No navigation licence? No problem!

Bike on board: access to all the nice spots

In order to sail motor and sailing yachts which do not exceed 15 meters and which cannot sail faster than 20 km per hour, you do not need to possess a navigation licence in the Netherlands. You, as a hirer, must indeed know the rules or be informed of them by the yacht charter company. However, these are simple.

Managing director Albert Hendriks of Holland Boat Charter and Rent a Cruiser: “It is right that the Dutch government does not make the navigation licence compulsory for the category of yachts mentioned above. On most waters in the North of the Netherlands which are sailed by pleasure boats, you do not come across any professional sailing. For example, in Friesland there is absolutely no question of strong currents. The water traffic is slow. The annual number of collisions on recreation waters is especially low.”

Beginners
For beginners Rent a Cruiser (www.rent-a-cruiser.nl) and Holland Boat Charter charter companies
(www.hollandboatcharter.nl) have an instructor who can make someone into a good shipmaster in half a day to one and a half days.

Rest
Hendriks: “Sailing is not difficult. You must remain calm, especially during manoeuvres in harbours and in the lock. You have to forget the speed of a car. Many hirers must first acclimatize themselves: become accustomed to another, pleasant atmosphere, the fresh air and the rest in an environment with much nature and history.”

All-weather boats
Holland Boat Charter companies and Rent a Cruiser hire out vessels suitable for all weather conditions. Soaring temperatures, rain or cold – nothing can spoil your fun thanks to convertible tops, good ventilation and heating. The comfort level depends on the type of yacht and the available equipment on board. Many yachts have the kind of comfort you are used to at home.

For every budget
Rental companies linked up with Holland Boat Charter and Rent a Cruiser offer vessels for every budget and for all destinations, from cosy and small, exploring watery scenic areas, to luxuriously large sailing the open sea. They also cater for every taste: ultramodern, classical or traditional; steel or polyester. The rental period can also be chosen individually: per weekend, midweek, week and longer.

Bike on Board!
Holland Boat Charter motor yacht rental companies and Rent a Cruiser add an extra dimension to your boating experience by offering the opportunity to bring rental bicycles aboard at a small fee. The combination of sailing and riding a bike gives you access to all the nice spots which are otherwise out of reach. A bike will also come in handy when buying groceries or visiting a museum, theme park or heated swimming pool.

Safe sailing
Nearly all vessels have been built on reputable Dutch and German shipyards. Rental companies linked up with Holland Boat Charter and Rent a Cruiser operate vessels covered by comprehensive insurance policies. Inspection of the vessels takes place continuously and thoroughly by the owners themselves as well as by independent bodies on matters such as passive and active safety, the availability of sufficient life-saving devices, technical operation, nautical and communication equipment, and keeping it well-maintained. In short: you are steering a safe course!

Non Stop Service
Holland Boat Charter companies and Rent a Cruiser will immediately swing into action in case of an unforeseen breakdown, seven days a week. They have their own emergency phone lines, service vehicles and competent mechanics.
Hendriks: “A technical malfunction will certainly not stir the waters during your sailing holidays.”