Leon Schulz in an interview: RYA Yachtmaster rewritten for the first time - "A small sensation"

Mr Schulz, why is this precedent so important?

Many countries have long recognised the RYA's sailing training as an equivalent alternative to local certificates. Now, for the first time, not just any sailing licence, but the highest in the British system, the Yachtmaster Ocean, has been officially recognised as equivalent.

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This is a minor sensation, as all other, lower RYA licences were skipped in this decision. It is therefore obvious that these certificates will also be recognised as equivalent in the future.

What does this mean for German sailors?

You now have a wider choice. The RYA certificates are recognised worldwide and are offered at thousands of strictly controlled training centres. As an alternative to the German system, you can complete the training there and obtain the Yachtmaster Ocean at the end, which can then be converted into an SHS.

Individual modules of the German system can even be combined with the British system. For example, the RYA now recognises the local SKS. This makes sense, because while Germany places great emphasis on sound theoretical knowledge, the British system is more practice-orientated. In other words, every sailor is free to decide which course to take and benefit from the recognition of the respective licences.

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In the end, it's all about proving a certain level of competence - to yacht insurance companies or charter companies. This is particularly important when sailing with an international crew or in international regattas. It would be annoying if experienced German sailors had licences that were unknown internationally. Or if English sailing terms are not fluent.

Why do those responsible find it difficult to rewrite other notes?

It's pointless to think about it - lobbying certainly plays a role. However, it is much more important to look to the future and see opportunities rather than restrictions. This is why the opening up of the two systems to equal status should be seen as a great opportunity for sailing training as a whole - with globally recognised and usable certificates. Ultimately, all sailors who are seriously interested in training and licences will benefit from this.

What specific consequences do you expect?

There will certainly be a "jolt" through the German sailing world, because prospective sailors can now acquire the practice-oriented Yachtmaster certificates in addition to the German certificates and have them recognised as equivalent in Germany. I can well imagine that the number of RYA training courses and training centres in Germany will now also increase significantly. Interest is already high, especially among young people who also find it exciting to complete their training in English.

This development is a great opportunity: the focus is no longer on competition, but on opening up and combining the strengths of both systems. The result is an enrichment for sailing training as a whole.