From 17 to 19 July, Traben-Trarbach became a meeting place for boaters keen to specifically improve their manoeuvring skills. The first BOOTE boating training course on the Moselle centred on safe and confident handling in inland waters – with a particular focus on lock manoeuvres. After all, many skippers have a great deal of respect for the process of entering and exiting locks.
A total of 21 participants signed up for the training session, including both couples and individuals. The event was organised in collaboration with our Boats in Polch, the OnWater Sailing School, the WeBoat Club and Pantaenius. Conditions on the water were largely ideal: with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees, the sun was out for the most part, although a freshening wind made the odd mooring manoeuvre a little more challenging.
A look behind the scenes at Boote Polch
The event got off to a special start on Friday evening. Patric Polch welcomed the participants to the company premises and gave them a glimpse behind the scenes during a guided tour of the workshops. Afterwards, they travelled by boat to the historic company grounds, where a group dinner featuring a wine tasting from the Bindges vineyard was on the programme. Against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset, the participants and instructors were able to get to know one another better. Siegbert Hettche mentioned that evening that he had already taken part in the BOOTE sailing course four times. “I don’t own a boat myself, so I like to use the sailing course to get to know different sailing areas and – above all – like-minded people.” Participant Carmen Kanow told BOOTE that, for her, the main focus was on learning the correct techniques for a solo trip. She had previously been sailing with her partner, but wanted the opportunity to get out on the water on her own. In May 2019, she obtained her recreational boat licence, which she has been using on her Seamaster since April 2021.
An Axopar 29 XC, a Nimbus C11 and a Storebro 410 Commander were provided for the boating training on the Moselle. Working in rotating groups, the participants were able to familiarise themselves with different types of boat – and experience first-hand how differently the models behave during harbour manoeuvres and when passing through the ‘dreaded’ locks. Some participants reported that it was the first time they had ever steered a boat with twin engines or one equipped with a bow thruster.
Lock manoeuvres involving large vessels
Following precise manoeuvres at various jetties in the inland waterway area, the group’s route took them as far as the Hochmosel Bridge. The first edition of the event focused primarily on lock-passage training. From Traben-Trarbach harbour, the boats sailed to the Enkirch lock. There, the participants were able to experience two different types of lock: the large lock for commercial shipping, 175 metres long and 12 metres wide, and the separate boat lock, 18 metres long and 3.2 metres wide. The Storebro and the Nimbus entered the large lock chamber at times alongside commercial vessels. This allowed the groups to experience first-hand how important precise manoeuvring in confined spaces is and what matters most inside the lock chamber. All participants had the opportunity on several occasions to experience both a downstream and an upstream passage through both locks. “I was a bit nervous at first, but apart from the slippery sheet pile walls – which take some getting used to – it went quite well,” said Daniela Rodenbach, who signed up for the training session with her husband Rolf.
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They were supported in this by the experienced skippers from Boote Polch, who explained and guided them through every step. The training programme included, amongst other things, radio communication, entering the lock, positioning the fenders correctly, handling the lines, exiting the lock safely, and behaving correctly around large vessels. “Going through the lock chamber alongside the large vessels was absolutely thrilling,” says Matthias Ganter. Siegbert Hettche agrees.
For many, the lock-passing training was the main reason for signing up. Passing through locks is considered challenging, particularly when combined with currents, wind or confined spaces. This made it all the more valuable for the participants to have the opportunity to practise the procedures several times under supervision and thereby gain confidence. “It was an all-round successful weekend, which not only taught us a great deal technically but was also a real pleasure,” concluded Matthias Ganter.
Safety training with Pantaenius
As well as practical training, theory also played an important role. Ole Pietschke from Pantaenius explained to the participants what is crucial in the event of a maritime emergency or a fire on board. The expert made it clear that safety is always the top priority on board. Two participants demonstrated how to inflate a life jacket.
Two life rafts were then thrown into the water and the procedures explained. The insurance expert emphasised how important proper preparation is: the life raft must be secured on board in advance so that it does not drift away. He also warned against jumping prematurely into the water from a sinking boat in an emergency in order to then climb into the life raft – that should only be a last resort.
The safety training also included a demonstration of a man-overboard manoeuvre and the firing of signal flares. This part of the programme also met with great interest from the participants and demonstrated how closely practical sailing and theory are linked on the water. “I’m taking away lots of new ideas, wonderful impressions and lovely memories,” says Carmen Kanow in conclusion.
Video: BOOTE driving course in Mallorca
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Further dates and information on the BOOTE driving course
- 1–3 October: Port Calanova, Mallorca; cost per person: 1,100 euros; maximum of 25 participants
- Accommodation available on request
- For information and bookings, please visit: bootefahrtraining.de
Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama