In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationCharente-Maritime / Oléron Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions29.3 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Experience an intense maritime immersion during a 3-day sailing trip from Île d'Oléron to Île d'Yeu . This crossing along the Atlantic coast is designed for those who want to gain independence and confidence in open waters. Aboard a Pogo 8.50 , a modern and high-performance sailboat, you'll actively participate in every maneuver: from sail trimming and routing strategy to taking watches and analyzing weather conditions.
Departing from Saint-Denis d'Oléron, you'll head north to discover iconic locations such as Les Sables d'Olonne and Port Joinville . Guided by an expert offshore racing instructor, you'll progress within a small group of no more than four people, guaranteeing personalized and friendly instruction. Whether you already have some experience sailing a keelboat or are simply highly motivated, this trip will transform your approach to sailing. Between thrilling experiences and breathtaking scenery, this technical adventure will equip you to become a skilled crew member while exploring one of France's most beautiful coastlines.
The highlights
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Supervision by a qualified professional skipper, certified in sailing and with 20 years of experience
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Aboard a POGO 8.5, a fast, seaworthy monohull sailboat with modern equipment
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Semi-offshore sailing, ideal for experiencing the pleasure of long voyages
Photos
Jean Pierre - verified review - september 2026
Jean Pierre - verified review - september 2026
Jean Pierre - verified review - september 2026
Jean Pierre - verified review - september 2026
Jean Pierre - verified review - september 2026
Sport
Level
Sailing
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 9h30
Management
French
English
This internship is supervised by David.
Oléronnais and sailor from generation to generation, professional skipper, passionate about offshore racing and multi-support regatta sailor, he is keen to pass on to you his unique knowledge of this marine territory as well as his know-how in terms of high-performance navigation.
With over 20 years of experience teaching sailing on multiple types of boats (cruising sailboats, dinghies, windsurfing boards), he will build your confidence and help you progress whether you are a beginner or already experienced.
His qualifications:
- State-certified sailing instructor
- Multi-sport coach
- Professional Skipper
- Holder of the BACPNV
- Deckhand
- Currently training to become a Captain 200
Program
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Heading to Les Sables d'Olonne
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Saint Denis, sailing along the coasts of the island of Ré, then along the Vendée coasts to Les Sables d'Olonne.
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. 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.
Day 1 -
Heading to the island of Yeu
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Les Sables to travel up to the island of Yeu in one day. With a stopover in Port Joinville.
Free time on the island depending on arrival time and tides. You can rent a bicycle to explore this Vendée gem.
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.
Day 2 -
Return to Oléron
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from the island of Yeu for a good day of sailing to Saint Denis d'Oléron.
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.
Day 3
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
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 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).
- Optional (paid) car transfer from La Rochelle to Saint Denis d'Oléron available (see options)
- It is possible to sleep on the sailboat the night before departure (a contribution of €20 per person is requested).
- 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
🚆 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.
- Surgères > Saint Denis: line 154
- La Rochelle > Saint Denis: line 155 from March to September
- Rochefort > Saint Denis: line 154
We recommend checking bus schedules in advance, especially outside of peak season, as frequencies may be limited.
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.
Price details
The price includes
- Stopover and overnight stay on board at Île d'Yeu and Les Sables d'Olonne
- Theoretical and practical training over 3 days
- Supervised by David, a certified sailing instructor.
- Accommodation on board the sailboat for both nights during stopovers
- Port fees, diesel fuel and mooring
- Passenger navigation insurance
The price does not include
- Meals on board (a collection box is available) - payable locally between €10-15/day
- Transportation to the starting point
- Personal expenses during stopovers
- Personal equipment (shoes, raincoat, etc.)
- Extra activities
Options
- Transfer by car from La Rochelle the day before departure : CHF27.44 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Carry a valid identity document (passport, identity card, etc.)
A list of documents will be sent to you before the internship (certificate of liability, medical form, etc.)
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and the health recommendations of the country where the internship takes place.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Life jackets and lanyards
Equipment to bring
- A list of equipment to bring will be sent to you once your stay is booked.
Clothing to bring
- A list of clothing to bring will be sent to you once your stay is booked.
They traveled with us
Aseel
- 41 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.
september 2026
In a group
Jean Pierre
- 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.
september 2026
In a couple
cathy
- 51 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.
june 2026
In a group
The David team
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.
