#3 SKS cruise from Kiel to the Danish South Sea

I did my trip for the SKS license from May 28th to June 3rd 2016.

We set off from Kiel and headed for the Danish South Sea. I booked the trip with the yacht school: SAILAWAY YACHTSPORT, which I can happily recommend.

The waters south of Funen with their numerous islands and islets, praised by German sailors as the Danish South Sea, but more aptly referred to by the Danes as the Archipelago, are an absolutely ideal area for those who want to test their boat and themselves - to avoid the word beginner.

On the one hand, it is so sheltered that even smaller boats can navigate it easily, but on the other hand, because of the many shallows, it is not that easy, so you can practice navigation well.

If you feel a little more confident, you can try to approach a port at night, such as Soby on Ero, whose area is so free of shipping obstacles that a mistake does not immediately have dire consequences.

There are plenty of ports in this area: some real city ports with well-protected basins, but even more island ports. Nevertheless, during the high season you will have to make sure that you can find accommodation in a port in the evening.

There were three of us students on board, along with skipper Uli. Our boat was the Nina and for me it was the first time it had tiller steering.

At the end of the week with lots of exercises and even more fun there was the practical test for the SKS, which we all passed.

The SKS certificate is a German certificate for sailors that certifies that the holder is qualified to operate a sailing yacht in coastal waters and on the high seas. "SKS" stands for "Sportküstenschifferschein". This certificate is one of the highest license levels that a recreational sailor can acquire in Germany.

To obtain the SKS certificate, sailors must take a theoretical and practical exam. In the theoretical exam, they must demonstrate their knowledge of navigation, seamanship, meteorology and safety at sea. In the practical exam, they must demonstrate their skills in sailing, maneuvering and navigating at sea.

The SKS certificate is proof of the ability to drive a sailing yacht up to 24 meters long on coastal waters and on the high seas. With the SKS certificate, sailors can also apply for an international boating license, the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which is recognized in many countries around the world.

Overall, the SKS certificate is an important certificate for sailors who want to sail on larger yachts and on longer sailing trips. It not only provides security and confidence in one's own abilities, but also a legal basis for sailing on the high seas.