Van Quickenborne starts campaign for more pleasure craft

In May, Wind en Watersport Vlaanderen (WWSV), the water sports clubs and Sport Vlaanderen put pleasure boating in the spotlight with the campaign #Samenhetwaterop. Minister Van Quickenborne came to kick off the campaign in Nieuwpoort and explained his further plans for the sector

Despite the corona crisis, the number of pleasure craft in our North Sea has continued to grow in recent years. The success of sailing icons such as Emma Plasschaert, the democratization of the sector and the new regulations are things that all contribute to this. But if we compare with our neighboring countries, there is still a lot of room for growth. Van Quickenborne therefore, together with the sector, is putting its weight behind this campaign to promote pleasure craft.

The democratization of sport and clubs is appealing to a wider target audience, because the registration of pleasure craft is now cheaper for everyone. In recent years, a phased reform of the regulations on pleasure craft has also been implemented in consultation with the sector. For example, the training for obtaining the navigation license was refreshed. Together with the launch of the app, this will make pleasure craft more accessible, safer and more modern.