La Rochelle

Level 1 sailing course in La Rochelle

4,9/5 (20 reviews)

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Level 1 sailing course in La Rochelle

In summary

Sports

Sailing
Duration
5 days
Level
Beginner

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 / La Rochelle
Age
From 18 - 90 years
CO₂-Emissions
69.86 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

In a few words

This course offers a first sailing experience aboard a cruising sailboat . The training aims to familiarize you with the role of crew member and introduce you to the fundamental principles of sailing. You will sail around all the islands that make up this spectacular playground in the Atlantic . The tides will hold no more secrets for you, and you will finish this week of training with an expert knowledge of the Pertuis Breton straits.

Immerse yourself in the essential maneuvers and knowledge of sailing a vessel : windward heading, reefing sail, speed management, mooring, and much more! Explore life aboard a sailboat, including waste management, marine environmental protection, and camaraderie within a group. Chart reading, the use of navigational instruments, and sailing will (almost) become second nature to you !

The highlights

A sailing school with over 30 years of experience, accredited by the French Sailing Federation (FFV), and state-certifie
Small groups to promote learning, 5 to 6 people maximum!
On a recent and comfortable sailboat

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Photos

Photo du voilier pendant le séjour dans le Sud Ouest

Christophe - verified review - march 2025

Caroline - verified review - november 2024

Farid - verified review - september 2024

JEAN JACQUES - verified review - march 2024

Sport

Level

Sailing

Beginner

For those who have never sailed and wish to discover sailing over a short weekend.

In figures

Sailing

Average duration/day: 7h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.

Band : 1 supervisor for 3 to 5 people

Languages spoken:

French

Supervisor

State-certified professionals or holders of the BPJEPS (a French professional qualification) specializing in cruising, your instructors are also passionate about their work as sailors and trainers. They have sailed in all latitudes. Their goal is your progress in every aspect of discovering sailing.

Program

Day 1

Days 2 to 4

Day 5

Welcome, briefing and initial maneuvers
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will be greeted by the skipper at 9:00 AM , followed by an introduction to the crew. Next, the instructor will give a briefing outlining the objectives for this level of training, and you will set sail for your first day of sailing on a cruising sailboat. Lunch will be shared at anchor, and after an afternoon of training, you will return to port at the end of the day for shopping, dinner with the other trainees, and your first night on board.
Day 1
Navigation training and other maneuvers
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 8h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For these 3 days, the schedule will be as follows:
Departure from the pontoon at 9am for sailing with a lunch break on the boat
Return around 5pm
Free time followed by dinner and bedtime.
Days 2 to 4
Last day of sailing
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure at 9am for a sailing trip until mid-afternoon with a lunch break.
Return around 3:30pm to clean the boat.
Debriefing of the training week and end of the internship at 5:00 PM.
Day 5

Note

This program is subject to change depending on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Accommodation

🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 4

Nights are spent on board the boat. You can sleep there the night before the start of the course. Cabins are shared by two trainees . The sailboats range from 10 to 14 meters and offer comfort and performance.

Access

Departure

Port Des Minimes, La Rochelle

Day 1 : 09h00

End of stay

Port Des Minimes, La Rochelle

Day 5 - 17h00

On the last day of the course, crew members and trainer proceed to tidy up and clean the boat, which must then be vacated by 5pm.

Go to the starting point

Access by train

Take the train toGare de La Rochelle

Access by car

Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby

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Price details

The price includes

Sailing training
Sleeping accommodation on the boat in a shared double cabin
The FFV license for the calendar year costs €20 per person (administration fees included).
Membership in our partner's association for the calendar year is €35 per person.
Diesel fuel
Shipping costs
Other miscellaneous expenses

The price does not include

The onboard kitty of €17 per day per person for provisions - mandatory, payable on site
Round-trip transportation to the boat

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.

Equipment

Equipment provided on site

Life jackets

Equipment to bring

Toiletries
Towel
Spare linen
Duvet or sleeping bag
Double sheet
Cushion-pillow (for enthusiasts)
High protection cream
Lip balm
Cut gloves
Charger for phone or camera

Clothing to bring

Non-slip boots and shoes
Warm clothing appropriate for the season
Cap
Sunglasses

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers

4,9/5

(20 reviews)

At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.

Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order

Stéphane - 63 ans

october 2026 Alone

Translated from French

Finally, a real learning experience, with an excellent instructor eager to share his knowledge, patient, pedagogical, experienced and fun.

Published on 27/10/2026

caroline - 60 ans

july 2026 In a group

Translated from French

Excellent learning experience, patient and knowledgeable instructor :-), nice small group

Published on 12/07/2026

Decathlon Travel's response

Translated from French

Hi Caroline, It's fantastic that you were able to learn in such great conditions, with a patient and knowledgeable instructor and a friendly little group. Passing this first sailing course is a real achievement! I hope you'll cherish the memories of this experience and that you'll continue to sail with passion. See you soon on the water! The Decathlon Travel Team

gamberini - 59 ans

october 2025 In a group

Translated from French

No opinion

Published on 12/10/2025

Decathlon Travel Partner

Our partner team

4.9/5 (48 reviews) • 27 stays

Our local partner is a sailing school established in 1987 that caters to watersports enthusiasts, particularly sailing lovers, who want to learn the proper techniques and skills for safe navigation. Specializing in training on cruising sailboats, they welcome over 2,000 trainees annually for courses that combine learning and relaxation! Our partner agency is renowned for the quality of its instruction and has received the "French Sailing School" label and is accredited by the French Sailing Federation to organize training courses. The instructors are state-certified professional trainers! Come and enjoy a hands-on experience, living aboard a boat in a small group. Our local partner adapts to each participant's level to guarantee a unique experience.

Discover their team and their trips

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In summary

In a few words

The highlights

Photos

Sport

Level

Sailing

In figures

Sailing

Management

Program

Welcome, briefing and initial maneuvers

Navigation training and other maneuvers

Last day of sailing

Note

Accommodation

Access

Go to the starting point

Price details

The price includes

The price does not include

Options

Practical information

Specifics

Equipment provided on site

Equipment to bring

Clothing to bring

They traveled with us

Stéphane - 63 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

caroline - 60 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

gamberini - 59 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Our partner team

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Stéphane - 63 ans

caroline - 60 ans

gamberini - 59 ans