Sailing course in the southern islands of Ponant
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationLorient / Brittany
-
AgeFrom 14 - 80 years
-
CO₂-Emissions180.02 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
The Glénan Islands, Groix, Belle-Île, Houat, Hoëdic, Yeu… So many Atlantic gems nestled off the coasts of Morbihan and Vendée: a refreshing and invigorating getaway aboard our large crewed monohulls. Between turquoise coves, secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, and charming villages, each island reveals its unique character and maritime energy.
An ideal learning ground for crew members seeking discovery and wishing to begin or improve their coastal sailing skills. A 7-day sailing trip, exploring the southern islands of the Ponant archipelago by sea, improving your navigation skills and savoring life in rhythm with the wind, tides, and four seasons.
If you are wondering where the name "Îles du Ponant" comes from, know that "Ponant" means "sunset", as opposed to sunrise.
Discovering these islands of the Atlantic coast by sailboat is the best way to get to know them! Sometimes rugged, often gentle, the islands of Ponant possess the riches inherent to insularity: nature, authenticity, respect and uniqueness.
The highlights
-
A traveling exploration of the southern islands of Ponant
-
Active participation in coastal navigation and life on board
-
Island hopping excursions
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 6h30
Management
French
English
On board, a crew of two professional sailors supervises the crew. The skipper and first mate are qualified and hold the Captain 200 Sailing Certificate and State Diploma. They are there for supervision, safety, training, and onboard activities.
Depending on individual goals, the fundamentals of sailing (basic maneuvers, steering, safety, etc.) are covered, as well as learning the vocabulary and how to steer your boat. You'll learn sail trimming, steering, and anchoring techniques. Everyone can learn at their own pace!
Program
-
Home & Equipment
- Transportation Boat - 05h - 40km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departing from the port of Lorient La Base, customer reception at 08:30.
Snack and introduction of the crew.
Round table discussion with introductions and expectations from each person.
Discovering the boat: deck plan and interior.
Presentation of the navigation program according to weather conditions.
The goal is to be able to reach the 6 southern islands of Ponant (Groix, Belle Ile, Les Glénan, Houat, Hoëdic, Yeu) during the stay.
Setting up the sheets and headsails.
Rigging and hoisting the sails.
Coastal sailing to Groix, Belle Ile or Les Glénan (according to the provisional 7-day program).
Preparation and lunch at sea.
Anchorage with the possibility of landing by tender on the island according to the schedule.
Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 1 -
From island to island
- Transportation Boat - 06h - 40km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up and have breakfast at anchor.
Depending on the weather and the program agreed upon, we will sail towards a second island (Groix, Belle Ile, Houat, Hoëdic) depending on the anchorage on day 1.
Day sailing with lunch at sea or at anchor depending on the desired sailing pace.
Anchoring in the evening in the lee of an island.
Landing possible by tender for a stroll or a drink ashore.
Preparing dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 2 -
From island to island
- Transportation Boat - 06h - 50km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up and have breakfast at anchor.
Depending on the weather and the program agreed upon, we will sail towards a third island (Belle Ile, Houat, Hoëdic) depending on the anchorage on day 2.
Day sailing with lunch at sea or at anchor depending on the desired sailing pace.
Anchoring in the evening in the lee of an island.
Landing possible by tender for a stroll or a drink ashore.
Preparing dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 3 -
From island to island
- Transportation Boat - 08h - 80km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up and have breakfast at anchor.
Depending on the weather and the program agreed upon, we will sail towards a fourth island (Yeu) depending on the anchorage on day 3.
Day sailing with lunch at sea or at anchor depending on the desired sailing pace.
Anchoring in the evening downwind of the island.
Landing possible by tender for a stroll or a drink ashore.
Preparing dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 4 -
From island to island
- Transportation Boat - 08h - 80km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up and have breakfast at anchor.
Depending on the weather and the program agreed upon, we will sail towards a fifth island (Houat, Hoëdic or Belle Ile) depending on the anchorage on day 4.
Day sailing with lunch at sea or at anchor depending on the desired sailing pace.
Anchoring in the evening downwind of the island.
Landing possible by tender for a stroll or a drink ashore.
Preparing dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 5 -
From island to island
- Transportation Boat - 06h - 40km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up and have breakfast at anchor.
Depending on the weather and the program agreed upon, we will sail towards a fifth island (Houat, Hoëdic or Belle Ile) depending on the anchorage on day 5.
Day sailing with lunch at sea or at anchor depending on the desired sailing pace.
Anchoring in the evening downwind of the island.
Landing possible by tender for a stroll or a drink ashore.
Preparing dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 6 -
Navigation back to Lorient
- Transportation Boat - 06h - 50km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Wake up and have breakfast at anchor.
Departure and return navigation to Lorient.
Daytime sailing with lunch at sea.
Arrival in mid/late afternoon at the port of Lorient La Base.
Crew members tidying up and disembarking.
Day 7
Note
The navigation program is defined according to the forecast weather conditions but also the navigation pace desired by the crew (from 4 to 8 hours per day).
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
TGV station 3 hours from Paris.
Price details
The price includes
- Boarding a 21m monohull with a crew of two professional sailors departing from Lorient.
- Single bed in a double or triple cabin
- Liability insurance
- Full board
- Consumables
- Fuel
The price does not include
- Bedding kit
- Possible stopover in a port
- Personal expenses on land
- Night on board the night before the internship or the last day of the internship
Options
- BEDDING KIT : CHF56.72 / unit
- NIGHT ON BOARD : CHF32.02 / unit
- SEAWEAR RENTAL : CHF32.02 / unit
- 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
- VFI (life jacket) with 3-point tether.
Equipment to bring
- Pair of tennis shoes (rubber sole, not plastic)
- Pair of boots (or a second pair of deck shoes/tennis shoes)
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towel
- Wipes
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
Clothing to bring
- Sails jacket
- Quarter overalls
- Polar
- Thermal clothing
- Glove
- Cap
- Cap
- Shorts or Bermuda shorts
The Valdo team
Based in Lorient, our local partner, École Française de Croisière, offers the opportunity to embark on exceptional 21m sailboats with crew for coastal, semi-offshore and offshore courses, as well as offshore races (Rolex Fastnet Race, Caribbean 600, Atlantic Rally for Cruisers…).
His professional team accompanies crew members to Brittany, the Isles of Scilly, Ireland, the Caribbean, or New York. He offers a variety of experiences, from training for novices to transatlantic crossings, as well as tailor-made corporate events (team building, seminars) on legendary monohulls.
