Hi Nick, I'm looking for something similar...if I find anywhere I'll let you know but please do should if you beat me to it! 

I do have the permit and all, but does anybody know where to rent a (decent) boat?

Thomas

Thomas - can you give us info on how you obtained the permit, please?

I sailed in Annecy and the hire guy told us no such permit is necessary in France, for info. I have no idea about Swiss rules, except that there are many.

From what I remember the rules are as follows. If you want to use a boat which has a sail bigger than 15m2 on a Swiss lake (Lake Geneva included) you need a sailing permit. Alternatively you can also shorten the sail to 15m2.

To get the permit you have to do a theoretical and practical exam. The theoretical one is reasonably simple, just a multiple choice test about basic rules. During the practical one you have to do a couple of basic manoeuvres (jibe/tack in a circle, man over board, tether the boat to a buoy, landing etc). If you already have some sailing experience, the practical one should be fairly simple. I did not, so a took a couple of sailing classes.

If the engine of the boat has more than 8 horse power you will also need an additional permit for that. The test is similar. However, you will rarely need that for a sailing boat. I am still going to do the test this summer.

At some point there was also talk about the mutual recognition of sailing permits in the EU & Switzerland. But I have no clue how far this is.

Nick and others,

Are you looking to pass the lake exam in Lausanne or Geneva?

I will start giving sailing lessons very soon (May). Check out www.genevasailing.com

Cheers,

Patrick

Patrick,

I already have the permit, but do you know a good place to rent a sailing boat?

Thomas

Surprises at www.lescorsaires.ch

Hoby cats at www.force5.ch.

This is a great place to rent a boat: http://www.lescorsaires.ch/  A few of us from the glocals sailing group took out one of their cruising yachts on saturday - very reasonable prices and nice boats. They have smaller 20 footers (3-4 pers, no swiss license req) and 25 footers (5-6 people, swiss license required)

The other place is Force 5 on the other side of the lake http://www.force5.ch/ It's a bit out of the way but their prices look quite good and they also have lasers and catamarans (haven't tried them yet but planning to this weekend).

Cheers,

Greg

Thanks guys, that's already very helpful! Any chance somebody knows a place around Lausanne?

There are several places. We probably just need more WIND. How do I find good, "reliable" wind forecats in the Lausanne-Montreux area? Thanks!!!

Else, where can I find motorboat license courses in english, for renting bigger boats than those for tourists that go less than 10km/hr...

And finally, would love to row in the geneva lake in those thin, long olympique style boats. 

I live in Vevey (another Nestlerian)... so any advice is welcomed. 

A