Weekend sailing course in the Lérins Islands and the Esterel
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Alpes-Maritimes
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions15.95 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
An exceptional seaside getaway awaits you departing from Golfe-Juan . This long weekend takes you to the heart of the most beautiful treasures of the French Riviera: the legendary Cap d'Antibes , the wild Lérins Islands and the flamboyant Calanques of the Estérel .
Under the expert guidance of a professional skipper , learn the fundamentals of sailing . Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, you'll actively participate in maneuvers by steering or hoisting the sails. For those who are curious, the captain will share their passion through instruction on marine weather , chart reading, and GPS use.
Beyond learning, this trip prioritizes disconnecting from everyday life. Enjoy precious moments of relaxation overlooking turquoise waters. The journey is punctuated by independent exploration activities: take advantage of stopovers to stroll ashore, explore the seabed while snorkeling , or glide across the water on a stand-up paddleboard . A complete human and sporting adventure to escape and explore the coastline from a new perspective.
The highlights
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The monitor is an experienced, passionate, and available navigator.
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A modern and high-performance sailboat, combining racing and cruising.
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A very beautiful sailing area, from the Lérins Islands to the Esterel coves
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
English
After an initial career as a computer engineer, Marianne chose to give her life a new direction by moving closer to the sea, an environment that attracts her as much for its calm as for its demands.
For the past ten years, Marianne has sailed regularly, whether on Mediterranean cruises or on more distant projects, notably to Antarctica, the Arctic, and three Atlantic crossings. These voyages have allowed her to gain experience, better understand boats, and become familiar with a variety of conditions.
She also enjoys scuba diving, skiing and snowboarding, activities that complement her relationship with the elements and enrich her approach to teaching at sea: observation, anticipation and confidence.
Based in the south of France, she now sails mainly in the Mediterranean aboard MadMax , a comfortable and well-prepared Dufour 410 for teaching.
What Marianne prefers:
- the pleasure of life on board,
- a progression adapted to each individual's pace,
- simple and concrete explanations,
- Security as the guiding principle.
- friendliness and mutual support on board.
Philippe is a family man and a professional firefighter in the Alpes-Maritimes.
His journey, both personal and professional, has taught him rigor, kindness in difficult times, and the value of mutual support.
As he approached retirement, he chose to dedicate himself fully to a long-held passion: sailing.
Initially self-taught, he made his debut on his first cruising sailboat. Very quickly, regular practice, then participation in regattas on different boats, allowed him to acquire solid experience.
Observing, analyzing, experimenting, and practicing have led him to now happily share his knowledge and expertise. He adapts to everyone's expectations: beginners, crew members wishing to improve, or enthusiasts seeking new experiences.
Program
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Boarding and first sailings
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The crew will be welcomed in the morning at the port and the boat will be presented over coffee.
After a safety briefing and an introduction to how the sailboat works, we prepare for departure together: organizing the onboard space, tidying up, checking the equipment and learning the basics of navigation.
We then leave the port for our first sail in the Mediterranean. Depending on the weather conditions, we will head towards:
- towards the Lérins Islands,
- Cap d'Antibes,
- or the wild coves of the Estérel massif.
Lunch break at anchor in a sheltered bay with the possibility of swimming, snorkeling or paddleboarding depending on the crew's wishes.
The afternoon allows for a deeper exploration of the sensations under sail and a gradual discovery of life on a cruising sailboat:
- boat management under sail
- bar/sail balance
- observation of the wind and the body of water,
- participation in port or anchoring maneuvers.
At the end of the day, we set up our anchorage or port for the night in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Dinner shared on board, sunset over the Mediterranean and first immersion in crew life.
Day 1 -
Coastal navigation and introduction to cruising
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast on board, we resume sailing, giving more space to practice and autonomy.
The trainees participate gradually:
- to the maneuvers,
- to the tacks,
- to the handling of the sailboat,
- to sail adjustments according to wind and point of sail.
This second day also allows us to cover the basics of coastal navigation:
- reading nautical charts
- signage,
- safety at sea
- orientation relative to the wind,
- use of landmarks and coastal landscape.
Depending on the weather, we will continue our exploration:
- anchorages around the Lérins Islands,
- the red cliffs of the Estérel,
- or the coastline of Cap d'Antibes.
A new break at anchor allows you to fully enjoy the Mediterranean setting: swimming in turquoise water, relaxing on deck and discovering the coast from the sea.
After a final sail and a group debriefing, we returned to the port of Golfe-Juan in the late afternoon.
This introductory sailing course is designed to introduce you to cruising in the Mediterranean in a friendly, safe and participatory atmosphere, while enjoying one of the most beautiful bodies of water on the French Riviera.
Day 2
Note
The itinerary remains adaptable depending on weather conditions, sea state and the wishes of the crew.
Accommodation
Mad Max is a Dufour 410 Grand Large; this sailboat has 3 double cabins. There are two bathrooms and two toilets.
Snorkeling equipment on board. Motorized tender
My Dream is a Dufour 460 Grand Large, a spacious, high-performance sailboat perfectly suited for training, discovery or advanced sailing, and for cruising in the Mediterranean
Access
Ideally located between Cannes and Antibes, the old port of Golfe-Juan welcomes you to the sunny French Riviera in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The boat will be moored alongside the quayside for easy provisioning and luggage loading.
Go to the starting point
The SNCF train station is located a 7-minute walk from the port.
The best way to get from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) to Golfe-Juan is by train, which takes 20 min and costs €2 - €7. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which costs €3 and takes 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Take the A8 motorway, exit 44 "Antibes", towards Vallauris – Golfe-Juan, then follow the coast towards Cannes / Juan les Pins / Nice.
Park your vehicle in the port car park reserved for pleasure craft or in the municipal car park of the Old Port located near the piers towards the islands.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation on the sailboat
- Professional skipper services
- Motorized annex
- Mooring fees
- Snorkeling equipment
The price does not include
- Mandatory onboard expenses: estimated at €25 per trainee, per day, depending on your food, fuel, and port costs. - mandatory, payable on site
- The FFV sailing passport is mandatory, subject to FFV regulations (€14.50)
- Sailing school membership: individual: €5 / family: €10 / group (private rental): €15
- Travel expenses to and from the destination
- Your personal expenses and costs during any stopovers
Options
- 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
- Fins, masks, snorkel
- Paddles
Equipment to bring
- A flashlight or headlamp
- A pair of sunglasses
- Sleeping bag and towel
- Sunscreen
Clothing to bring
- Quarter jacket or rain jacket
- Shoes with white or soft soles (no black soles, nor dress shoes)
- Swimsuit
The Lionel team
A sailing school in the Mediterranean, our local expert is dedicated to teaching and the joy of sailing. His team of qualified instructors guides each student with care and attention, from beginners to experienced sailors. From Marseille to the Lérins Islands, he offers a variety of options: independent sailing courses, family outings, or private coaching. Our local expert also provides training for careers in nautical leadership, guaranteeing safe progression in a friendly and authentic environment.
