Water sports enthusiasts in Ribnitz-Damgarten: boating season successfully ended!
On October 4th, 2025, the water sports community in Ribnitz-Damgarten will end the boating season. Important tips for winterizing are shared.

Water sports enthusiasts in Ribnitz-Damgarten: boating season successfully ended!
Last weekend the boats in Ribnitz-Damgarten went out of the water for the time being. The water sports community “Am Bodden” Langendamm has ended its boating season and is bringing the first swimming gear ashore for the winter. When the weather conditions were perfect, the members met at their home port and on the club grounds at Saaler Bodden to carry out the necessary winterization. By October 11th, around 50 sailing and motor boats will be pulled onto the trailers to protect them from the rigors of autumn and the frosty winter months. Harbor warden Uwe Schlott emphasizes the importance of these measures, as damage caused by autumn storms or cold snaps can be expensive.
Overall, there are a variety of boats, including numerous dinghy cruisers with 20 square meter sail areas. These vehicles are carefully lifted out of the water with a tractor. The new boating season is scheduled to begin again next May, when the boats will be launched again after months of rest.
Tips for winterization
The thankless time of wintering makes many owners smile or become nervous. For experienced boat owners, the end of the season is routine, while inexperienced captains are often unsure. Questions about simple processes are not uncommon: Should the boats overwinter in the water or on land? When is the right time for an oil change? And how should you proceed when polishing the surface? It is important to create a clear plan for winterization in order to keep track and not forget anything. According to the yacht, there is a tried and tested logic for organizing winterization work.Yacht.de
Protecting boats from winter influences such as cold, rain and frost plays a central role, because even small oversights can often result in major damage. After landing, the underwater vessels should be thoroughly cleaned and checked for possible damage. High-pressure cleaning has proven to be effective here. In the area of maintenance, the condition of the engine and generator, oil changes and checking zinc anodes are essential work that should not be neglected.ADAC Skipper
Prevention is the best protection
Particular emphasis should be placed on the right conditions during wintering. Ideally, this happens in calm waters so that the boats are not exposed to unnecessary stress. Overwintering on land is also preferred in Germany.
Batteries should be fully charged and disconnected from shore power. Dehumidifiers can help prevent mold growth, while a cotton dust cover is ideal for allowing air exchange and protecting the boat from unpleasant winter storms. These preparations will help significantly extend the life of the vessels and ensure they are ready for use in the spring. A bit of security and protection during the cold season is worth its weight in gold for every boat owner!