Le Magazine du Voilier : The Art of Sailing on Swiss Lakes

The LakeBoat.ch Sailing Magazine is the reference resource for all sailing enthusiasts in Switzerland. Whether you're a seasoned skipper or a novice sailor, our online publication offers you rich and varied content to perfect your art of sailing on Switzerland's magnificent lakes.

Sailboat Tests and Trials

The Last Wind-Tested Models

Our team of experts rigorously tests the yachts available on the Swiss market:

• Full assessments cruising and racing monohulls
• Performance analysis under different points of sail and wind conditions
• Detailed comparisons between competing models
• Objective assessments comfort on board and life on a cruise

Focus on Popular Sailboats in Switzerland

Our special reports on the most popular brands on Swiss lakes:

• Bénéteau French versatility and reliability
• Jeanneau comfort and accessibility
• Bavaria German value for money
• Dufour elegance and performance
• Grand Surprise the Swiss benchmark for regattas
• Dehler precision and sportiness
• Luthi Swiss construction excellence

Sailing on the Great Lakes of Switzerland

Lake Geneva

Sailing on Western Europe's largest lake:

• Wind regimes : Bise, Wind, Joran and thermal breezes
• Preferred navigation spots and recommended anchorages
• Specific techniques to cope with Lake Geneva's tobacco blasts
• Regatta calendar From the Bol d'Or to Genève-Rolle-Genève

Lake Neuchâtel

A sailor's paradise in the heart of Switzerland :

• Ideal sailing conditions for learning
• Guide to marinas and services for yachts
• Strategies for sailing with the Joran and the Bise
• Unmissable ports of call on the shores of the lake

Lake Zurich

Urban sailing with Alpine charm:

• Wind conditions on this narrow lake
• Sailing clubs in Zurich and their offer
• Daytime and twilight navigation facing the Alps
• Local regattas and traditional competitions

Lake Lucerne

The majesty of sailing in the heart of the mountains :

• Sailing between the cliffs Challenges and precautions
• Katabatic winds and venturi effects
• Unauthorised anchorages in secluded coves
• Cruise itineraries over several days

Lake Constance

International sailing experience :

• Cross-border shipping between Switzerland, Germany and Austria
• Major crossings from one end of the lake to the other
• International regattas and nautical events
• Swiss marinas recommended for sailing boats

Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

Advanced Nautical Training

Improve your skills with our detailed guides:

• Setting techniques sails according to speed
• Harbour manoeuvres in a lake environment
• Shorthanded sailing and alone
• Managing delicate situations : strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy traffic

Sailing School

Tutorials for all levels:

• Fundamentals for beginners terminology and sailing basics
• Intermediate courses fine-tuning and tactical navigation
• Advanced level trimming sails and optimising performance
• Sports sailing Regatta techniques and strategies

Weather and Safety

Understanding Lake Weather

Learn how to anticipate conditions on Swiss lakes:

• Specific weather conditions of each lake
• Interpreting bulletins specialized weather
• Warning signs a change in the weather
• Applications and resources recommended for nautical weather

Safety equipment

Everything you need to sail with peace of mind:

• Compulsory equipment under Swiss law
• Recommended equipment beyond legal requirements
• Emergency procedures suitable for lake navigation
• Man overboard recovery techniques in cold water

Sailboat maintenance and winter storage

Seasonal Maintenance

Take care of your yacht year after year:

• Spring preparation Complete checklist
• Summer maintenance vigilance and regular checks
• Preparing for wintering crucial stages
• Winter maintenance Work to be carried out during the break

Technical Focus

Specialist articles to help you understand your boat:

• Rigging inspection and maintenance
• Canopy maintenance, repair and optimisation
• Appendices keel, rudder and their maintenance
• On-board electronics installation and troubleshooting

Life on board and cruising

The Art of Sailing

Enjoy lake life to the full:

• Optimum layout restricted spaces
• Cuisine on board recipes and tips
• Comfort at dockside and at anchor practical solutions
• Family sailing Tips for children on board

Cruises and Itineraries

The most beautiful sailing routes:

• Nautical weekends short but memorable itineraries
• Cruise weeks full programme on each lake
• Gourmet stopovers accessible by sailboat
• Outstanding natural sites to discover from the water

Competition and Regattas

Events Calendar

Don't miss any important competitions:

• Great Swiss classics Bol d'Or, 5 Jours du Léman, Translémanique
• National championships of the different classes
• Club regattas and friendly encounters
• International events welcomed in Switzerland

Regatta Technique

Sharpen your competitive skills:

• Starting tactics adapted to lake conditions
• Route strategies depending on winds and currents
• Performance settings for greater speed
• Physical and mental preparation of the regatta

Traditional and Heritage Sailing

Historic boats

Discover Switzerland's rich nautical heritage:

• Lateen sail boats Lake Geneva
• Traditional sailing boats restored
• History of sailing on Swiss lakes
• Historic shipyards and their legacy

Preservation and transmission

Safeguarding ancestral know-how:

• Conservation associations and their work
• Traditional techniques construction and navigation
• Specialised training in marine carpentry
• Traditional sailing events not to be missed

Community and Sharing

Sailing Stories

The best stories from our readers :

• Memorable cruises on Swiss lakes
• Solo adventures and personal challenges
• First times and memorable moments
• Unusual encounters on the water

Portraits of Voileux

Discovering key personalities :

• Swiss champions and their career path
• Local builders and their philosophy
• Trainers and instructors enthusiasts
• Emblematic figures yacht clubs

Innovations and Trends

New Technologies

The ever-changing world of sailing:

• Innovative materials for hulls and sails
• On-board electronics the latest generation
• Mobile applications dedicated to browsers
• Green solutions for responsible navigation

Market trends

Keep up to date with developments in the sector:

• New models expected on the Swiss market
• Fleet developments on the lakes
• Second-hand market advice and opportunities
• Design trends in interior design