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Sailing School

Private Sailing classes and sailboat license for english speakers

A Category D qualification is required for sailboats being sailed on Swiss waters with a sail area of more than 15 m2.

We will guide you in all matters from your boat theory test through to your undoubtedly successful practical sailboat exam.

We will also be responsible for the organisation of your classes and for formalities with the shipping office. The individual needs of our students are very important to us. The pace of learning is adjusted accordingly to your prior knowledge and level of training.

Take your sailing classes in English

All our sailing instructors speak English and are very experienced in conducting lessons in English. 

The theory exam can also be taken in English, and we can recommend you an app to prepare yourself which includes the original exam questions in English. You can find it here

For the practical exam, you have to be able to unterstand simple instructions and answer simple questions in English. We will coach you on what to expect. 

Private Lessons – Individual or Group Sessions

Take private sailing lessons either on your own or as a team together with up to three friends or family members.
For team lessons, simply split the lesson price among yourselves and enjoy sailing at a particularly affordable rate.
Would you prefer to join a group course instead?
Then our 4-day intensive group courses are the right choice for you. More information available [here].

Intensive Course or a Relaxed Approach? The Choice Is Yours!

With our online calendar, you can schedule your lessons to fit your lifestyle and learning preferences. Whether you choose an intensive course over a few days or prefer to space your sessions out over several weeks — the decision is entirely yours.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

Weather-appropriate comfortable clothing and shoes with light soles.

Your Benefits with Boat-School

  • At Boat-School, you’ll be taught by highly motivated sailing instructors with extensive experience both on the water and in education. Sailing is their element — and their passion.
  • Your time is valuable. That’s why our private lessons are designed to be intensive and tailored to your sailing goals and learning pace.
  • We teach using up-to-date, carefully developed lesson plans and learning materials that are coordinated with the examiners of the maritime authorities. This ensures efficient learning and makes passing the exam a natural outcome. Our 99% pass rate speaks for the strength of our training concept.
  • Safety is our top priority. You can rely on our unsinkable, ocean-ready training boats in all weather conditions.
  • We take care of organizing and registering you for the practical exam, and we support you in preparing and registering for the theoretical exam.
  • Graduates benefit from special rates on boat rentals and advanced certifications.
  • At our main location in Jona, you’ll enjoy access to the most beautifully situated marina on Lake Zurich — surrounded by nature and perfect for relaxing on the water.
  • We offer lessons throughout the week and on weekends. You can start anytime and schedule your sessions flexibly using our online calendar

Private Lesson Rates

Prices in CHF

Number of Lessons Total Hours Price per Hour Package Price
1 2 129 258
5 10 122 1220
8 16

117

1872

We’re happy to advise you — or simply book a trial lesson: Book a trial session

Team Lessons Rates

Team Lesson Rates (in CHF)

Number of Lessons Total Hours Price per Hour Package Price
1 2 149 298
5 10 144 1440
8 16

137

2192

👍 You simply split the package price among yourselves! For example, with 2 participants: CHF 65 per person per hour.

Not sure which package is right for you?
We’re happy to advise you — or simply book a trial session: Book a trial lesson

Duration of Training

Each sailing lesson lasts 2 hours (120 minutes). Ideally, you should schedule at least one session per week to maintain consistency and stay in practice.


Our intensive course is perfect for those in a hurry — allowing you to obtain your sailing license within 4 to 10 days, depending on your preference.


To confidently pass the practical sailing exam, you’ll need a minimum of 8 lessons if you have no prior experience. For team lessons, we recommend 10 to 12 sessions. If you already have sailing experience, fewer lessons may be sufficient

Training Content

Our hands-on sailing instruction is structured into the following key areas:

  • General boat knowledge and basic nautical principle
  • Preparing the vessel and setting the sails
  • Fundamental maneuvers
  • Docking and undocking techniques
  • Rescue procedures (man overboard)
  • Anchoring maneuvers
  • Knots
  • Securing (mooring) the boat
  • Navigation
  • Safety
  • Weather awarenes
  • Exam preparation

Lessons are conducted daily — including weekends and public holidays.
Training takes place in all weather conditions, except during storms.

Additional Costs

  • One-time insurance fee: CHF 75
  • Practical training handbook: CHF 35, shipping included
Christian Kälin
1 Rezension
vor einem Monat
Absolut genial! Ich habe dieses Jahr die Motorboot- und dann auch noch die Segelprüfung bestanden. Es hat ein Riesenspass gemacht. Nebst der Professionalität ein sympathisches aufgestelltes Team, es machte einfach nur Freude. 😊
Pascal Merz
1 Rezension
vor einem Monat
Super Fahrschule mit sehr geduldigen und kompetenten Fahrlehrern! Dank der professionellen und sympathischen Schulung durch die Lehrer Andy, Andi und Robert habe ich die Prüfung beim ersten Anlauf bestanden! Vielen Dank Euch allen.
Nadja Bösch
2 Rezensionen
vor einem Monat
Sehr empfehlenswert! Ich habe meine Motorbootprüfung erfolgreich bestanden, da ich wirklich super darauf vorbereitet wurde. Andi ist sehr geduldig und erklärt alle Zusammenhänge sehr gut. Und dabei hat es auch noch richtig Spass gemacht. Ich werde die Motorbootfahrstunden nun ein wenig vermissen😁 Vielen lieben Dank für alles!
Petra Rekkers
1 Rezension
vor einem Monat
Very professional and super friendly team at the boat-school.ch! Special thanks to Andi Schwyter for helping and preparing me for my boats exam!
SGComputers GmbH
1 Rezension
vor einem Monat
Cooles Team, sehr professionell, erfahren, sympathisch hat sehr viel Spass gemacht. Herzlichen Dank! Salvi
Seat
3 Rezensionen
vor 2 Monaten
Super Team , sehr gute Ausbildung 💪🏻 war auch mega froh, dass ich verschiedene Fahrlehrer hatte, dadurch lernt man verschiedene Perspektiven kennen. Herzlichen Dank an alle Beteiligten, Andi dir ein spezielles Dankeschön! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💐💐💐💐absolute Weiterempfehlung!
stefanhuser10
2 Rezensionen
vor 2 Monaten
Vielen Dank Andy & Andi für die lehrreichen & geduldigen Fahrstunden! Dank euch hat es beim ersten Versuch an der Prüfung geklappt 👍🏼
Andreas Schuepbach
1 Rezension
vor 2 Monaten
Wurde super auf die Prüfung vorbereitet. Mir hat gefallen mit allen Lehrern zu arbeiten, die bestens koordiniert und informiert über meinen Ausbildungsstand waren und mich kompetent und abwechslungsreich vorbereitet haben.
Sandro Eichenberger
1 Rezension
vor 2 Monaten
Herzlichen Dank an das ganze Team für die tolle Zeit und die Begleitung bis zur erfolgreichen Prüfung! Andi und auch Andy haben dies wirklich super gemacht!!
Markus Werner
1 Rezension
vor 2 Monaten
Finally I made it 🚤🏆… mit viel Unterstützung und Geduld von meinen „Lehrern“. Andy & Andi sei Dank! Auch an das Office; meine Terminwünsche waren nicht immer einfach 📆. Das Böötla 🚤 hat mega Spass gemacht; zumindest meistens 😉. Super Tipps erhalten & viele Erfahrungen gesammelt 💡. War eine coole Zeit 😎. Danke an alle 👍🏻.
Kveta Kovarikova
1 Rezension
vor 2 Monaten
Vielen Dank an das Team und vor allem Andi Schwyter für die Geduld, Flexibilität, gute Laune und immer wieder gute Erklärung. Es hat Spass gemacht mit euch auf dem See 👩🏻‍✈️⚓️🚤 Macht so weiter, ihr seid super!
annalea kressibucher
1 Rezension
vor 2 Monaten
Danke euch! Top Fahrschule mit sehr motivierten, coolen und geduldigen Fahrlehrern. Die Fahrstunden haben stets Spass gemacht und waren immer abwechslungsreich. Kann diese Fahrschule nur weiterempfehlen :)
Adrian Zoelly
1 Rezension
vor 2 Monaten
Der Unterricht hat sehr viel Spass gemacht. Das Team ist professionell, erfahren und sympathisch. Vielen Dank!
Eva S.
4 Rezensionen
vor 2 Monaten
Vielen lieben Dank an Andi Schwyter, der unsere 'Lerngruppe' mit Geduld und Humor zum Ziel geführt hat. Wir haben alle beim ersten Anlauf bestanden.
Behzad Karkhaneh
3 Rezensionen
vor 2 Monaten
Lieber Andy & Andi Dank eurer Unterstützung habe ich die Prüfung bestanden 🥳🥳🥳 Nochmals herzlichen Dank für euren Einsatz. Ich wünsche Euch weiterhin viel Erfolg💪 Beste Grüsse Behzad☀️☀️☀️🚤🚤🚤
Entry Ports
  • Zürich Wollishofen (Rote Fabrik)
  • Zürich Tiefenbrunnen (Wassersportzentrum)
  • Zürich Wollishofen (Rest. Seerose)
  • Zürich Tiefenbrunnen (Rest. Lakeside)
  • Stäfa (Hafen Stäfa)
  • Rapperswil (Hafen Rapperswil)
  • Wangen (Flughafen Franzrüti)
  • Lachen (Marina Lachen)
  • Altendorf (Hensa Werft)
  • Pfäffikon
  • Richterswil/Wollerau (Hafen Richterswil)
  • Freienbach (Strandbad)

Zürich Wollishofen

  • Sailing School
  • Motorboat School
  • Wakeboard/wakesurf boat rental
  • Motorboat/Sailboat rental
  • Open Sea Courses

Zürich Tiefenbrunnen

Here I offer:
  • Sailing School
  • Motorboat School
  • Wakeboard/wakesurf boat rental
  • Rental

Stäfa

  • Sailing School
  • Motorboat School
  • Vermietung
  • Motorboat
  • Motor yacht rental

Rapperswil

  • Motorboat School
  • Motorboat rental
  • Motor yacht rental

Wangen Flughafen Franzrüti

  • Motorboat School
  • Sailing School
  • Rental

Lachen Marina Lachen

  • Motorboat School
  • Sailing School
  • Rental

Altendorf Hensa Werft Altendorf

  • Motorboat School
  • Sailing School
  • Rental

Pfäffikon

  • Motorboat School
  • Sailing School
  • Motorboat rental
  • Motor yacht rental

Richterswil / Wollerau

  • Motorboat School
  • Sailing School
  • Motorboat rental
  • Motor yacht rental

Freienbach Strandbad

  • Motorboat School
  • Sailing School
  • Motorboat rental
  • Motor yacht rental

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does a sailing lesson last?

A lesson usually lasts two hours. In our experience, this is the ideal duration for learning quickly and efficiently.

How many people can participate in a team sailing lesson on the sailboat?

Our boats are very spacious and can accommodate up to three students. You simply split the lesson price among yourselves.

How long does the training for a sailing license take?

Without prior knowledge, you can expect to reach exam readiness in private lessons after 8–10 sessions (16–20 hours).

In which canton can I take the sailing license exam?

You can take the practical exam, upon request, in a canton other than the one you reside in. The relevant application forms can be found here.

Do sailing lessons take place on weekends?

Yes, we operate continuously from Monday to Sunday and can offer many appointments on weekends.

How can I prepare for the sailing license theory exam?

There is an app that prepares you perfectly for the theory exam.

During which seasons does the sailing training take place?

Sailing training takes place from early March to the end of November.

In which languages is instruction offered?

We are happy to offer instruction in German or English. You can also take both the theoretical and practical exam with us in either German or English.

When do I need a license for sailing boats (D-license)?

As soon as you want to operate a sailboat with a sail area of 15 square meters or more on lakes or rivers (inland waters), you need the D-license.

Where is the Swiss sailing license valid?

The sailing license (D-license) is valid on all Swiss lakes, rivers, and border waters, as well as on most lakes and rivers worldwide. Upon request, you can exchange the Swiss license for an International Certificate of Competence.

Can lessons be canceled due to bad weather or storm warnings?

Lessons take place in all weather conditions, except during storm warnings or thunderstorms. You can rely on our ocean-ready training boats and experienced instructors in any weather!

Is a first aid course required for a sailing license?

A first aid course is not required for the inland sailing license (D license).

Are prior skills required to start sailing lessons with a sailboat?

No prior experience is necessary. Our team will patiently introduce you to the boat and its unique characteristics, helping you develop a passion for water sports. During the lessons, you will learn everything essential to safely operate a sailboat.

Do I also need to practice privately for the sailing license?

The lessons are structured so that the experience you gain with us will prepare you successfully for the exam. It is not necessary to practice on another boat. However, certain exam components, such as knots and right-of-way rules, can be practiced additionally at home.

Will I also practice in the exam area during the sailing training?

Of course, we will practice with you in the exam area to help build greater confidence.

Can I book sailing lessons without having passed the theory exam?

Yes, that is possible and even common. You can start sailing lessons at any time, even without having passed the theory exam or holding a learner’s permit. However, you must pass the theory exam in order to register for the practical test.

What do I need to bring to sailing lessons?

Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the temperature, and a waterproof jacket and pants in case of rain. If needed, you can borrow a waterproof jacket and pants from us. Don’t forget sun protection!