German beach sailors like to visit the Danish waters because there are less stringent regulations than in St. Peter-Ording, for example. The beaches of Fanö and Römö were particularly popular. This is over for the time being, as beach sailor Malte Storn reports on his website:
"Apparently, complaints have led the Danish authorities to take a closer look at the legal situation and come to the conclusion that the Highway Code applies on the beaches. As kite buggies and beach sailing vehicles are not classed as roadworthy, they have been banned!"
Ban already officially announced
The new old legal situation was officially announced at a meeting in Esberg, which was attended by the following groups: the police from South Jutland and Special Jutland, tourism organisations, representatives of the Danish Nature Agency and the Danish Nature Conservation Association, politicians and beach sailing stakeholders from the municipalities of Varde, Fanø, Tønder and Esbjerg.
Beach sailors in Denmark are now dependent on special licences, which can be issued for individual events, for example. Violations of the beach sailing ban can result in fines of at least 700 kroner.
Disappointment also among tourism professionals
Disappointment about the ban on beach sailing is now spreading not only among those affected. Entrepreneurs working in tourism and their organisations are also expressing their dismay at the authorities' practice, which has caught them completely unprepared:
"The timing is particularly problematic, as the order was issued just before the start of the season. As recently as 2024, the conditions for the commercial use of beach sailing were assessed as safe and responsible by the relevant authorities", says the German tour operator Fanö-Reisen.
Conversations behind the scenes
Dedicated talks are now taking place behind the scenes, as the beach sailors have not yet given up hope of achieving a relaxation of the new ban in the short term. For example, by designating beach sailing areas where they can continue to practise their sport.
