Progression in cruising sailboats - Level 4
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMorbihan / Lorient
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions69.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
There comes a point when learning to sail is no longer about simply performing actions, but about refining them, understanding them deeply , and acting with intention . The Level 4 cruising course is this pivotal step, a space to learn to sail with autonomy, precision, and confidence ; to make choices together, coordinate actions, and remain calm in various situations.
Southern Brittany offers an exceptional setting for structuring this learning. From the Gulf of Morbihan to the vicinity of Belle-Île , up to the passages towards Houat and Hoëdic or the Ile d'Yeu, the currents, tides and coastal relief lead you to develop a precise route and to analyze each situation in real time.
At this level, sailing becomes a subtle balance between technique and situational awareness.
Navigation is becoming global.
We're no longer just reacting.
We anticipate.
Level 4 FFVoile marks the entry into controlled navigation.
You will learn to balance the boat in various conditions, to adapt maneuvers to the environment, to constantly position yourself on the water, and to coordinate the crew.
The highlights
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Navigation in Southern Brittany
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Training course supervised by qualified sailing instructors.
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A framework of trust and security where you can dare to ask all your questions.
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
The expert's opinion
Level 4: Move freely within a monitored navigation area.
What you will learn:
In technical terms
- Adjust sail settings according to the point of sail and wind and sea conditions
- Coordinate rudder and sheeting actions to balance the boat without changing course.
- Tacking and gybing while controlling the exit angle (close-hauled, broad reach, downwind)
- Reaching a point on the body of water without unnecessarily lengthening the route
- Choose a navigation area that is suitable for the dangers and weather conditions.
- To constantly locate oneself on the map and on the water
Safe
- Choose the safety equipment that is appropriate for the conditions and the crew
- Fill out a sea report
- Towing a sailboat or motorboat
- Re-prime the fuel system
- Understanding the responsibilities of the captain
In marine sense – environment
- Understanding mapping methods and their limitations
- Understanding the sources of map inaccuracies
- Know the rules for accessing and preserving natural sites
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
French
Having graduated with a BPJEPS Croisière qualification in 2020, Fred enjoys sharing his knowledge of sailing through proven methods for progress at your own pace and with confidence.
Our courses are supervised by qualified sailing instructors.
Program
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Departure from Lorient
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay begins with a meeting at the Skippers' House in Lorient at 1 p.m. After boarding , you'll complete an essential safety briefing and participate in provisioning the boat. Once you 've familiarized yourself with the sailboat, you'll hoist the sails for your first sail . Depending on the conditions, this will take place in the Lorient harbor or head directly towards the island of Groix .
Day 1 -
Navigation between the Breton islands
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your adventure begins on Day 1 at 1 p.m. at the Skippers' House in Lorient with boarding , a safety briefing , provisioning , and familiarization with the sailboat, before your first sail in Lorient harbor or towards Groix . On Day 2 , you'll sail around Groix or head towards Belle-Île-en-Mer to practice points of sail and coastal navigation . Between Days 3 and 4 , two routes are available depending on the weather: the southern option heads towards Quiberon Bay and the islands of Morbihan ( Houat and Hoëdic ) over 20 km , while the western option takes you to the Glénan archipelago and then Concarneau after a 15 km crossing. Finally, Day 5 offers a 25 km course to consolidate your skills at sea before returning to the port of Lorient at 4 p.m.
Days 2 to 5 -
Return to Lorient
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You begin your return journey to Lorient to conclude your sailing trip. This final sail offers the opportunity to review some technical skills on the water and consolidate your newly acquired knowledge. Once ashore, you'll participate in tidying and cleaning the sailboat. The experience concludes with a debriefing session with your skipper to assess your progress and level of independence. The trip is scheduled to end at 5:00 PM .
Day 6
Note
This program is offered as a guideline and can be adapted according to the weather, the sea and the pace of the group, in order to preserve a serene and safe experience.
Accommodation
You live and sail aboard a Sun Odyssey 350, a modern, stable, and bright sailboat designed for both cruising and training. With its elegant lines and spacious interior, it offers an exceptional sailing experience.
The well-thought-out layout ensures both functionality and style, making it perfect for leisurely cruises or adventure trips.
Access
Meet on the 1st floor of the Maison des Skippers, Lorient.
Go to the starting point
Once at the station, several options are available to reach the site:
- By bus: take line 13 of the IZILO network from the "Lorient Gare SNCF" stop to the terminus "La Base – Cité de la Voile" (approximately 17 minutes journey, single ticket €1.50). The Maison des Skippers is then about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.
- By taxi: allow between 10 and 15 minutes journey time from the station forecourt (expect to pay between €15 and €25 depending on traffic).
- From Paris (approximately 5 hours' drive): take the A11 motorway then the A81 to Rennes, continue on the N24 expressway towards Lorient, then join the N165. Take the "Lorient / Larmor-Plage" exit and follow the signs to "Lorient La Base".
- From Rennes (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes drive): take the N24 towards Lorient, exit towards "Lorient / Larmor-Plage" then follow the signs for "Lorient La Base".
- From Nantes (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive): take the N165 towards Vannes / Lorient, take the exit "Lorient / Larmor-Plage" and follow "Lorient La Base".
Price details
The price includes
- The internship is supervised by a qualified instructor.
- Accommodation on the sailboat
The price does not include
- A mandatory onboard kitty of €15 per person per day covers provisions, gas, fuel, and any marina fees – payable in cash on site.
- The sailing passport costs €15 (FFVoile insurance) and remains valid until the end of the calendar year – mandatory for insurance purposes.
- Personal matters
Options
- Technical attire : CHF13.72 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Safety vest
Equipment to bring
- Footwear: Remember to wear closed, non-slip shoes; boots can be useful in case of rain! The most important thing is to be comfortable and dry in your shoes!
- A pair of gloves/mittens if you want more comfort
- A hot water bottle can sometimes be useful in case of seasickness or a sudden chill!
- A sleeping bag (a compact model to save space. It can sometimes get chilly on a boat, so don't hesitate to take a sleeping bag rated for temperatures between 3 and 10°C).
- A fitted sheet or sleeping bag liner (the bunks are covered in imitation leather, for comfort a fitted sheet (single) or a sleeping bag liner can help you get a better night's sleep!)
- A pillow (depending on your needs)
- Earplugs (as needed)
- A headlamp (this can be useful)
- A toiletry bag (opt for biodegradable products (soap often ends up in the sea) and a microfiber towel (saves space and dries quickly))
- A soft bag (it can be rolled up and slipped into the bottom of a cupboard to optimize space)
- A small backpack (for stopovers or to keep your valuables close at hand)
- A waterproof pouch (if you want to keep your most valuable equipment safe from water when you're on deck)
Clothing to bring
- Warm clothes all year round and summer clothes for the months of July and August
- A pair of flip-flops/thongs for the toilets during stopovers or on the boat to be comfortable!
- Comfort (layer 1): technical t-shirts (sports type) that wick away perspiration.
- Insulation (layer 2): a thick fleece or a synthetic down jacket (avoid cotton which never dries).
- Protection (layer 3): Waterproof clothing, a foul-weather jacket or windbreaker and sailing overalls (we can lend you some, contact us before you leave!).
The Hozen team
Our local expert helps everyone discover sailing with confidence. He offers sailing courses of 3 to 6 days (levels 1 to 5) combining technical skills, onboard living, and marine conservation. Led by certified instructors, these trips take place in Southern Brittany. Convinced that the sea is accessible to all, he also offers courses exclusively for women and the opportunity to charter a sailboat for families or groups of friends from February to November.
