• Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
  • Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay
La Rochelle / France

Sailing course off the coast of La Rochelle and the Bay of Biscay

Réf : VJVPLI

In summary

  • Sports
  • Duration
    12 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    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
    La Rochelle / France
  • Age
    From 18 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    160.2 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

In a few words

Departing from La Rochelle , embark on a 12-day offshore sailing adventure aboard a Sun Kiss 45 , a sailboat designed for the open sea. Depending on the weather conditions, set sail for the Spanish coast or the legendary Isles of Scilly , for a voyage guided by the elements and the spirit of the sea.

This adventure is a true immersion in the high seas . You'll take part in watch shifts , participate in maneuvers, and learn to organize life on board over an extended period. The highlight of the voyage: crossing the legendary Bay of Biscay , a formative experience that will help you gain independence and confidence.

The long voyages, punctuated by six nights at sea , offer a rare experience, between sky and horizon, where the rhythm is synchronized with that of the ocean. The carefully chosen stopovers allow for a combination of technical development , exploration of coastlines, and crew cohesion.

An intense and challenging stay, ideal for those who wish to take their offshore sailing to the next level, develop their skills and experience an extraordinary collective adventure.


The highlights

  • A sailing school accredited by the French Sailing Federation (FFV) allowing for the validation of recognized skill level
  • The number of trainees is limited to 5 to optimize everyone's participation.
  • Supervised by professional instructors, committed to sharing and a friendly atmosphere.
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Photos

Sport

Level

Sailing

Confirmed

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.
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.

In figures

Sailing

  • Average duration/day: 7h30

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 2 to 5 people
Supervisor

Kind and qualified skippers/instructors who love to share their knowledge and passion for the sea in a pedagogical way.

Management

Security

The sailboats are equipped in accordance with regulations for safe navigation; we provide life jackets.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Days 1 to 2
Days 3 to 5
Days 6 to 7
Day 8
Days 9 to 12
  • map

    Welcome and onboarding

    • Activity Sailing
    • Duration of the activity 7h per day
    • Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    The first few days involved coastal sailing around the islands of Oléron, Aix and Ré to get the crew used to sailing.

    Throughout the stopovers, you will discover and practice the maneuvers, each at your own pace.

    The days are structured around anchorages for lunch and nights in port, following a logic of progression and discovery. The itinerary is designed to vary the stops and avoid returning to the same place twice.

    On board, you are fully involved: you take part in the maneuvers, the handling of the sailboat and daily life, in a friendly and educational atmosphere.

    Days 1 to 2

Note

The program is completely dependent on the weather: while Spain is the preferred destination for this internship, the Isles of Scilly could be the second alternative.

Accommodation

🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 12
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 12
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 12
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 12
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 12

Access

Departure
Ponton 45 Port des Minimes 17000 La Rochelle
Day 1 : 10h00
End of stay
Ponton 45 Port des Minimes 17000 La Rochelle
Day 12

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de La Rochelle
Access by plane
The nearest airport isLa Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport (LRH)
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. The framework
  2. Accommodation on board the sailboat
  3. The gas
  4. Diesel fuel

The price does not include

  1. Meals: approximately €10-15/person/day - mandatory
  2. Stopovers in ports other than La Rochelle: approximately €10/person/stopover - mandatory
  3. The FFV Sailing Passport 2026 = €14.50 - mandatory

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment
The Elise team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Elise team

4.8/5 (22 reviews) • 10 stays
With 25 years of experience, our local partner is a sailing school in La Rochelle offering introductory and advanced courses leading to independent sailing. Departing from La Rochelle, participants embark on comfortable sailboats for flexible durations ranging from 2 to 12 days. Under the guidance of a professional skipper-instructor, crews are intentionally limited to 5 people to maximize everyone's participation in sailing maneuvers. Sailing between the islands of Ré, Aix, and Oléron, the agency offers the opportunity to discover iconic ports of call such as Boyardville and the Fier d'Ars, combining technical training with the pleasure of sailing.
Discover their team and their trips
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