 20 Mbit/s, which enables a significant improvement in the quality of life on board. The costs for maritime use of Starlink amount to a one-off charge…

General

From Horizon to Horizon: The Magic of Sailing Along

The sea has always exerted a magical attraction on people. The idea of endless horizons, gentle waves and salty sea air awakens longings for adventure and freedom. One way to realise these dreams is cabin charter. In this blog post we want to explore this fascinating world of cabin charter and discover the joys and the challenges associated with this unique form of travel. Experience the freedom of the seas: Sailing enables people to experience the freedom of the seas in a very special way. In contrast to conventional travel methods, a water-based holiday offers a unique connection to nature and a slowing down of life. On board a sailing boat one experiences…

General

Introduction: skipper Online Course for Boating Licences

Advertisement Who doesn't dream of exploring the vast expanses of the seas, secluded bays or idyllic lakes? With a boating licence you can experience all this for yourself. A flexible and efficient way to train for your boating licence is offered by the skipper online course (skipperwerden.de). In this article, together with Nina and Simon – the two founders of skipper – we present the route onto the water with skipper, explain the advantages of online training and take a closer look at the costs you can expect. Which boating licences exist? Up to an engine output of 15 PS or 7.5 kW for electric motors, no licence is required. For all boats whose output exceeds this, a boating licence is needed. Which one…

General

Introducing: Online marketplace Miet-Boot.de

The online marketplace Miet-Boot.de offers a straightforward and efficient platform on which boat listings can be presented. Regardless of what type of boat it is – whether a sailing boat, a motor yacht, a raft or even a pedalo – here potential hirers will find the perfect selection. Miet-Boot.de is a self-developed online marketplace that has already been successfully established on the market for five years. It offers numerous functions for providers. Both hirers as end customers and providers benefit from this marketplace. From presentation through marketing to mediation and processing, the platform acts as a strong partner with comprehensive features. Miet-Boot.de presents a versatile booking system for boat hire businesses, which…

Trip report

Cabin charter at the North Sea Week 2022: offshore regatta on a Swan 48

We sailed along in Germany's largest offshore regatta event, and at its 100th anniversary no less! We sailed on SY Dantés, a Swan 48 from 1976. One of the few yachts at Nordseewoche that also allowed cabin charter guests to take part in the regatta event. The following article provides some impressions from the preparation, the regattas and the special atmosphere on land and at sea. Days 1 to 4 – Preparation We meet around midday at City Marina Cuxhaven, where SY Dantés welcomes a total of 6 guests. Also on board is the experienced skipper Michael Orgzey, who has skippered Dantés for many years and knows the yacht inside and…

Sailing training

RYA Yachtmaster compared to DSV training

RYA Yachtmaster compared to SSS/SHS

The British Yachtmaster of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the sailing certificate with the highest recognition and acceptance worldwide. But how does the Yachtmaster actually compare to the sailing certificates issued by the DSV (Deutscher Segler-Verband), where do the differences and similarities lie with regard to prerequisites, examination content, examination conduct and the benefit of the certificates? We venture a comparison based on the two highest certificates issued by the RYA (Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean) with those of the DSV (Sportseeschifferschein and Sporthochseeschifferschein). The author has completed both training systems in full and holds both the British Yachtmaster Ocean and the Sporthochseeschifferschein. Prerequisites To sit the Sportseeschifferschein (SSS), you must be at least 16…

Sailing videos

The most popular German-language sailing vlogs

Having recently introduced the most popular international sailing vlogs in our blog post, today we turn to the German-speaking YouTube channels. There has been much movement here recently. Alongside the well-known big names such as Blue Horizon, the Bootsprofis, the Segeljungs and M Jambo, various small channels have become established that are just waiting to be discovered by you. The ranking follows as before according to the subscriber numbers of the respective channels (as at 1 February 2022) and is limited to the top 30. Should we have forgotten any channels, you are welcome to tell us via the comments function. 1. Blue Horizon (62,200 subscribers) Blue Horizon, the channel from Leonie, Jonas and Thilo, who…

Sailing videos

The most popular sailing video bloggers (international)

Which sailing enthusiast doesn't love watching other sailors in their everyday sailing life? From the comfort of your sofa you discover new sailing areas, are involved in trip planning, overcome the next storm together, follow countless minor and major repairs on the yacht and share the joy when the protagonists' sailing adventure goes well. But above all, many of the sailing video bloggers presented here are living a life that many also dream of for their own future. We went in search of the most popular international sailing video blogs. The ranking follows the YouTube subscriber numbers of the respective channels (as at the end of January 2022). 1. Sailing La Vagabonde (1,680,000 subscribers) The Australians Riley and Elayna are the stars…

Trip report

Hike & Sail Aeolian Islands: Hiking and sailing at the volcano

The Aeolian Islands, part of UNESCO's World Natural Heritage, form the backdrop for our hike & sail autumn trip. We can expect stunning panoramic walks, steep rocky coasts, lush vegetation, steaming volcanoes, picturesque little towns, black lava beaches and secluded bays. The islands we visit – Vulcano, Salina, Panarea and Lipari – display their own distinct characteristics despite many similarities. Sailing area: Tyrrhenian Sea Route: Portorosa – Vulcano – Salina – Panarea – Lipari – Panarea – Portorosa Nautical miles: 100 Travel dates: Late October/early November 2021 Sailing yacht: Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 (built 2018) Charter company: Sail Italia/Sunsail Saturday – Arrival in Portorosa Our journey to our departure harbour, Marina di Portorosa in the northeast of Sicily, is by hire car from Catania airport.…

Trip report

Sailing on the French Riviera: Trip report from France's most beautiful coast

Jumping from the swimming platform into crystal-clear water, the Maritime Alps as a panorama in the background, in between world-famous coastal towns such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Antibes and Monaco: 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 departure harbour is Bormes-les-Mimosas and we sail eastwards as far as Antibes. On the return leg the Îles d'Hyères are visited. Sailing area: French Riviera/Côte d'Azur Route: Bormes-les-Mimosas – Saint-Tropez – Antibes – Îles de Lérins – Fréjus – Îles d'Hyères – Bormes-les-Mimosas Nautical miles: 162 Travel dates: mid-September 2021 Sailing yacht: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 (built 2020) Charter company: Kiriacoulis Mediterranean Saturday – arrival in Bormes-les-Mimosas The Côte d'Azur stretches…