Advanced sailing weekend in La Rochelle with night sailing
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCharente-Maritime / La Rochelle
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions15.95 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Set a course 270° for total immersion between sky and sea. This "Full West" course invites you to venture beyond the islands of Ré and Oléron to reach a true technical and sensory milestone: night sailing offshore . As soon as familiar landmarks disappear, the horizon opens onto a new dimension where every sensation is amplified by the darkness.
During this intense weekend, you'll live in harmony with the elements and the rhythm of life on board. Under the expert guidance of your instructors, you'll learn to navigate differently and take your watch , either solo or in pairs. Depending on the weather, you'll sail until dawn or end your journey with an anchorage in calm seas . Far from any light pollution, the spectacle of a starry sky of rare purity unfolds before you in absolute silence.
This enriching experience offers a unique opportunity to discover coastal cruising from a new perspective. Combining deep relaxation with technical learning, this trip is a memorable interlude for all sailing enthusiasts seeking a change of scenery and greater independence.
The highlights
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A sailing school accredited by the French Sailing Federation (FFV) allowing for the validation of recognized skill level
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The number of trainees is limited to 5 to optimize everyone's participation.
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Supervised by professional instructors, committed to sharing and a friendly atmosphere.
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
Management
French
Kind and qualified skippers/instructors who love to share their knowledge and passion for the sea in a pedagogical way.
Program
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Setting sail and heading west
- Activity Sailing
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At 10am, your professional instructor will meet you on the dock to board a comfortable sailboat. After familiarizing yourself with the boat and receiving a clear and reassuring safety briefing, you will cast off and head west (depending on the weather, this may change, but the idea is always to head offshore and sail at night).
The first day is dedicated to getting acquainted with the sailboat and preparing for night navigation. Organizing meals, watches, the route to follow...
Day 1 -
Night navigation and return to the Pertuis Rochelais
- Activity Sailing
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Navigation continues at night. All night if the weather is favorable, or part of the night if it becomes too intense, followed by rest at anchor at the end of the night.
The lights, the headlights, and the immensity of the starry sky are yours.
The second day continues with a break at anchor for lunch.
Final tacks, final maneuvers to reach La Rochelle and also to savor setting foot back on land.
Day 2
Note
The weekend program is weather dependent.
Accommodation
Access
Meet nearby, right next to the pontoon: large free parking lot and bus stop (from the train station - 10 minutes, from the old port - 15 minutes).
Go to the starting point
From the train station to Pontoon 45:
- The Sea Bus (Recommended option): An electro-solar shuttle connects the "Old Port" (Cours des Dames) to the "Port des Minimes". This is the most pleasant option for arriving directly in the heart of the port.
- Bus (Yélo): Take the Illico 4 line from the "Gare" stop towards "Les Minimes". Get off at the "Plage des Minimes" or "Port des Minimes" stop (approximately 15-20 minutes).
- Taxi / Private Hire Vehicle: Allow approximately 10 minutes for the journey (estimated fare between €15 and €25 ).
- Port des Minimes Parking: Large parking areas are located near the pontoons. Please note that parking may be subject to a fee or regulated during peak season in the closest areas.
- Jean Moulin Park and Ride (P+R): Located at the entrance to the city, it is free for users of Yélo buses or shuttles. It is an excellent option for secure long-term parking.
- Free parking: Free parking areas remain in the residential streets of the Minimes district (Avenue du Lazaret), about a 5-10 minute walk from the pontoons.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a qualified skipper/instructor
- Accommodation on board the sailboat
- The gas
- Diesel fuel
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Meals: approximately €10-15/person/day - mandatory
- The FFV Sailing Passport 2026: €14.50 - mandatory
Options
- 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.
