“It’s been a privilege to drive a Volvo for the last seven years. Their practicality is crucial to the amount of travelling and towing that is an everyday part of life during my Olympic Class sailing campaign.”
Ben Ainslie, CBE, triple Olympic gold medallist.
Many sailors are completely in the dark when it comes to the legal requirement for towing their boat, and are unaware that if done incorrectly, it could put their safety at risk or even invalidate their insurance.
The key things for all sailors to be aware of are:
· The 85% rule; it is recommended that you should tow a boat that weighs less than 85% of the towing vehicle’s kerb weight. The kerb weight is defined as the weight of the vehicle plus a full tank of petrol and 75kg (for the driver and luggage).
· Exceeding the gross train weight (the Maximum Technically Permissible Lade Mass of both car and trailer) invalidates insurance and manufacturer warranties.
· Car driving licences issued before 1997 are valid for a vehicle and trailer combination weighing up to 8.25 tonnes
· All drivers who passed a driving test since 1 January 1997 and wish to tow a trailer with a Maximum Authorised Mass over 750kgs, or with a car whose MAM is less than 3500kgs, need to pass a Category B+E Test.
· Regulations for towing differ throughout Europe so always check before travelling.
It can be difficult to know where to find information about towing so Volvo has produced an information leaflet on the maximum towing weights of their cars. It includes information on recommended towing weights and UK speed limits when towing.
Information correct at time of going to press
To download the Towing leaflet click here