Practice: Positive feedback for the BOOTE driver training programme on Mallorca

A boating licence provides the theoretical foundation, but practice is often different: Narrow harbour basins, strong winds, swell or darkness present skippers with challenges that can only be mastered through practice. If you want to steer a motorboat with confidence, you have to get out on the water. This is exactly what 25 participants did from 9 to 11 April at the BOOTE driving training course in Port Calanova on Mallorca. They honed their boating skills in perfect conditions with sunshine and a degree.

Professional support and modern boats

The event was organised together with our partners Boats Polchthe Boat school OnWater and Pantaenius. Current models from Axopar and Nimbus were used. They offered the participants ideal conditions for familiarising themselves with different boat types and drive concepts. The participants were able to directly compare how boats with one or two engines as well as outboard and inboard engines differ in their handling behaviour.

Trained skippers were on hand with help and advice and demonstrated how a boat can be controlled at all times, even at high speeds. "All the trainers respond to questions individually, which is really helpful," says Tina Moersdorf from Trier. She signed up together with her husband Tobias and admits that she doesn't like giving up control. "The experienced skippers also give me more confidence on board."

From mooring to anchoring

The syllabus included classic manoeuvres such as mooring and casting off in different wind conditions, precise straight and curved steering and controlled sailing at higher speeds and in waves. "I thought that we might be sailing back and forth a bit, but the so-called harbour ballet was a good condition for learning. I didn't expect it to be like this," says Oliver Preiss from Giessen. He obtained his sports boat licence four years ago. "Because the groups change, you get input from every skipper and the chance to find your own sailing style from the intersection." He noticed that if the throttle accidentally slipped in the wrong direction, the skippers all kept calm. Participant Achim, who has chosen the Balearic island as his second home with his wife, also takes this realisation with him.

Another item on the programme was dedicated to the topic of anchoring: How do you recognise a safe anchorage? How do you deploy the anchor gear correctly? And what options are there for monitoring the anchor's hold? The participants were given practical answers to these questions.

The highlight of BOOTE driver training

One particular highlight was the night cruise, which was added to the programme in 2025 and met with a positive response. From the water, the participants enjoyed a spectacular view of Palma and the illuminated cathedral. This was confirmed by participant Malte Seyen: "The night cruise is unique and was great fun."

But the night-time trip was more than just sightseeing: it clearly showed how challenging navigation can be in the dark. Brightly lit stretches of coastline make it considerably more difficult to recognise and identify sea marks. Modern navigation technology such as AIS, radar or night vision cameras can help here - provided the skipper knows how to use them. The participants were able to test such systems realistically on the training boats available at Port Calanova. This was important for participant Carlo Calchera: "You have to experience it for yourself. After all, if you're travelling without a skipper, you should be able to manage a trip at night on your own and know what's important." The participant from Trier also found it helpful to test the different types of boat.

Safety training with a dip in the deep end

On the last day, the focus was on safety: Pantaenius expert Ole Pietschke explained what boaters need to look out for in life jackets, fire extinguishers, EPIRBs and other rescue equipment. Malte Seyen was thus able to verify his assumption from the previous day: "When it comes to safety, we never stop learning. Help on board should not be underestimated."

Theory alone was not enough here either: one brave participant voluntarily jumped into the almost 16-degree water in a wetsuit to test the automatic release of the lifejacket and try out various techniques for using the life raft. Finally, there was a last trip together with lunch on the boats. "We had one of the best weekends with the BOOTE driving training," summarised Tina Moersdorf after three intensive days on Mallorca.

Video: BOOTE driving training on Mallorca

Further information on BOOTE driver training

• 17 to 19 July: Traben-Trarbach/Moselle, costs per person: 700 euros, maximum 15 participants
• 1 to 3 October: Port Calanova/Mallorca, costs per person: 1,100 euros, maximum 25 participants
• Overnight accommodation on request
• Info & booking under: bootefahrtraining.de