February 16, 2006 14:46
Quote:just enjoy the the wind and the water.
How true. When I invite people on my boat who have never been on sea, are surprise how relaxing such a journey cann be. Especially if you refuse to read newspapers in harbors, watch TV or listen to Radio. As "No news is good news" ;-)
Quote:Sailing is one of the last bastions on unregulation in the UK. Anyone can sail.
I wouldn't be so sure here! See my previous post.
The EU has regulated everything concering boats. Until last year France was in the same league like UK, but since this year there are new regulations.
Electronic charts are a must, you do need VHF and sailing licence. I do own the offical boat licence (sailing and motor) plus 3 radio licences. Plus all radio related equipement has to be licenced too. That way you can't even sell your VHF, it's useless on the other boat and if you do law will strike.
In Austria they're even more crazy, you aren't allowed to take your VHF from your boat home with you (winter times) it must be on baord all the time with the original licences!
Last month I read that in Germany you must have a gun licence just to use signal fire in case of emergency!
That's the E.U. A bunch of overregulated administrative politicians who don't know what they are doing!
My friend I'm afraid UK will be overrun by these regulations too. If not now than in 2-3 years!