Hmmmm
After completing Yachtmaster exams I turned to powerboats and found that there were exams there too......to hire a boat whilst on holiday you have to produce an ICC (International certificate of competence).
There is a definite worry in the sailing fraternity that Tony Blairs boys are considering the introduction of mandatory exams for sailors.
So not quite true that there are no exam requirements in sailing, just British sailing.
And now I'm 2/45ths towards a PPL......