Denmark


Sailing is one of Denmark’s most popular sports. The Danish Sailing Association (Dansk Sejlunion – DS) is the national organisation for racing and recreational boating. Danish waters are accurately marked. Information on buoy marking and anchorage can be found in the Association’s guide book, the Tursejlerhåndbogen. 

The Danish Sailing Association outlines important rules that should be followed when at sea.

  • Boats over 15m in length must have a captain who has a Yacht Skipper 3 Certificate of Competency
  • All crew members, whether they are hired or volunteers must receive basic safety instructions on what to do in case of a fire, man overboard, and other accidents. The crew must also know how to avoid contamination by ship-generated waste
  • A boat must be in seaworthy condition, which includes having enough crew members, provisions and equipment, and in being in a good condition for receiving, transporting and storing cargo. Cargo must be properly stowed; the ship must not be overloaded and its stability must be ensured. Hatches must be securely closed and battened down, unless conditions permit otherwise

Alcohol at sea

For captains and crew of boats over 15m, speedboats and water scooters, the limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.50 percent per 1,000 grams of blood. The strict penalties that apply to drink driving also apply to navigating at sea under the influence of alcohol.

Life jackets

All small pleasure craft in Denmark must have the same number of life jackets on board as there are persons on board. Life jackets must be SOLAS-, CE- or DVN-approved.

Speedboats

The driver of a speedboat must have a speedboat driver’s licence and be over 16 years of age.

Buoys

There are 150 yellow buoys in Danish waters marked with the letters DS which can only be used by club members who are affiliated with the Dansk Sejlunion. Similarly, buoys marked with FV are the property of the state and cannot be used by other vessels.

Harbour and mooring etiquette

In Danish harbours and mooring places, sailors should abide by the written and unwritten rules regarding mooring etiquette, respecting nature and the environment.

  • Green sign: a sailor can use the mooring berth
  • Red sign: the berth is unavailable

As berths for guest yachts are rare in Denmark, several vessels usually moor alongside each other. Similar-sized vessels should also moor alongside each other.

Learn to sail in Denmark/Copenhagen

YCM have cooperation with different sailing schools in Denmark. Most of them are in Zealand. If you are coming from North America, or Aisa, we will choose the courses for you close to Copenhagen. If you have other preference, you we also welcome to let us know.

There are a few reasons to choose Denmark/Copenhagen as the Scandinavia base for sailing courses. One of the reasons is because the Danish ocean weather and the sea current near by Zealand is very friendly most of the time. The condition of weather and sea current is very important for beginners. It is not only for safety reasons but also surround environment should make all learners feel comfortable.

Once you decided to have your course in Denmark, we will provide you more information on schools, accommodations, etc.

Overview of the courses

  • Complete proficiency
  • Navigation
  • Sailing
  • Holiday courses – learn and relax
  • Yacht Master of third degree
  • Yacht Skipper 1st Class
  • GPS Workshop
  • Motor Learning

Unless you ask for joining in a Danish course, all the courses we arrange for our guests are in English. We can also assist you to take sailing exam in Denmark and your licence can be used internationally.