Students of the Theodor Fontane School discover boot driving on Malchower See!

Students of the Theodor Fontane School discover boot driving on Malchower See!

Parchim, Deutschland - Am Malchower See was high on June 16, 2025! Students of the Theodor Fontane School of the Diakoniewerk Monastery Dobbertin, including the committed Anna-Lena, Kevin and Jannik, experienced their first boat trip and were visibly enthusiastic. The school value inclusion and attends children and young people with physical and mental restrictions that 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, made the boats available and ensured an unforgettable experience.

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

a day full of fun and community

The joy of driving on the boat was written in the face! The students were able to enjoy the wonderful view while driving and breathe the fresh air of the water. After the return, a barbecue of the yacht club took place, in which delicious food and sociable atmosphere were waiting for the participants. After a work assignment, the members of the association even reduced the sanitary building to create an inviting environment.

This boat tour not only represented a highlight in the school year, but also formed the annual financial statements before the students switch to career meals. Such experiences are not only important for the joy of learning, but also for the personal development of the students. Participation in water sports promotes self -confidence and team feeling.

Inclusive water sports in the trend

The interest in inclusive sailing and water sports is growing steadily. A survey shows that around 50% of the clubs surveyed have created, including offers in the past five years. Many people with disabilities wrongly think that they cannot sail. It is possible to adapt every boat, regardless of whether small and large sailing yacht, can also take part in water sports. There are often simple adjustments to create this option, and it is not uncommon for such measures to cut the individual needs of those affected.

Inclusion in water sports is important to reduce barriers and give more people the joy of sailing. Special competition classes for people with disabilities, such as the 2.4mr or SV14, can also help create more visibility. It is time that everyone recognizes the opportunity to be part of this sporting community - whether in normal boat or with special adjustments.

The boat tour on the Malchower See was not only an adventure for the students, but also a step to promote inclusion in water sports. The experiences they gained there will surely be remembered for a long time and will arouse enthusiasm for sailing. The role of such initiatives is essential to drive the acceptance and understanding of the possibilities for the possibilities that water sports offer.

For more information on the boat sports driver's license rules in Germany, visit Skipper ADAC . And if you want to learn more about inclusion in water sports, you will find exciting posts at Rehacare.