Introduction to the European Inland Waterways

Several hundred boat owners take to the inland waterways of Europe every year, either for a change of cruising ground, a shortcut to the Med or Baltic or simply as a retreat from the rigours of sea sailing with advancing years. However, sources of information are scarce to answer such key questions as What’s it like? Where are the best places? Do you need qualifications? Are there rules and regulations? What sort of boat is suitable? What preparations are required? Where can I go for maps and guides and further information?

This guide is designed to provide all the information needed to embark on the continental inland waterways. Written by members of the Cruising Association's European Inland Waterways Section (EIWS) and edited by Gordon Knight, the guide is aimed at both yacht and motor boat owners and includes advice on choosing or adapting a boat; the qualifications needed; preparing a boat to tackle the rivers, canals and locks; navigating safely; obtaining supplies and coping with communications and transport.

Separate chapters on the four main cruising countries - France, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands - describe the principal inland cruising routes and their attractions and list numerous additional sources of information from official bodies and tourist organisations, plus useful free apps to supplement them.

Finally, it provides a brief taster of the attractions to be discovered further afield in countries such as Poland, Sweden and Norway. It also includes a 20 per cent discount offer on first year's membership for purchasers joining the CA online during the year.

Also included is a 20% discount offer on first year's Cruising Association membership. 

For those who prefer a hard copy, all the guides can also be purchased in full colour A4 printed format from the print-on-demand publishers Lulu.