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Do you need a licence for a sloop?

A sloop is the perfect boat for a wonderful day on the water. They are not so big that they are difficult to drive, but big enough to go boating with a group. Not surprisingly, sloops are becoming increasingly popular. Have you purchased a sloop yourself, or are you perhaps considering renting one soon? Then you are probably wondering what license you need for a sloop. When you purchase boat insurance, you will be asked if you have a boating license. Don't have a boating license? Then this is not always a problem, because you do not have to have a license for every boat. On Alpina.nl we explain whether you need a license for a sloop.

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boat licence

When do you actually need a boating licence?

You do not need a licence for every boat. Whether you need a boat licence depends on two factors:

  • The length of the boat
  • The maximum speed of the boat

The following applies in the Netherlands: can the boat sail faster than 20 km/h or is the boat longer than 15 metres? Then you need a sailing licence. In Belgium, the same rules apply as in the Netherlands, but in other countries different rules may apply. France, for example, makes a distinction between sailing with your own boat and renting a boat. In Spain and around Ibiza and Mallorca, you will need both Sailing Licence 1 and Sailing Licence 2 in most situations.

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Which boat licence for a sloop?

A sloop is certainly no longer than 15 metres, and in most cases cannot exceed a speed of 20 km/h. This means that you do not need a sailing licence to drive a sloop. In recent years, however, the faster sloops have been on the rise. These are sloops that have the speed of sports boats, with the ease of a normal sloop. These boats are also called fast sailing sloops or tenders. A boat must be able to sail faster than 20 km/h to fall under the heading of fast sailing. Therefore, you need a licence to drive a fast-growing sloop.

Frequently asked questions about the boat licence for a sloop

Do I need a licence to hire a sloop?

Renting a sloop is especially popular in the summer months. On warm days, the Dutch waters are full of sloops, motorboats and sailing boats. Renting a sloop without a license is no problem, because for a normal sloop you do not need a license. Would you like to rent a fast boat? Then you will need a license.

Do I need a licence for an electric sloop?

For an electric sloop, the same rules apply as for a regular sloop. When the boat can go faster than 20 km/h and/or is longer than 15 metres, you will need a license. The electric sloop has a limited top speed, and therefore, in principle, you do not need a license.

Boat insurance for your sloop? Calculate the premium directly!

Have you bought your own boat? Then a boat insurance is worth considering. By insuring your boat, you can go on the water with peace of mind. You can choose for a WA-boat insurance. An accident is in a small corner. This way the damage you cause to others is covered. These costs can be high in case of personal injury. You can also choose the more extensive WA + full casco boat insurance. Then damage to your own boat is also insured.

Calculate the premium of your boat insurance directly!

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