start sailing - start boating

Experience the fascination of water: Expert advice for getting started in boating at the heart of our new Sailing Plaza in hall 15.

Whether sailing or motorboating, the freedom of gliding across the water with the wind, the combination of speed, and the blend of relaxation and challenge make boating truly unique. However, for beginners, starting on the water can feel overwhelming. With the right guidance and preparation, that first step can quickly turn into the beginning of a lifelong hobby—or even a passion.

The go-to spot for all beginners in the world of sailing and motorboating can be found in hall 15 at boot Düsseldorf's Sailing Plaza under the motto "start sailing – start boating."

Expert advice on-site

If you're interested in boating, whether under sail or motor, expert beginner advice can help you stay informed and well-prepared as you embark on this exciting recreational activity.

Beginner and advanced courses at the sailing school

The best way to learn sailing is through a course at a professional sailing school. We'll guide you to the nearest sailing school in your area and explain the basics of both theory and practice.

Boating licenses

To operate a motorboat, many countries require a boating license. We provide information on the various types of boating licenses for rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Boats for beginners all the way to yacht sailing

Beginners often start on small sailboats, perfect for learning the basic maneuvers. In our Beginner’s Area, we have a dinghy and a motorboat for you to explore – take a seat on board and grab the helm!

Safety equipment and clothing

Our experts will explain how to protect yourself from wind, waves, and water, and provide tips on the essential waterproof gear and life jackets for beginners.

Sailing in a club

In sailing clubs, you meet like-minded individuals with whom you can share experiences and practice together. We provide an overview of clubs and inform you about the benefits of membership.

Safe on the water

For water sports enthusiasts, whether under sail or motor, it's important to familiarize yourself with the basics of the right insurance to be prepared for any situation. We provide tips on which insurance is right for you and offer guidance on water safety measures and proper onboard behavior.

Buying a Boat and Chartering

If you're considering purchasing your own boat, we have information on buying used boats to guide you through the process. Chartering a boat is a great alternative to explore different models and discover which one best suits your needs.

Our partners for your beginner's consultation

ADAC, Secumar, VDS, DSV, Crazy4 Sailing, Pantaenius, YCD

Impressions from start sailing - start boating

Copyright ©Messe Düsseldorf | C. Tillmann

The Five Most Common Myths

“Sailing is only for wealthy people.”
Not true. Many sailing clubs offer affordable memberships, opportunities to join experienced crews, or access to club-owned boats.

“I need to buy my own boat right away.”
Not at all. Most beginners gain experience first by chartering boats or sailing through a club.

“I have to be very athletic.”
No. A normal level of fitness is sufficient for most sailing and watersports activities.

“You can only sail on the sea.”
Wrong. Germany offers thousands of lakes, rivers, and inland waterways that are perfect for beginners.

“I’m too old to start.”
Not true. Many people discover sailing and other watersports later in life, even after retirement.

FAQ for Beginners in Watersports

The 10 most important questions and answers about getting started with sailing or motorboating

1. How do I get started?

There are sailing schools, powerboat training centres, watersports clubs, and charter companies offering introductory courses and beginner programmes all across Germany. You can even take your first steps on the water at boot, where you can try sailing in the exhibition pool.

2. Can I start without any previous experience?

Absolutely. Most people begin with no prior experience at all. Modern training courses are specifically designed for beginners and introduce you to boating step by step.

3. Do I need a boating licence?

That depends on the type of boat you want to operate and where you plan to go boating.

In Germany, you can operate many motorboats and houseboats with an engine output of up to 15 hp (11.03 kW) on inland waterways and federal maritime waterways without a licence. For more powerful motorboats, you will need the German Recreational Boating Licence (Sportbootführerschein – SBF) for inland or coastal waters.

As a general rule, no licence is required for sailing in Germany (with the exception of Lake Constance and Berlin waterways). However, if you want to rent or charter a sailing boat, charter companies usually require proof of competence or sufficient sailing experience.

4. How much does it cost to get started in watersports?

Getting started is often more affordable than many people expect.

Typical costs include:

Introductory course: usually between €30 and €100
German Recreational Boating Licence (SBF): approximately €400 to €700
Sailing course: from around €300
Charter boat: prices vary depending on the boat, cruising area, and season
Watersports club membership: often more affordable than owning your own boat

5. Where can I find a good sailing or powerboat school?

Whether you want to learn on a lake, river, or along the coast, look for a school with experienced instructors, recognised training standards, and well-structured learning materials.
An overview of accredited boating schools is available from the Association of German Boating Schools (Verband Deutscher Sportbootschulen e.V.).

6. Which boats are suitable for beginners?

For newcomers, boats that are easy to handle and offer stable, forgiving performance are the best choice.

For sailing, keelboats, daysailers, and training dinghies are ideal. If you're interested in motorboating, licence-free motorboats and houseboats on calm inland waterways provide an excellent introduction.

7. Do I need to own a boat?

No. Many watersports enthusiasts don't own a boat.
Instead, you can charter a boat, use boats provided by a watersports club, or join organised sailing trips as a crew member.

8. What clothing and equipment do I need?

For your first outings, you won't need expensive specialist equipment.

We recommend:

Weatherproof clothing
Non-slip shoes with light-coloured soles
Depending on the weather: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat or cap

A suitable life jacket is usually provided by your sailing or boating school.

9. Is sailing physically demanding?

Not necessarily. You decide how active you want your sailing experience to be.
Whether you enjoy the competitive challenge of racing or prefer the relaxed pace of cruising, sailing offers something for every level of activity.

10. Which cruising areas are suitable for beginners?

Calm waters are ideal for your first trips.
One of Germany's most popular destinations for a licence-free houseboat holiday is the Mecklenburg Lake District. Other beginner-friendly inland waters include Lake Unterbach (Unterbacher See), Lake Möhne (Möhnesee), and Lake Steinhude (Steinhuder Meer), all of which are excellent places to gain your first boating experience.

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