Peter HK wrote:
"Ian George" wrote in message
...

Really? That's a bit of a slippery argument, sport. Unless there've
been some legislative changes I'm unaware of, those rules apply to
power boats over 6hp. AFAIK a 100 year old blind man is perfectly at
liberty t take his 70 foot sailboat out unfettered by any form of
legislation. (this must still be the case, because I'm sure there
are a few of them sailing out of my harbour).

The rules have changed here in Queensland in the last year or so. I
understand that any vessel with a 6 hp or greater motor, even if an
auxiliary on a sailboat, requires a licenced skipper. I suppose that
means anyone can take out an engineless sailboat, no matter how
large. Not many 70 footers without engines though.

I live in Queensland. I haven't read the regulations for years, but isn't
there something about the boat needing to be capable of planing?


The regulations include a compulsory course and on the water testing,
by registered testing authorities, so your blind man wouldn't make
it. However, he could still take out a dinghy.

I'm glad I got my licence years ago before all this nonsense but
they'll probably bring in retesting/renewal if they can make it pay!

As did I, mainly so I could drag kids around behind the Fizz-boat and do
some fishing.

I was until now unaware that I needed one to operate my 10m sailboat. Are
you sure of this?

Ian