Life On Sail

We're approaching things a bit backwards, as we took our boat driving course before even passing the theory exam! And we did this practical course the very next day after our theory class... It’s quite unconventional. The usual process is to first attend the theory class, then take and the theory exam. Once you pass, you proceed to the driving practical class. After completing and passing the driving course, the instructor automatically submits your documents to the administration to process your final boat driving license. The reason for our approach was simply that there was only one available slot at that time.  We booked last minute, so we couldn’t be picky with the dates. Since we’re on a sabbatical, timing isn’t a concern for us. So, here we are on a chilly Friday morning in December 2024, standing on the banks of the Seine River, ready to learn how to pilot a boat. Naturally, we arrived somewhat unprepared. Any tips? Bring your candidate book for the instructor to fill ...

We traveled a bit before returning to France after our bittersweet yet motivated departure from Hong Kong at the end of October 2024. Just a few days after arriving in France (I got there a bit earlier, in mid-November), we were already on our way to our boat permit class in Lagny! Which company we went with? We decided to sign up with  Paris Nautique for this adventure.  One of the advantages is that they have various classrooms throughout Paris, making it easy to find available slots for our last-minute registration.  Plus, they are among the most affordable options.  The real highlight is that you get to take your practical class on the iconic Seine River! But that’s a topic for another post. The instructor appears to be very knowledgeable and is well-regarded in the industry, having had his nautical adventures documented by the press. You receive several online resources to help you prepare before the actual class, including: Online Courses Online Tests B...