Journal

The selection of materials for mooring lines is pivotal, as they directly impact the safety of both your boat and others. The emphasis here lies on specific properties, which may differ from those required for bulkheads. Mooring lines should exhibit high elongation, commonly referred to as "stretch," along with a high breaking load and resistance to wear. Moreover, they should be easy to handle, a quality sailors term as "lean." Polyester and polyamide are the most prevalent materials for mooring lines, although polypropylene may also be suitable for certain applications.

Hamburg-based insurance broker Pantaenius celebrates 125 years, a foundation upon which Harald Baum and his family continue to build Europe's leading yacht insurance experts.

Picture this scenario: two boats, side by side in a marina, both bearing the scars of a turbulent November storm that left them damaged following a collision with the marina pontoons. One boat owner is singing the praises about the smooth and efficient experience in making his insurance claim. On the other hand, the other owner is sharing a vastly different and far less satisfactory tale. But what if this experience could have been transformed for the better?

Many boats and yachts find themselves manoeuvred onto the dry in autumn. For those left on the jetty as winter approaches, it's time to dress warmly for the cold months ahead.

Whether for a swim stop or a whole night, anchoring is part of yachting and water sports. In many harbours in the Mediterranean, you can't do without it. Moreover, it is safety-relevant to master the corresponding manoeuvres. We show you how to anchor properly…

Fires are unfortunately a serious issue in yachting. In the last year, more than 15 yachts over 24 meters have been lost. As with any incident, there is rarely a single cause therefore, there is no single solution to eradicate the risk. However, there are a number of precautionary measures that owners can take to lower the risk of fire.

Nobody wants fouling on their boat, but at the same time nobody wants dead waters. Regulations and laws are increasingly restricting the use and composition of antifoulings - the future could lie in diverse and individual solutions.

Who doesn´t enjoy a tranquil day´s fishing on the water with family and friends? We at Pantaenius appreciate that fishing is just like any other nautical activity and for this reason we have introduced the option to include the fishing equipment on board in your insurance cover.

In order to prevent major damage, proper engine care also plays a role in addition to the major engine inspection. Even a small action here and there can make all the difference. We have compiled a list of the checks you can easily carry out during the season for outboard and inboard motors.

The effectiveness of correctly installed lightning protection systems has long been proven; however, regrettably such devices are not yet standard on boats and yachts. But owners can act. Specialist companies offer several possibilities of averting or at least reducing the devastating effects of a lightning strike; these possibilities are described briefly below.

Since 2020, the number of sightings and incidents involving killer whales off the Spanish and Portuguese coasts have increased.

It is a sad fact that every spring, shortly after launching, many boats moored safely at the quay then sink, and turn what can be the most beautiful time of the year into a fiasco.