Sailing in Germany

[Miker]

Well, on my case, NOT sailing in Germany.

Gabi and I are travelling Europe for three months, and since we've been away have been on two powered ships, of around 80 feet in length, plus a gondola and a Venice taxi. All very nice, but nothing I can skipper myself.

We've now stayed near two rather large lakes, one near Nürnberg, the other near Hannover. Both times we've looked at renting a sailing boat, we've been refused because we don't have the necessary license. Notwithstanding the fact I have a boat license for NSW. Here, you must do a four day course to skipper ANY kind of rental vessel.

They have swing keelers up to 26 feet, as the lake here is only three metres deep in most parts and very shallow near shore, they have catamarans, lasers and optimists, and regardless of size you must have a license to rent one.

For us, this was a big let down, and is strangely the most regulated activity we've planned to do.

I did however get to drive at 200kph on the autobahn without fear of persecution by the law.

We are missing our days on Dulcamara, and looking forward to some kind of catch up when we get back in September.

Moin, Moin!

[Shaun]

Gday Mike & Gabi,
Sounds like your having a grande trip, heatwave too I hear in some parts of GB/Europe, high twenties!.
Shame about needing the licence, I once chartered a yacht at the whitsundays for a weekend & upon return of the boat they presented me with a Bareboat Charter Certificate/licence which was an unexpected pleasant surprise, I wonder if that would have been sufficient?
Have a good one, Prost!

[Miker]

Haha, yes Shaun, it perhaps would have been sufficient.

We're about to head to Stuttgart, where the current weather report is predicting over 40 this weekend. Then through Northern Italy before a tour of western France.

Look up Steinhuder Meer. That's where we couldn't sail......

[storm petrel]

Hi Michael,

Sounds like you are having some fun even without the sailing option. I suggest you try get a few surfs in instead. There are a lot of places you can hire a board and a lot of good waves on the Atlantic coast. France and Portugal have some epic spots and the water is nice this time of year. I have always found the locals friendly and willing to tell you where the best surf is to be found.

Cheers,
Mark

[Miker]

Hi Michael,

Sounds like you are having some fun even without the sailing option. I suggest you try get a few surfs in instead. There are a lot of places you can hire a board and a lot of good waves on the Atlantic coast. France and Portugal have some epic spots and the water is nice this time of year. I have always found the locals friendly and willing to tell you where the best surf is to be found.

Cheers,
Mark

Thanks Mark, yes, that is planned. We're heading south to Northern Italy on Tuesday, then across South Eastern France and up to Britanny, so I'm sure to get something in when we get near the Atlantic. Even though we're away three months, there is very little time set aside on a coast with any swell.