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
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Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision, program, or group will be tailored to each person's level.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 9h30
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
David
David
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
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
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
: 09h00
End of stay
Port de plaisance de Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Rue Pierre Métayer, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, France
Day 3
- 18h00
- 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
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.
- 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.
The nearest airport isAéroport de la Rochelle
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.
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 : CHF28.50 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(2 reviews)
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The David team
5/5
(4 reviews)
• 6 stays
Basée à Saint-Denis d'Oléron, l'agence de notre expert local a été co-fondée en 2024 par David et Cynthia. David, marin aguerri et moniteur diplômé d'État, rend la navigation accessible et sécurisée, tandis que Cynthia assure une gestion logistique réactive et bienveillante. Spécialisé dans les stages-croisières sur un Pogo 8.5 m, notre expert local propose des itinéraires sur mesure vers l'île d'Yeu ou les îles du Pertuis, privilégiant un encadrement personnalisé limité à quatre stagiaires.
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Best price guaranteed:
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