Lighthouse

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.

Can I hire a boat without a Lake Constance boat licence?

Anyone who does not hold a Lake Constance skipper’s licence can temporarily apply for a holiday or holiday skipper’s licence (temporary Lake Constance skipper’s licence) at the Lindau District Office in order to skipper a boat on Lake Constance. The prerequisite for this is the possession of another licence such as the SBF Binnen under sail or motor or the Sportküsten-Schifferschein. The holiday licence is valid for 30 days at a time within a calendar year and is only issued once a year.

Where can I hire a licence-free boat?

You do not need a license for motorboats under 6 hp.
You can rent them at the following places:

Where can I register my boat for Lake Constance?

All watercraft with a machine drive require a permit for Lake Constance. Sailing boats that are equipped with a motor or with living, cooking or sanitary facilities are also subject to registration. The permit must be applied for at one of the district offices on Lake Constance.

Sailing boats without a motor as well as paddle boats and rowing boats longer than 2.5 metres only have to be registered. With the registration you will receive a boat pass at the same time.

Where can I find guest moorings for my boat in Lindau?

There are five ways to obtain a guest berth in Lindau:

  • Seaport Lindau
    Harbour master: Manfred Oberhauser
    phone +49 171 8361629, www.lindau.de/stadt
  • Wassersportverein Kleiner See e.V.
    Harbour master: Thomas Karg
    phone +49 151 61373181 www.wsk-lindau.de
  • Lindauer Segler-Club e.V.
    Harbour Master: Ken Strachan
    Tel. +49 160 96669311, www.lsc.de
  • Yacht Club Lindau
    Harbour Master: Roland Klement
    phone +49 151 70825557, www.yacht-club-lindau.de
  • TSG Zech Water Sports Dept.
    Harbour Master: Christoph Vieten
    phone +49 171 2704245, www.tsg-wassersport.de

Is there a water taxi?

You can request a water taxi via the following contacts:

Where can I get my sailing licence?

There are two sailing schools in Lindau:

Sail towards freedom

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