Advanced monohull sailing course departing from Bandol
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationVar / Bandol
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions32.41 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
For five intensive days at sea , hone your sailing skills aboard a comfortable sailboat , accompanied by a certified instructor . This course is designed for those who already have some sailing experience and wish to take their skills to the next level and become more independent . Through a demanding program, you will work on the precision of maneuvers , fine-tuning sail trim , boat balance , harbor approaches , and managing wind and speed .
The goal is clear: to strengthen your seamanship skills and develop your confidence at the helm in a variety of conditions. This short course allows you to consolidate your skills while calmly preparing for a longer cruise or a crewed training course . Professional instructors guarantee structured learning in a demanding yet friendly atmosphere.
The highlights
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Two intensive days to quickly progress independently at the helm
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Structured learning with a qualified and experienced instructor
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Maneuvering skills, fine adjustments and port approach on a habitable sailboat
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
The expert's opinion
This course departing from Bandol is accessible from the beginner level.
Sailing as part of a crew with other trainees allows you to quickly acquire skills and take control of different positions.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
English
French
Camille, the training manager, is very committed to supporting trainees in order to determine objectives together.
Having started with dinghy sailing (windsurfing, dinghy and Hobie Cat), I gradually moved towards keelboats, particularly for regattas. I've always sailed.
I am surrounded by several other instructors, each passionate and eager to share their knowledge. They will also be able to accompany you on this course.
Program
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Getting to grips with the boat and sailing between the Embiez islands and Le Brusc
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll be welcomed at the base early in the day, followed by a safety briefing and an initial assignment of roles on board. Next, you'll take the helm of the catamaran with a review of harbor maneuvers and the basics of sailing. Once ready, you'll leave the port of Bandol for a training sail: sail trimming, tacking, gybing, and reefing are all on the agenda. At the end of the day, you'll arrive and anchor at Les Embiez in a calm and sheltered spot. The day concludes with a debriefing, followed by dinner and an overnight stay on board, at anchor.
Day 1 -
Coastal Navigation
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with the crew waking up, preparing the boat, and a thorough review of the weather and route plan. You then embark on a coastal sail, focusing on course control, navigation, and precision sailing. This is an opportunity to hone your reflexes at sea while optimizing sail trim according to the conditions. At the end of the day, you anchor for the night in the Hyères roadstead or at Porquerolles, depending on the weather and your chosen route.
Day 2 -
Advanced navigation
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Heading towards a more technical area: narrow passages, coastal effects, and reading landmarks. Controlled gybing exercises, reefing in real conditions, and managing wind variations. Workshops: VHF radio use, safety messages, and emergency procedures. Man overboard simulation with recovery under sail. Anchoring in a secluded cove, discussion on energy and water management on board. Debriefing and navigation planning for day 4.
Day 3 -
Coastal navigation and maneuvers
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Gradual return to Bandol with technical stops. Port maneuvering workshops: approaching in reverse, mooring on buoys, picking up a mooring buoy. Team management of fenders and mooring lines. Coastal navigation with precision exercises: maintaining a course despite gusts and currents. Review of nautical knots and safety checklist. Overnight in port or at anchor depending on the weather. Personalized debriefing: strengths and areas for improvement.
Day 4 -
Assessment and validation
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final day is dedicated to independent practice: each trainee takes charge of a complete sequence (preparation, maneuvers, adjustments, safety). A mini-challenge is then introduced: estimated navigation, harbor maneuvers, and sail management. A detailed learning review follows, highlighting validated skills and providing recommendations for the next steps (longer cruising, certification). The day concludes with tidying up the boat, a final check, and a friendly debriefing session.
Day 5
Note
This is a preliminary schedule. It may be modified depending on weather conditions and the expected wind pattern.
Heading EAST towards the Hyères roadstead or heading WEST towards the calanques and the Marseille roadstead.
Accommodation
The sailboat consists of 3 double cabins.
The cabin can be shared or privatized.
Access
Overnight stay on board the night before possible depending on availability.
Go to the starting point
The Bandol guardhouse is a 10-minute walk from the starting base.
Accessible from the motorway, free parking nearby
Price details
The price includes
Internship price: 1020 EUR
- Supervision by a state-certified instructor
- A comprehensive training program adapted to the trainee's level: maneuvers, adjustments, safety, navigation
- Regulatory safety equipment
- Accommodation on board the sailboat for the entire duration of the internship
- Full use of the boat: galley, berths, navigation and safety equipment
- Gas, onboard consumables and final cleaning
- Port and administrative formalities are handled by the school.
- Internship certificate issued at the end of the training
Mandatory package 220 EUR
- Cabin bedding
- Provisions (3 meals per day except breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day)
- FFV Insurance
- Application fees
The price does not include
- Overnight stay in port or on a buoy during the stay
- Transport to and from the port of departure
Options
- Bedding : CHF50.31 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Life jackets
- All the safety equipment
Equipment to bring
- Polarized sunglasses with cord
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Neck warmer, lightweight windbreaker
- Soft bag (not a hard-shell suitcase)
- Waterproof bags
- Headlamp, reusable water bottle, personal toiletry kit
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof jacket and overalls (windproof outfit)
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Technical base layers and breathable t-shirts
- Loose trousers and shorts
- White-soled shoes, work boots depending on the weather
- Beanie, cap, sailing gloves
- Change of clothes, swimsuit, microfiber towel
