• Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
  • Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
Oléron Island

Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón

Réf : YWREPR

In summary

  • Sports
    Sailing
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Sailing
    Beginner
    For those who have never sailed and wish to discover sailing over a short weekend.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to complete their Level 1 "first tacks" certification and discover the various crew roles and basic maneuvers.
    Confirmed
    For those who have completed an FFV-affiliated sailing course within the past two years, OR for those who have sailed for more than five days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length within the past year, having participated in routine maneuvers and docking operations.
    Advanced
    For those who have already completed a 4- or 5-day advanced training course at an FFV-affiliated center. You have already sailed for more than 10 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, and course tracking (including dead reckoning). A coastal boating license and an FRR (radio certificate) are not mandatory but are recommended.
    Expert
    For those who have already completed an intermediate-level course (*stage évolution*) at an FFV-affiliated center. You have sailed for more than 20 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in: docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, course tracking and dead reckoning, and watch-keeping. OR For those capable of single-handed maneuvers (reefing, tacking, gybing) or who have sailed as skipper (charter or private). The coastal license, CRR (Short Range Certificate), and offshore license are recommended for this level but are not mandatory.
  • Destination
    Charente-Maritime / Oléron Island
  • Age
    From 18 - 70 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    93.45 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French
    🇬🇧
    English

In a few words

Embark on a unique and enriching offshore sailing immersion during an intense round-trip crossing between the Île d'Oléron and Gijón , in the heart of Spanish Asturias . The Bay of Biscay , renowned for its challenging seas and ever-changing conditions, is one of Europe's premier training grounds for demanding sailing . Aboard the Pogo 8.50 , a fast, seaworthy, and Atlantic-ready performance sailboat, you'll become a fully active crew member. Your technical training will encompass maneuvering in all weather conditions , night watchkeeping , and weather routing using QTVLM . To ensure high-quality, precise instruction, a certified sailing instructor and expert offshore racer will lead a small group of no more than three people . Depending on the weather and timing, stopovers in Asturian ports will punctuate your maritime adventure before you begin the return journey. This complete one-week loop is aimed at people who have already sailed 24 hours on a habitable boat or validated an FFV course.

The highlights

  • Supervision by a qualified professional skipper, certified sailing instructor with 20 years of experience
  • Aboard a POGO 8.5, a fast, seaworthy monohull sailboat with modern equipment
  • Offshore sailing, ideal for challenging yourself and progressing
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Photos

Sport

Level

Sailing

Confirmed

Levels

Sailing
Beginner
For those who have never sailed and wish to discover sailing over a short weekend.
Intermediate
For those wishing to complete their Level 1 "first tacks" certification and discover the various crew roles and basic maneuvers.
Confirmed
For those who have completed an FFV-affiliated sailing course within the past two years, OR for those who have sailed for more than five days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length within the past year, having participated in routine maneuvers and docking operations.
Advanced
For those who have already completed a 4- or 5-day advanced training course at an FFV-affiliated center. You have already sailed for more than 10 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, and course tracking (including dead reckoning). A coastal boating license and an FRR (radio certificate) are not mandatory but are recommended.
Expert
For those who have already completed an intermediate-level course (*stage évolution*) at an FFV-affiliated center. You have sailed for more than 20 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in: docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, course tracking and dead reckoning, and watch-keeping. OR For those capable of single-handed maneuvers (reefing, tacking, gybing) or who have sailed as skipper (charter or private). The coastal license, CRR (Short Range Certificate), and offshore license are recommended for this level but are not mandatory.
For those who have completed an FFV-affiliated sailing course within the past two years, OR for those who have sailed for more than five days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length within the past year, having participated in routine maneuvers and docking operations.

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 4 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Supervisor

Management

Security

Our sailboat is a recent, modern monohull and is regularly maintained by us.

Approved by maritime authorities for commercial use, it has all the equipment required by the merchant marine to navigate safely, with equipment inspected according to the applicable schedules.


It is also prepared for a future transatlantic crossing, and therefore has onboard equipment for offshore sailing with complete energy autonomy (hydrogenerator, solar panels, etc.). It is also equipped with a life raft for 6 passengers.


Each passenger is given a life jacket, and if necessary, if weather conditions require it, a tether.


David, your supervisor, has all the necessary training to take you on board safely.

Other supervisors

Cynthia is handling all the organization and logistics for this internship. She will be your point of contact before the internship to help you prepare and answer any questions you may have.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Days 1 to 7
  • map

    Crossing the Bay of Biscay (Round Trip)

    • Activity Sailing
    • Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    On board, and throughout the course, you'll take the helm, participate in maneuvers, and discover the routing software we'll be using. David will also explain the influence of currents and local weather in the Pertuis Breton. He'll show you how to trim the sails, from basic to optimal settings. Right-of-way rules and safety at sea will also be covered. David will also explain the operation and usefulness of the onboard instruments (autopilot). Finally, you'll learn how to calculate tides and plot a position on a chart.

Note

The program is indicative and subject to David's discretion. It may be modified if weather conditions require it, and this at David's sole and absolute discretion.

Accommodation

🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 7

During the stopover on Saturday evening in Saint Denis d'Oléron, you will be accommodated on board our sailboat.

You may have to share your cabin with another intern.

Access

Departure
Port de plaisance de Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Rue Pierre Métayer, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, France
Day 1 : 08h00
End of stay
Port de plaisance de Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Rue Pierre Métayer, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, France
Day 7 - 18h00
  1. Departure from La Rochelle is possible upon request and subject to availability (schedule, tides). Please mention your wish to depart from La Rochelle when registering, and we will inform you if it is possible (this depends primarily on the tides).
  2. Optional (paid) car transfer from La Rochelle to Saint Denis d'Oléron available (see options)
  3. It is possible to sleep on the sailboat the night before departure (a contribution of €20 per person is requested).
  4. The exact departure and arrival times are subject to the tides and will be communicated to you once the booking is confirmed.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Surgères,Gare de RochefortOrGare de la Rochelle

🚆 Getting to Saint-Denis d'Oléron by train + bus


Since the island of Oléron is not served by train, access is easily achieved by combining train and bus.


You can take the train to Surgères, Rochefort or La Rochelle.


  1. Surgères > Saint Denis: line 154
  2. La Rochelle > Saint Denis: line 155 from March to September
  3. Rochefort > Saint Denis: line 154


We recommend checking bus schedules in advance, especially outside of peak season, as frequencies may be limited.

Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport de la Rochelle
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

You can park for free in the public car park which is 100m from the port.

In general, it is not difficult to find space outside of July and August.

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Notify me of upcoming availability

Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. Stopover and overnight stay on board (including a stop in Gijon)
  2. Theoretical and practical training over 7 days
  3. Supervised by David, a certified sailing instructor.
  4. Accommodation on board the sailboat
  5. Port fees, diesel fuel and mooring
  6. Passenger navigation insurance

The price does not include

  1. Meals on board (a collection box is available) - payable locally between €10-15/day
  2. Transportation to the starting point
  3. Personal expenses during stopovers
  4. Personal equipment (shoes, raincoat, etc.)
  5. Extra activities

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Transfer by car from La Rochelle the day before departure : CHF27.44 / person
  2. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment
The David team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The David team

4.7/5 (6 reviews) • 6 stays

Based in Saint-Denis d'Oléron, our local expert's agency was co-founded in 2024 by David and Cynthia. David, a seasoned sailor and state-certified instructor, makes sailing accessible and safe, while Cynthia provides responsive and supportive logistical management. Specializing in sailing courses and cruises on an 8.5m Pogo, our local expert offers tailor-made itineraries to the Île d'Yeu or the Pertuis islands, prioritizing personalized instruction limited to four participants.

Discover their team and their trips
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