When the sun makes the water glisten, the wind inflates the sails and the expanse of Lake Constance stretches out before you, then you know: This is the right place for sailing. In addition to attractive sailing areas, countless harbours await you – from the small, charming bay to the large, busy quay. Both beginners and professionals will certainly have a lot of fun here!
Ideal conditions for sailors
The international water sports region is a paradise for sailors: In addition to a unique view of the fantastic alpine scenery, Lake Constance usually also offers optimal wind and wave conditions.
The wind often blows weakly from various directions. The days often start with a breeze in the morning, followed by a midday lull and then stronger winds in the afternoon. Especially in the eastern part of the lake there are often strong foehn winds. The warning systems around the lake signal strong winds and storm warnings with flashing lights.
Sailing schools in Lindau
Whether you want to charter a sailing yacht, take part in a taster course, learn to sail or take part in a sailing trip with a skipper – everything is possible from Lindau. The sailing schools in Lindau are located directly near the harbour and offer suitable basic and advanced courses in theory and practice.
The sailing and motorboat school Lindau or Sporer Yachting offer a wide range of programmes. Opportunities to sail along are also offered. You can charter a sailboat through the YachtHotel Helvetia, the Bootshaus Lukas Hummler and Sporer Yachting.
"Rund Um": Largest regatta at Lake Constance
Every year in June the long-distance regatta “Rund Um” starts right at the harbour of Lindau: Up to 500 boats sail westwards into the setting sun and fight for the coveted “Blue Ribbon” for one night.
At the same time, accompanying events such as concerts, get-togethers or a maritime flea market are offered on land.
Holiday patent & Lake Constance boatmaster's licence
In order to drive a vehicle registered at Lake Constance, you need the Lake Constance boatmaster’s licence of category A (for vehicles with engine drive over 4.4 kW) or category D (for sailing vehicles with a sail area of 12 m² or more).
If you do not have a Bodensee-Schifferpatent, you can apply for a holiday or vacationer’s patent (limited Bodensee-Schifferpatent) at the Lindau District Office. The prerequisite for this is the possession of another patent such as the SBF Binnen under sail or motor or the sports coast navigation licence. The holiday patent is issued once a year and is valid for 30 days in a row within a calendar year.
Authorisation for boats
All watercrafts with machine propulsion require an approval for Lake Constance. Sailing boats that are equipped with a motor or with living, cooking or sanitary facilities are also subject to approval. The licence must be applied for at one of the district offices at Lake Constance.
Sailing boats without a motor as well as canoe and rowing boats longer than 2.5 metres only need to be registered. With the registration you will receive a boat licence at the same time.
Sailing, boating & more
Is anyone allowed to steer a boat on Lake Constance?
To drive a vessel registered on Lake Constance, you need a Lake Constance skipper’s licence of category A (for vessels with engine propulsion over 4.4 kW) or category D (for sailing vessels with a sail area of 12 sqm or more).
The prerequisite for obtaining the skipper’s licence for category A is a minimum age of 18 years and for category D a minimum age of 14 years. For both categories, physical and mental aptitude for sailing a vessel is required. You can register for the theoretical and practical examination at the Lindau District Office. The date and place of the examination can be arranged by telephone via the Landratsamt.
If you already have other sports boat licences, these may be recognised under certain circumstances.
