Licence to Sail

Yachting and sailing, as a leisure activity, is extensive along the coastlines and throughout the waterways of Europe.

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In most EU countries boats and yachts over a specific size can only be taken out on the water by a 'suitably qualified person', which usually means having a recognized Certificate of Competence. In regions where this is not a requirement (for example, the UK), any insurance cover would be void should an accident occur while the boat was under the charge of an unqualified or non-experienced person. (Merely living on board while the yacht is moored in a harbour is of course, exempt).

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So for prospective partners in our ownership scheme who have little knowledge of sailing and yachting, learning the ropes is an important element if you want to go out sailing.

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The minimum level of competence generally required is a relatively easy-to-obtain Day Skipper Certificate. In the UK, this is awarded by the Royal Yachting Association, following successful completion of a short training course, usually 5 days. The courses are widely available in the UK and across Europe, are great fun,  very sociable, relatively inexpensive, packed full of knowledge and skills, and allow plenty of time to make mistakes that are gently corrected by patient instructors so that competency, and especially confidence are steadily gained.

 

This Certificate of Competence is internationally recognized, and so will be the aim for all partners to acquire if they are keen to take our yacht out sailing. However, for others who want to use their time aboard our yacht as a floating hotel, this is fine, and no qualifications or certificates would be necessary.

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However, in Yacht Fractions, we have the benefit of a well-qualified yachtsman being the proposer of the whole scheme. With many years of experience this include teaching Day Skipper courses professionally with a UK sailing school some years past. So with expertise willingly available to share, plenty of guidance is on hand for novices.