Introduction Sailing
Die Ausbildung zum VDWS-Segel-Grundschein umfasst - je nach Vorkenntnissen - ca. 15-20 Unterrichtsstunden in Theorie und Praxis. Maßgeblich für die Kursdauer ist das Ziel der Ausbildung: Die Schüler sollen bei Wind bis 3 Beaufort ablegen, im Übungsgebiet sicher segeln und wieder sicher am Ausgangspunkt anlegen können.
Nach einer Ausbildungszeit von etwa 15-20 Stunden kann die Prüfung abgenommen werden. Danach sollen die Schüler nochmals mindestens 15 Stunden unter Aufsicht einer Schule segeln, um die notwendige Sicherheit im Umgang mit der Jolle zu erlangen.
Practical Exam
Setting an recovering of sails, knots, leaving and returning to the shore, holding a waiting position, controlling the speed, stopping by sharply luffing up and going head to wind. Sailing on different points of wind with the correct sail setting. Beating to windward min 300m with at least two tacks and two gybes.
The exam should be carried out in force 3 wind conditions and considered as passed when all manoeuvres are safely carried out. This also includes that the trainee is capable of returning safely to the point of departure.
Theoretical Exam
Boating materials. General rules and regulation. Sailing theory. Safety. Nature and environment. Knots and their uses. For the theoretical exam, an exam paper must be filled out and a total and minimum points reference set. Should the exam result be on the lower limit the an additional oral exam based on similar exam material should be given.
A repeat of the exam is also possible given an appropriate learning period.
Licence Sailing
The VDWS basic sailing licence serves as a proof of competence for sailing. Here you can prove your theoretical and practical capabilities by exam. The training is mainly practically orientated and avoids getting into deeply theoretical material. The basic licence makes an ideal entry point into the sport of sailing. It also provides the basics needed to go on for other sailing qualifications.
Introduction Catsailing
Die Ausbildung zum Catamaran Grundschein umfasst - je nach Vorkenntnissen - ca. 15 Unterrichtsstunden in Theorie und Praxis. Maßgeblich für die Kursdauer ist das Ziel der Ausbildung: Die Schüler sollen bei Wind bis 3 Beaufort ablegen, im Übungsgebiet sicher segeln und wieder sicher am Ausgangspunkt anlegen können.
Nach einer Ausbildungszeit von etwa 15 Stunden kann die Prüfung abgenommen werden. Danach sollen die Schüler nochmals mindestens 15 Stunden unter Aufsicht einer Schule segeln, um die notwendige Sicherheit im Umgang mit dem Catamaran zu erlangen. Die gesegelten Stunden werden im Catamaran Grundschein abgestempelt, wobei pro Feld auch mehrere Stunden bestätigt werden können.
Practical Exam
Setting sails, rescuing, knots, casting off, docking, stand-by position, speed control, stopping through sailing into the wind and heaving, steering and sailing in different courses with the right sail position, beating at least 300 metres in windward, at least 2 tacks and 2 jibes, capsizing, righting. The exam should be done with a wind up to 3 bft. You have passed the practical exam as soon as you are able to do the required exercises and manoeuvres. Part of that is also returning to the starting point.
Theoretical Exam
Material knowledge, common knowledge of lw, sailing theory, safety, nature and environment, knots and their use. In the theoretical exam a questionnaire has to be filled in. The possible total number of points and the minimum number are stated on the questionnaire. If the result of theexam is not satisfactory, an oral exam can be done with similar questions out of other questionnairs. It is possible to repeat the exam after an adequate time to learn.
Tips for newbies
An increasing number of hobby-sportsmen and windsurfers are fascinated by catamaran sailing. Learning catamaran sailing has never been that easy. Even kids and teenagers can turn their dream into reality. How come? You can learn the basics of this type of sport in a few hours. Visiting a good school is the key to a quick success: modern catamarans are used there, guaranteeing a secure and fast way to learn sailing. By using the latest training methods, professional instructors teach you to handle the catamaran in a few hours. The basic course is focused on traffic rules, safety tips and environmental consciousness. It´s important to complete a course with the exam for the basic licence as it is a proof for the practical and theoretical training and makes it easier to hire a catamaran.
- Before trying catamaran-sailing or just buying a new boat, it´s essential to be well-informed: the VDWS schools provide you with information.
- Beginners should look for professional and trained instructors to show them the first steps and to ensure security.
- To start catamaran-sailing the wind shouldn´t be too strong, there should be only light waves and enough space on the water.
- While practising the students shouldn´t be obstructed by swimmers or other boats.
- The school should be well kept. Holes in the beams, old stearing gears or defect sails indicate school deficiencies. In high-quality schools with adequately trained instructors, a basic course takes about 15 hours. A group shouldn´t contain more than 8 students.
- A catamaran course should be completed with the exam leading to the basic licence, which enables you to hire a catamaran from all schools.
- A good catamaran school offers all the necessary material, only surf-shoes or sneakers should be brought along because of hygienic reasons.
- After the basic course it´s advisable to hire a catamaran in the same school or to take part in the advanced training, this will improve your sailing abilities and makes them safe and perfect quickly.
According to German federal law, sailing, as well as catsailing, does not require an official licence (exception: Berlin). If ever a proof is demanded on federal or community waters, the sailing and catsailing basic-licence are recognised by the corresponding authorities. In other words: there are a few inland waters where the proof of one's sailing abilities is a prerequisite. As this depends on every region's legislation, you should inform at local authorities or a watersportschool. They know best.
The sailing basic licence is not an official paper. Thus, a homologation with regard to the German official sailing licence Sportbootführerschein Binnen is not possible.
Yes, they do. Schools which also propose official licences generally recognise the complete practice part, meaning that after a short introduction the exam for an official paper can be passed. As to the catamaran basic licence: even it is not an official paper, it constitutes a proof of your basic training and the corresponding examination, illustrating by this that you acquired catamaran-specific knowledge and skills. Moreover, the catamaran basic-licence facilitates the renting of a cat and is recognised by every VDWS-school, home or abroad.
Right of Way Rules
Even though catsailing is just a hobby, we still form part of the water traffic. Water traffic is ruled by regulations that vary according to the area of jurisdiction.
The International Collision Regulations
(ICR) are applicable when offshore. On German coastal waters the ICR are supplemented by the German Collision Regulations (SeeSchStrO), which are applicable within three nautical miles of the shore (or 12 nautical miles in the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania) and at navigable river mouths. On inland waters the Inland Waterways Regulations (BinSchStrO), partly supplemented by international agreements for cross-border waters, apply – as well as the regulations of the individual state and regional authorities for state waters.
Genral rights of way
Motor vessels with gears must make way to sailing vessels. Particulary, in enforced areas, under the collision preventions rules, windsurfers are seen as sport equipment and not as water vessels. Here you must give right of way to motorboats and sailing boats. Traffic It is always complicated in a situation. Giving way in time, and allowing enough room for motorboats, that decrease their speed, can prevent a collision occuring. Also, when encountering catamarans and other windsurfers you should keep the way clear.
General sailing rules
As with road traffic, there is also a general obligation to sail carefully in water traffic: Each water-user must behave in such a way that ensures that the safety and flow of traffic is guaranteed, and that no other users are damaged, endangered, obstructed or pestered more than is absolutely necessary. On the water there are no rules of priority, only a right of way. Unlike with road traffic, both parties are always liable on the water. One party always has the duty to give way, while the other is always obliged to keep course. Water vessels are not able to brake as abruptly as cars, for example. This is why all water vessels whose paths cross (collision course), or who overtake each other, must adjust their course and speed to the situation at hand.
Special gibe way rules among sailing vessels
Windward vessel gives way to leeward vessel
If both vessels have the sail on the same side, i.e. they are sailing on the same tack, the windward boat must give way to the leeward boat, which must keep its course.
Keeping clear
Overtaking vessels must ensure there is sufficient space for the manoeuvre. The safety distance for catsailors when overtaking is at least two mast lengths.
Port tack gives way to starboard tack
If two sailing vessels are sailing on different tacks, the vessel on the port tack, i.e. the one receiving the wind from the lefthand side, must give way. The other vessel is obliged to keep its course.
Maneouver at the last moment
Keep your course despite given warning signals from a vessel. You should not be forced to make a manouever. Set yourself a new course at the last moment.
If you manoeuver from your course or change your speed to give wayyou should
- make it in time
- make it clearly and
- with determination
Driving Restrictions
Sailing dinghies are subject to a temporary navigation ban at night and in conditions of reduced visibility. In addition, the national traffic regulations of some coastal countries contain special provisions for navigation in shipping lanes. Otherwise, in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, sailing vessels must not obstruct the passage of vessels in shipping lanes.
Designated swimming areas must be navigated with the utmost caution; designated lanes must be used at all times. Even outside designated swimming areas, special consideration must always be given to bathers and swimmers. Specified speed limits in national traffic regulations must be observed in areas where swimming is clearly taking place outside of navigation channels.
Entering restricted areas is generally prohibited. It is also prohibited to remain in warning areas if they must be available for military training and testing purposes. The boundaries of restricted and warning areas are shown on nautical charts. Sailing is prohibited on most canals. Restrictions may also apply on inland rivers.
Nature Reserves and National Parks
The navigation regulations in effect in nature reserves and national parks include navigation bans, time-based navigation restrictions, and speed limits. In most cases, there is a general ban on boating in designated protected areas. Regardless of this, dinghy sailors in particular—who can easily access shallow-water areas—should always strive to avoid disturbing the flora and fauna and to help keep the waters clean. In this regard, it is particularly important to:
- Avoid reed beds
- Maintain sufficient minimum distances from gatherings of birds and seals
- Dispose of trash and other waste properly (Clean water is the foundation of water sports!)
Safety
Safety is the top priority on waterways. Overconfidence or misjudging conditions puts yourself and others at risk. Carefully checking your equipment and supplies, gathering information about the area and the weather, and accurately assessing your own physical condition and experience should therefore be a matter of course before setting out.
Nature Conservation
Inland lakes and coastal waters are increasingly being used by water sports enthusiasts to practice their sports. In doing so, they often venture—in their sometimes shallow watercraft—into areas that were previously undisturbed nesting and resting sites for many bird species that have become rare. This has led to conflicts between nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts in many places. Therefore, be sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules.
Nature Conservation
Inland lakes and coastal waters are increasingly being used by water sports enthusiasts to practice their sports. In doing so, they often venture—in their sometimes shallow watercraft—into areas that were previously undisturbed nesting and resting sites for many bird species that have become rare. This has led to conflicts between nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts in many places. Therefore, be sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules.
