Winners of the Dehler Owner Story Contest: Ralf, László, and Kenn
Adventures abound for sailors around the world, and those who steer Dehler yachts are no exception.
Inspired by their stories, we've launched the Dehler Owner Story Contest to spotlight the individuals who animate our vessels.
Thanks to an overwhelming response, we couldn't limit ourselves to just one. So, today, we'll introduce you to the three winners: Ralf, László, and Kenn—each bringing their own fresh view to sea life.
Join us to see how their trips have fostered strong bonds and launched exciting new journeys.
At the helm with Ralf
Ralf stands out with his unmatched loyalty to Dehler yachts. His passion for these boats shines through every chapter of his story, from competitive local regattas to leisurely coastal voyages.
Setting sail: the beginnings of a seafarer
His journey began with the spirited and reliable Dehler K4, which quickly became more than just a race-ready sailboat. It was the gateway to his lifelong passion for the open sea—always part of family vacations, hitched to their RV and ready for spontaneous adventures.
These early experiences on the K4 introduced him to the joys of sailing and ingrained a deep appreciation for the freedom and escape that it offers. During this time, he embraced his competitive spirit and participated in the NRW Cup in Lelystad.
Adapting the sailing approach to prioritise family comfort
As Ralf's life and family needs evolved, their search for greater comfort during sea travels led them to the Dehler SPRINTA 70. It came with cockpit-led halyards and a turning jib that simplifies reefing.
This transition allowed them to explore scenic routes such as Amsterdam's canals and the tranquil waters of Delfzijl in the Netherlands, extending to the serene Danish South Seas.
We loved hearing all about how Dehler's exceptional engineering and performance stood out as the boat gained recognition in the competitive sailing world during the "Rhine Week," Europe's oldest, largest, and longest river regatta!
Since 2011, Dehler yachts have been honoured with over 20 prestigious awards and nominations.
Living aboard the Dehler 28
Ralf's exploration of sea life took a significant turn when he and his wife decided to live aboard the Dehler 28 for a summer. This instilled a fresh perspective within them as they faced the challenges and rewards of being full-time sailors. It particularly brought them closer to the sea and allowed them the time to appreciate daily rhythms like the sound of waves and the sunrise each morning.
Charting new waters
Throughout his sailing life, Ralf has discovered that one of the greatest joys is the deep, lasting connections he forms with family and friends. Each trip presents an opportunity to strengthen these bonds and share memorable experiences, a pattern that persisted even during the COVID-19 era.
From his first purchase of the agile K4 to the comfortable SPRINTA-70 and the modern Dehler28, he has always recognised the brand's reputation for precision and resilience. Time and again, his boats have withstood countless journeys and still gleam like new.
These days, Ralf and his wife keep exploring new waters, yet they find themselves repeatedly drawn to the picturesque Rügen island on the German Baltic coast. Through it all, a recurring theme remains: "Always Dehler on the trailer."
At the helm with László
Sailing transcends being simply a hobby; for many, it's a lifelong passion that ignites the spirit and fosters a deep connection with the sea and the wind. At 59, Hungary-born László discovered his passion for the open waters, which has since become integral to his identity.
Taking the reins of his first sailboat
László's sailing odyssey began in 2015 with an irresistible offer from a friend to sail on Hungary's largest lake, Lake Balaton. The vessel of choice for their adventure was Nati, a 1976 Dehler Delanta known for its storied past.
As he started learning the craft, they would set sail from the marina and turn off the engine to fully embrace the natural rhythms of the wind. It didn't take László much to grasp the basics—his competence and confidence kept growing with each trip, leading his friend to trust him enough to handle Nati solo. This helped set the stage for his next achievement: passing his sailing exam in September 2015!
The charm of sailing became so integral to his life that when his friend decided to sell Nati four years later, László seized the opportunity.
László's competitive spirit: racing and achievements
László's competitive nature truly shines in his achievements, including stellar performances in the Kékszalag race. It's Europe's oldest and longest-distance lake-circumnavigation event, where he secured 1st and 3rd place. His mastery on water and 47-year-old Nati's capabilities in handling the demands of intense racing were further highlighted in the 2022 Hungarian Sailing Federation YS Trophy, for which he ranked 32nd out of 93 competitors.
Upgrades and memories aboard Nati
Nati has been meticulously maintained over the years, proudly retaining many of her original parts that ensure stability and reliability even in strong winds. Yet, László still continuously seeks to optimise her performance through regular sail and rigging inspections. Furthermore, he has upgraded her equipment with features like autopilot, advanced instruments, and robust winches to enrich the sailing experience.
No surprise here: today, the boat serves as a focal point in László's social and family life. She carries them through diverse waters, from Lake Balaton to the Adriatic Sea and onto the scenic coasts of Croatian islands and Italian shores.
At the helm with Kenn
Kenn Pilczak embarked on a lifelong journey with his trusted Dehler 37 yacht, Jester, twenty-six years ago. Since then, it has become a beloved family member and a source of joy, adventure, and a treasury of cherished memories.
A family legacy on the water
Kenn often reminisces about the incredible journeys they've had aboard Jester, especially across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean:
"We bought Jester new in 1998 and continue to sail her. We have raced and cruised from Maine to The Bahamas while introducing sailing and a love of the ocean to our three kids. Now, introducing the grandkids to her. All along with too many upgrades to count."
The boat's design makes it easy to handle, even with a small crew, and its adaptability to various wind conditions is unmatched. Additionally, its solid construction gives the family the confidence they need while exploring open waters, and its functional interior guarantees comfort throughout their journeys.
Therefore, since it has proven to be fast, easy to sail, and comfortable for cruising, Kenn's loyalty to it challenges the usual trends of boat ownership. While many typically upgrade every few years, his response when asked about upgrading was:
"Why would I ever replace her? This boat has been everything we ever needed."
From competitive sailing races to calm cruises
Jester has anchored at the South Shore Yacht Club in Weymouth, Massachusetts, since its first day, providing the perfect launchpad for Kenn's numerous East Coast adventures.
A while back, they used to have their schedule busy with participating in racing events, including speciality races like the Chapman Cup and The Great Chase Race. However, since retiring in 2017, Kenn and his wife, Jo, have shifted their sailing focus to more leisurely cruises since they'd rather enjoy their boat's comfort and the ocean without the competitive pressures.
All in all, sailing has always been a central part of Kenn's family life. His children once filled the deck as his partners on numerous journeys, and now, this cherished tradition lives on with his grandkids, the latest crew members.
Navigating forward: Kenn's anticipated sailing journeys
Looking ahead, Kenn anticipates more thrilling adventures. An extended trip to Maine is on the cards for next year, and a return journey to the Bahamas is also a tempting prospect. With Jester at his side, the possibilities are endless, and the ocean's call is irresistible.