Click here to go to 
AngloINFO Geneva's front page
Geneva Local Reference INFOrmation
INFOrmation

Sailing and Boating in Geneva

Information on the rules on boat licences and sailing permits, the weather and more, with details of the ports around Lake Geneva and links to local sailing associations.

Sailing, and other water sports, are very popular on Lac Léman, the largest lake in Western Europe. The lake is also known as Lac de Genève, or Lake Geneva.

Safety Information
Police Tel: 112
International Rescue Service of Lake Geneva (Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Léman/SISL) Tel: 117 or 112 (Switzerland)
Tel: 17 or 112 (France)
Website
Weather for French-speaking Switzerland Website
Wind forecast for Lake Geneva Website
When a Permit is Required

In Switzerland, there are two types of sailing permit: one for sailing on the sea under the Swiss flag; and one for sailing on inland waters. A person wanting to apply for a sea permit (permis mer) must already hold an inland waters permit (permis pour eaux intérieures).

A sailing permit or licence (permis de conduire pour bateaux) is not needed to sail the following vessels:

  • row boats
  • boats with sails smaller than 15m2
  • motor boats with a maximum power of 6 Kw (minimum age 14)
Permit Categories

Note: the following information applies to recreational (not professional skipper) permits only.

Permits fall into the following categories:

  • A: motor boats with a minimum power of 6 Kw (8.16 CV)
  • D: sail boats with sails more than 15m2 of sails
  • D1: sail boats with a motor with a minimum power of 6 Kw (8.16 CV)
Obtaining a Permit

Inland waters permit

Applications for an inland waters permit can be made at the Road Traffic Office (Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation) of the person's place of place of residence. The exam must be taken in the same canton. The minimum age for obtaining a sail boat licence is 14, for motor boats the minimum age is 18.

The applicant must register and pay in advance for the permit. They may register for the theory and only one practical exam. If they fail the practical exam, an additional fee will have to be paid. 

The followings documents are required on application:

  • proof of identity
  • one colour passport photograph
  • completed application form; for Geneva, the PDF form can be downloaded: Click here (in French)
  • registration fee

Once the application form has been submitted, candidates have 12 months in which to take the theory test, while the practical test must be taken within 18 months of the theory test. A medical certificate is required for candidates 65 years of age and over. Exams can be taken in French, German or Italian, and an official translator can accompany the person taking the exam.

Sea Licence

The applicant must have a lake/inland waters permit before applying for a sea permit (permis mer). All sea permits are issued by the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (Office Suisse de la Navigation Maritime). Foreign sailing permits can not be exchanged for a sea permit.  

To obtain a sea permit the applicant must: 

  • provide their inland waters sailing permit
  • pass a theory exam on regulations, the weather, use of maps and tide calculations
  • submit proof of having completed at least 1,000 miles of sailing (sail boat) or 500 miles of sailing (motor boat)
  • have a valid first aid certificate
  • have an eye test certificate
  • For more information on obtaining a sea permit: Click here (in French)

The Cruising Club de Suisse organises lessons and registration for the sea permit.

Registering a Boat or Yacht

Registration is not required for the following boats:

  • kayaks, canoes and pedal boats
  • motor boats up to 2.5m in length
  • windsurfs

Boats are registered at the local Road Traffic Office (Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation).

The following documents are required:

  • registration form (available from the local Road Traffic Office)
  • proof of insurance (except for boats with less than 15m2 of sails or row boats)
  • proof of identity (passport or residence permit)
  • Certificate of Conformity 94/25 CE (new boats only)
  • proof of tax payment for imported boats
  • sailing permit

All motor boats must undergo a service as well as emissions testing every three years.

  • For further information, see the Federal Authorities website: Click here (PDF in French)
Ports

The International Rescue Service of Lake Geneva (Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Léman- SISL) has information on the many ports around Lake Geneva.

  • For information on the ports and their facilities: Click here 
Geneva Yacht Clubs and Associations
  • Club Nautique de Versoix
    Tel
    : +41 (0)22 755 35 00
    Website
  • Club Nautique de la Baie de Corsier
    Tel
    : +41 (0)22 752 42 42
    Website
  • Société Nautique de Genève
    At: Port-Noir, 1223 Cologny
    Tel: +41 (0)22 707 05 00
    Website
  • CERN
    The CERN has its own sailing club open to those who work at CERN, their families and friends.
    Website
Sailing Events on Lake Geneva

The Bol d'Or Mirabaud is an annual yachting event that takes place in June. Boats set off from the southwest point of Lake Geneva, make their way to the other end of the lake and back again (approximately 104 miles). 

Contact Information

Canton of Geneva:

  • Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation (Road Traffic Office)
    At: 86, rue du Veyrier, 1227 Carouge
    Tel: +41 (0)22 388 30 30
    Open: Monday to Friday, 07:30-16:00
    e-mail
    Website 

Canton of Vaud:

  • Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation (Road Traffic Office)
    At: Avenue du Grey 110-112, 1014 Lausanne
    Tel: +41 21 316 82 10
    Fax: +41 21 316 82 11
    Website
Further Information

Related reference INFOrmation on AngloINFO Geneva:

· Yachting News

Do you have a suggestion to improve this page? click here...
myAngloINFO

· Sign in

· Become a member NOW!


Stay INFOrmed! with our weekly newsletter.

Related Categories
www.answer-and-win.ch
Win over CHF 10,000 of superb gifts and gift vouchers in 2009 on this fun and free web site. To try your luck all you need to do is connect and answer a question. Prizes include CHF 500 of gift vouchers, fitness sessions, language courses and more… Find out more...
The Little Gym
A great motor skill development program to help children direct and focus their energy after school, leading to a lifetime of success. From Mondays to Saturdays. Call us for a free trial class and come and discover our spacious and colourful gym. Find out more...
Harsch Transports S.A.
We move your belongings and remove your worries! In Geneva since 1957 and now in Basel and Zurich too, we ensure the safe transport of your precious possessions worldwide. You can entrust your move to the specialist: Harsch, The Art of Moving. Find out more...
FR Peinture
Interior and exterior painting, plastering, wallpapering and decoration for new builds or renovation of properties. Full advice given with a range of finishes and materials. Fake ceilings and division walls also. Find out more...

^ Top of Page ^


Page generated at 20:39; Saturday 7 November, 2009
Copyright © 2000-2009 AngloINFO Limited. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, About, Advertising, Contact.
AngloINFO: Everyday life in Switzerland, in English

Find out more about AngloINFO in Switzerland...