Students from the Theodor Fontane School discover boating on Lake Malchow!

Students from the Theodor Fontane School discover boating on Lake Malchow!

There was a lot going on at Lake Malchower on June 16, 2025! Students from the Theodor Fontane School of the Diakoniewerk Kloster Dobbertin, including the committed Anna-Lena, Kevin and Jannik, experienced their first boat trip and were visibly enthusiastic. The school values ​​inclusion and visits children and young people with physical and mental disabilities who have now been able to discover the joy of water sports. The Malchow Yacht Club, which has been organizing such trips regularly for four years, provided the boats and ensured an unforgettable experience.

The exciting tour led over the Petersdorf Canal to Lake Plauer and back. Supported by experienced teachers and supervisors, a total of nine students took part in this exciting boat tour. Christian Weberneit, the skipper, took the time to explain to the students how to steer the boat and familiarize them with the rules of water sports. In Germany, a recreational boat license is required for many boats, but there are also exceptions that allow driving without a license under certain conditions, such as an engine of a maximum of 15 hp. This suited the students because they were able to concentrate on what was important: having fun on the water!

A day full of fun and community

The joy of boating was written on everyone’s faces! The students were able to enjoy the beautiful views during the trip and breathe the fresh air of the water. After returning, the yacht club held a barbecue, where delicious food and a convivial atmosphere awaited the participants. After a work assignment, the members of the association even freshly painted the sanitary building to create a welcoming environment.

This boat tour not only represented a highlight of the school year, but also marked the end of the year before the students move on to the career readiness classes. Such experiences are important not only for the enjoyment of learning, but also for the students' personal development. Participation in water sports promotes self-confidence and a sense of teamwork.

Inclusive water sports are trending

Interest in inclusive sailing and water sports is constantly growing. A survey shows that around 50% of the clubs surveyed have created inclusive offers in the last five years. Many people with disabilities mistakenly think that they cannot sail. It is possible to adapt any boat, whether a small dinghy or a large sailing yacht, so that people with physical limitations can also take part in water sports. Simple adjustments are often enough to create this possibility, and it is not uncommon for such measures to be tailored to the individual needs of those affected.

Inclusion in water sports is important to break down barriers and enable more people to enjoy sailing. Special racing sailing classes for people with disabilities, such as the 2.4mR or SV14, can also help to create more visibility. It's time for everyone to recognize the opportunity to be part of this sporting community - whether in a normal boat or with special adaptations.

The boat tour on Lake Malchower was not only an adventure for the students, but also a step towards promoting inclusion in water sports. The experiences they had there will certainly be remembered for a long time and will awaken their enthusiasm for sailing. The role of such initiatives is essential in driving acceptance and understanding of the opportunities that water sports offer.

For more information on boating license rules in Germany, visit Skipper ADAC. And if you would like to find out more about inclusion in water sports, you will find exciting articles at REHACARE.

The students of the Theodor Fontane School can hardly wait for the next boat tour, because they would like to experience so much joy and community again and again!