Sailing license in one week

If you want to obtain your German pleasure craft license in just one week, enrol on this intensive course, which has a structured curriculum.

You will learn in a small group, working purposefully toward the exam, and receive daily feedback.

At the end of the week, you will have your pleasure craft license in hand and can set sail right away.

Your license in one go

Practice all the maneuvers and learn the theory in just one week!

Stefanie throws lines — Despite the challenging weather conditions at times, we were able to practise all the necessary manoeuvres […] The result speaks for itself: Ultimately, all participants passed the exam and are now proud owners of a sailing licence!
Bestanden im Jul. 2025
Stefanie

Annika at the winch — Theory very well prepared and explained!
Bestanden im Jul. 2025
Annika

Your 7-day roadmap to success

Get your pleasure craft license (“SBF See”) in five steps

One week

Gain real sailing experience One week on board a yacht

You will spend a week aboard a real sailing yacht, putting everything you have learnt into practice.

Three modules

Understanding theory Directly on board

Learn the complete theory of navigation, ship handling and traffic rules within a week. Our app will help you perfect all 285 single-choice exam questions.

Mastering navigation Chart work on nautical charts

We will train you in navigation until you can confidently navigate a nautical chart using a course triangle and a navigation compass. To help you pass the navigation exam, you will receive personalised coaching and be able to access solutions via our app at any time.

Train maneuvers Time at the helm

Thanks to the small group size of six people maximum, you'll have plenty of time to practise the relevant manoeuvres for the exam, such as steering, mooring and casting off, as well as rescue manoeuvres. At the same time, you will gain plenty of sailing experience.

One exam

Sailing license German pleasure craft license sea (“Sportbootführerschein See”)

The week ends with the theory and practical exam for the Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See) license. This allows you to sail yachts at sea. Further information...

By the end of the week, you will have obtained an official SBF See licence and become a qualified skipper.

Maneuver training on the sailing yacht — Buoy overboard!
You will have plenty of opportunity to practice all the maneuvers. There will be plenty of fun and laughter - and you will be well prepared for the exam.

Crew navigating on deck — Always on course…
You will learn navigation from scratch with the test sections taking place directly on the water.

Learning knots on board — Mastering knots
From bowline to stopper knot… Practical, relaxed and with lots of tips that simply look cool.

Learning exam questions in the app — Digital trainer
All theory questions in your pocket. With the app, you can learn directly on board—interactively and playfully!

Learn to sail — Ready about!
Learn how to handle a real sailing yacht and spend a lot of time at the helm.

Your training plan

8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM

SaturdayTravelCheck InErrandsRestaurantEquipment

SundayBreakfastLicensesNavigationYacht handlingLunchLinesSailingNavigationDinner

MondayBreakfastNavigationLunchSailingMooringNavigationDinnerLights

TuesdayBreakfastNavigationTraffic rulesRescue maneuversSailingNavigationDinnerLighthouses

WednesdayBreakfastNavigationTraffic rulesSailingManeuversNavigationDinner

ThursdayBreakfastNavigationWeatherExam simulationSailingFAQNavigationDinner

FridayBreakfastExamLunchSailingRefuellingRestaurantParty

SaturdayBreakfastShipshapeCheck outDeparture

Activity / Lessons

Communal meals

Sailing

Individual / Training

Your license with Manatee Academy

Practical: Maneuvering at the helm.
Efficient: A week on the boat instead of months in the seminar room.
Premium: A comfortable yacht and intensive personal coaching.

FAQ

Do I have to prepare for the exam?

No, we're starting from scratch and working our way through everything over the course of a week. If you really want to build up your anticipation, you can download the Manatee app from the App Store. It's a great way to pass the time on the Underground, although you might not understand everything straight away.

What do I need for the exam?

It is essential that you register with the DSV at least two weeks before the trip. You will need to provide a medical certificate of fitness (confirming that your eyesight and hearing are average, and that you have no severe red-green vision impairment), a motor vehicle driving licence or a certificate of good conduct, and a passport photo.

How many of us will be aboard?

We are three to six students and one to two skippers. That means you’ll get intensive support!

What is the exam like?

We meet the examiners on Friday morning at 9 a.m. directly on our yacht. Then we set sail. You steer the yacht on different courses, perform a rescue maneuver, and moor at a buoy. You also perform another "voluntary" maneuver and demonstrate seven knots. This takes about ten minutes per person. After that, you will complete a single-choice exam and a navigation task on a map section (directly on board). You will have one hour to do this, but I think you can do it in fifteen minutes 😉 You should have completed everything in about two hours. further details, but we will discuss all of that later.

When will I get the result?

You will be informed of the result of the test directly at the jetty.

Are the examiners nice?

Of course, the examiners are all volunteers and they want this hobby to remain an accessible (and young) popular sport, the promotion of which is even laid down in the statutes of the German Sailing Association. Nevertheless, it is an official German license. This means that even if the test is not difficult, you should take it seriously.

What happens if I fail?

The pass rate is over 80%. However, there is still a chance that you could fail. But that's not too bad, as you have one year to retake the part of the exam you failed. You can take the theory exam independently in the nearest major city (e.g. Hamburg, Berlin or Munich). For the practical exam, it's best to come back for a mileage or training cruise — you'll receive a particularly favourable loyalty offer as a Manatee's Friend 😎

Sailing license in one week

Your license in one go

Your 7-day roadmap to success

One week

Three modules

One exam

Buoy overboard!

Always on course…

Mastering knots

Digital trainer

Ready about!

Your training plan

Your license with Manatee Academy

FAQ

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