Sailing Boating?

Question

If I wanted to get a Sailing/cruiser boat do i need a liscence i can sail but have little experience any ideas

Answer 1

It depends on where you want to sail and what type of licence you mean.  

If you are on an environment agency river or a British waterways river or canal you need a licence, this in effect is like a car tax disc for water.  this is what I think Happy Mercia means.

If you mean a "driving licence" for boats, then no, but your insurance company will insist on an experienced skipper being present until you gain a couple of years of experience.

Go for your RYA powerboat level 2, it is great fun and you can then dispense with the old salt keeping a watchful eye on you.

Answer 2

There are sailing schools all over the UK - even in the Midlands, as far away from sea as you can get.  The schools usually utilise lakes and reservoirs and may be part of a Sailing Club or Youth Leisure Training Courses.

Courses offered will range from beginners upwards, so if you have your RYA levels 1 & 2, you can build on these skills.

The organisors will be able to advise you about suitable and available boats and all other requirements.

Answer 3

You do not need a licence but I would strongly recommend that you join the local Sailing/cruising club and use the extensive knowledge among the members to assess what kind of craft you should start with and all the little things that trip up newcomers such as cost of moorings, insurance, teaching how to sail/navigate/radios/etc.

To start with try out different craft with other club members until you find one that suits you and your pocket.

Good luck and good sailing.

Answer 4

get a friend that knows how to sail and that has a licence

Answer 5

You do not need a licence to sail or to cruise in Britain, but it is strongly advisable to have experience.  You can get this through the RYA who run courses and can give you what you need.  Also, you will need a licence if you sail or cruise to continental Europe and this can be supplied from the RYA as well.

Look at http://www.ryatraining.org/

Happy sailing / cruising and have a great time on the water!

Answer 6

Yes you will definitely need a license, you will also need a mooring unless you keep it at home, mooring fees are not cheap....

Answer 7

No you do not need a license if you are UK based and buy a UK registered boat.  British law allows you to sail worldwide without any formal license but it is advisable to get some qualifications such as RYA certification.  You will definitely need insurance and that will be easier and cheaper if you have some qualification.

Happy Murcia could be referring to Spanish laws for Spanish nationals owning Spanish boats and they do need a license which depends on the length of the boat.