"With this in mind" were the words Claus Breitenfeld always used to end the forewords of Stander magazine, which he headed up as editor-in-chief for many years until Stander was merged into BOOTE in the early 2000s. Claus was known in the industry for his authentic manner and expertise.
No boat was foreign to him
Motor boating was his passion. Whether it was a steel displacement boat, offshore powerboat, family cruiser or fishing boat - as long as an engine provided the propulsion, Claus was in his element. At a young age, he climbed into a racing boat himself, recognising the characteristics of a boat within the first few metres, or after just one glance over the hull. Technically, he was always up to date and interested in what was new. He was often one of the first to try out technical innovations and then write about them.
Whether on still or rough water, whether in a cosy displacer on Dutch canals or at over 200 km/h in a powerboat on the Rhine, whether in a sports cruiser on the Mediterranean or in a pontoon boat on Florida's coasts - Claus Breitenfeld was literally "washed with all waters" when it came to motorboats. Nobody could fool him here.
Claus Breitenfeld died in the night of 18 to 19 January at the age of 77. In Claus Breitenfeld, the motorboat scene has lost a recognised expert, an original, friend and colleague.
Torsten Moench
Editor in Chief BOOTE
