The History and Modernity of Sailing

Technology and Equipment for a Perfect Charter Trip

Sailing has fascinated humanity for millennia. The Egyptians built the first seaworthy sailing ships around 3000 BC, equipped with square sails and paddles. This invention laid the foundation for sailing. Today, sailing has established itself in leisure, sports, and tourism – with impressive technical equipment that makes yacht chartering more comfortable and safer than ever before.

The development of technology on board a sailing yacht is impressive.

From the simple black-and-white plotter, which was considered a luxury a few years ago and was still screwed below deck, to the state-of-the-art chart devices currently installed in the cockpit, there is a world of difference. Ümit Uzun speaks in today's episode with the Head of Sales of GARMIN Marine about the development of technology on sailing yachts and motorboats. Together, they look back at the past, examine the technology on board today, and take a glimpse into the future.

Modern Technology – Must-haves for a Successful Charter Trip

A successful charter trip begins with the right equipment. The technological development on board modern yachts has revolutionized sailing. Here are the most important helpers for your next sailing trip:

• Autopilot
  The autopilot is an indispensable companion on every charter trip. It automatically takes over the steering of your yacht, maintains the course, and makes sailing easier, especially at night or on long distances.
  
  
• Radar
  With radar, you can detect obstacles and other ships early. The technology sends out electromagnetic pulses that are reflected and provide you with a picture of your surroundings – an essential safety instrument.
  
  
• GPS
  The Global Positioning System is the heart of modern navigation. It allows you to determine the exact position of your charter yacht, maintain the course, and keep your bearings even on the high seas.
  
  
• Echo Sounder
  For depth measurement and exploring the seabed, an echo sounder is indispensable. It protects you from shallows like rocks or sandbanks and ensures that you stay safely in deep water.
  
  
• Weather Station
  A sudden weather change can quickly endanger a sailing trip. With a weather station on board, you always have barometers, thermometers, and hygrometers in view and can avoid unpredictable weather conditions.
  
  
• Chart Plotter
  The chart plotter is your digital navigator on the high seas. In addition to course planning, it allows detailed representation of underwater structures and helps you track your yacht's position on the map at any time.

The Future is Marked by Technology..

..And with it, the technology on board sailing yachts will continue to evolve. Integrated systems will help you as a skipper and your crew to sail even more efficiently and comfortably. Another rising trend is the increasing use of renewable energies on board sailing yachts. Solar or wind energy systems are increasingly being used to meet the power needs of electronic devices on board and to minimize the use of diesel generators, ensuring the most sustainable and environmentally friendly operation of the ships possible.

We are very excited to see what innovative developments await us on board sailing and motor yachts.