Cruising Club Of Switzerland

About

Cruising Club der Schweiz (CCS) is Switzerland's national centre for offshore yachting based in Bern (Marktgasse 9). The club describes itself as a competence centre for high-sea yachting, issues the Swiss Hochseeausweis (Swiss Certificate of Competence for Ocean Yachting), operates club-owned sailing and motor yachts for member cruises, and provides national coordination of regional and interest groups, training, and member services. More information can be found on their website.

Membership

CCS offers open membership in several categories: Aktivmitglied (active member), Partnermitglied (partner of an active member), Juniorenmitglied (up to completed 25 years), and Passivmitglied (passive member). The site lists annual membership fees for the club year, such as CCS Aktiv CHF 150; Partner CHF 45; Junior CHF 40/60; Passiv CHF 75, and explains that an active CCS membership is linked with membership in a regional or interest group. Further details can be found on the membership information page.

Seamanship Training

CCS runs structured seamanship and skipper education, including the Swiss Hochseeausweis programme, which consists of theoretical training, a theory exam, and required sea practice. The club offers courses in navigation, marine radio (Seefunk), technical subjects, manoeuvres, practical on-sea training, and World Sailing certified courses (first aid, offshore personal safety, medical care proficiency). More information on these training opportunities is available on the seamanship training page.

Safety Courses

CCS maintains a formal 'Safety First' safety culture, which includes a Safety Booklet, a Skipper-Charta, Safety First publications, quizzes, presentations, and videos. The club runs first-aid (Nothilfekurs) courses and references World Sailing-certified offshore personal safety and medical proficiency trainings as part of its safety education and Working Group activities. More information can be found on the safety courses page.

Cruising Guides

CCS provides member resources for voyage planning and operations, including a Törnhandbuch (cruise handbook), Törnbedingungen (cruise conditions), Revierinformationen (area information), and downloadable guidance and training material. Some resources are available via the club Moodle platform to support offshore passage making. More details can be found on their website.

Publications

CCS publishes a members' magazine 'Cruising' (Cruising Zeitschrift) and maintains Safety First publications, including a Safety Booklet and a dedicated Safety First column in the club's communications. The website also offers bibliographies, presentations, and downloadable safety material. For more information, visit their publications page.

Events Calendar

The CCS website publishes an events/calendar section with national and seasonal activities, including examples like Skipper-Einführungstag on 24.01.2026, CCS-Cup from 29.10.2026 to 01.11.2026, and Skipperkurs from 06.11.2026 to 08.11.2026. This section also includes announcements, courses, and club notices. More details can be found on their events calendar page.

Racing Programme

CCS runs and promotes racing events such as the CCS-Cup and organizes crews for external regattas. The club also lists interest groups related to racing, including Swiss Racing Sailors and CCS Racing Club. More information is available on their racing programme page.

News Updates

The site publishes official club communications and news ('CCS-Mitteilungen'), a blog, and announcements to keep members informed. This includes updates on statutes, crew calls, and event notices. For the latest updates, visit their news page.

Community Engagement

CCS organizes community engagement through its network of regional groups, interest groups, and a Youth offering. Members can join regional-group cruises, attend lectures and seminars, use the club's crew exchange (Crewbörse), and participate in Yachtowner forums and local events for experience exchange and networking. More information can be found on their community engagement page.

Seasonal Operations

CCS operates seasonal offshore programmes, making club sail and motor yachts available to members during the sailing season. The website shows seasonal event planning, including youth cruises, regional cruises, and courses, in its calendar. More details can be found on their seasonal operations page.