Austrian Sailing

In Austria there is plenty of scope for watersports. In many resorts there are sailing and windsurfing schools, waterskiing and boats available for hire. On certain lakes and rivers regattas are held.

International regulations apply on the Danube and on Lake Constance. On all other Austrian waters privately owned motor boats may be permitted only at certain times; in some cases they may be prohibited altogether. Information can be obtained from local police stations.

No special permission is required except on Lake Constance, where it is necessary to have a special license for sailing boats with a sail area over 12 sq.m/129 sq.ft. Those in charge of sailing-boats must know and observe the accepted rules of seamanship, and the usual safety equipment must be carried (including life-jackets, preferably yellow or red). Most of the Austrian sailing waters are in Upper Austria, Carinthia and Salzburg provinces where Alpine influences predominate. Rapid shifts in the wind and sudden changes in the weather are, therefore, to be expected. On most Austrian lakes there are sailing clubs and boats can be hired. Regattas are frequently held and occasionally European or world championship races.