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

FAQ - Sailing Magazine

How can I contribute to Magazine du Voilier?

We welcome contributions from our readers! Send us your sailing stories, remarkable photos or suggestions for articles via our online form. Our editorial team will contact you to discuss publication arrangements.

What are the main differences between sailing on the lake and sailing on the sea?

Lake navigation is characterised by winds that are often less regular but can change abruptly, the absence of tides, shorter distances and closer shelters. Our magazine deals specifically with techniques adapted to the Swiss lake environment.

Do you offer comparisons between different models of sailboat?

Yes, we regularly publish detailed comparisons between yachts in the same category. These analyses take into account performance, comfort, build quality and value for money, with a particular focus on suitability for Swiss lake conditions.

How can I find out about new items?

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a summary of new content. You can also follow us on our social networks, where we announce every important publication and share the latest sailing news in Switzerland.


Hoist the sails and embark on an exciting sailing adventure with LakeBoat.ch's Sailing Magazine! Expertise, passion and sharing at the service of all sailing enthusiasts in Switzerland.

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