Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
/ Var
5-day sailing course: Advanced and independent sailing, levels 3 and 4 (FFV certified)
4,8/5
(4 reviews)
Réf : VOMEAJ
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Var
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Departing from Bandol , this intensive cruising sailboat course is designed for sailors eager to take a decisive step towards independence in coastal navigation . Conceived to validate FFVoile levels 3 and 4 , this technical course immerses you in real-world conditions in the heart of the Mediterranean , between the majestic calanques of Cassis and Porquerolles and the splendid Hyères Islands .
Throughout this training, you will develop the essential skills to safely manage a sailboat . From route planning to crew leadership, you will actively participate in onboard decision-making and learn to stand watch as skipper under supervision. The training includes mastering maneuvers day and night in a variety of conditions.
This immersive experience will allow you to acquire supervised autonomy , an essential prerequisite for confidently considering sailboat charters , offshore cruising , or pursuing professional training such as the CQP IV ( Professional Qualification Certificate Level 4) or sailing instructor certification. It's an ideal opportunity to hone your seamanship skills and permanently transform your sailing practice.
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 calanques of Marseille to Porquerolles
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Photos
Sport
Level
Snorkeling
For those who engage in sports activities once or twice a week. You want to discover your limits and push past them, yet you do not necessarily possess an advanced technical background.
The expert's opinion
The advanced level 3 sailing courses cover all areas of expertise.
These training courses promote consistent and balanced progress, alternating between maneuver practice sessions and periods of sailing towards a destination. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of achievement in a FFVoile logbook.
The Level 4 autonomous sailing courses are aimed at sailors wishing to take a decisive step towards autonomy in coastal navigation. This level corresponds to supervised autonomy.
essential for considering sailboat rental, offshore cruising or professional training (CQP IV, sailing instructor).
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
During this stay, several supervisors will be present to guide and assist you, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Band :
1 supervisor for 2 to 4 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Lionel
Lionel
Lionel has always been passionate about watersports: he took his first tacks on a dinghy at the age of 5!
It was only natural that he obtained his Federal Instructor certification for habitable boats at the Glénans sailing school.
He then continued his career as a base manager at the Miramas nautical club, after obtaining his State Sailing Certificate in Marseille.
In parallel, he competed in Olympic windsurfing (Mistral One Design) at a low international level and then became a PACA league coach in Olympic windsurfing.
Also holding a state diploma in water skiing, he created Water Free Gliss, a school for water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, wake skating... in Saint Laurent du Var.
Then, at 40, he became captain of his own sailboat, a Sun Fast 43, with which he undertook a crossing of the Mediterranean from Bandol, a round-trip transatlantic voyage, punctuated by an unforgettable stay in the Caribbean. Upon his return, he decided to create his own sailing school.
Lionel will be delighted to welcome you aboard to share his passion and experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Vincent
Vincent
Vincent has been sailing cruises since the age of 10, and racing since he was 15.
First in the English Channel between Cotentin, Brittany, England and Ireland, then in the Mediterranean since the 2000s.
His motivation today: to transmit and share his passion for sailing and the sea, during sailing discovery days, sailing courses, or Mediterranean cruises.
Having recently retired, he finally finds the time to turn his passion into his profession.
Program
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Boarding and assessment of acquired skills
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Crew welcome at the port of Bandol. After the presentation of the sailboat, the safety equipment and the organization of the week, we prepare the boat together for departure.
This first day allows the instructor to assess each person's technical level in order to adapt the teaching program and practical exercises.
From the moment they leave the port, the trainees actively participate:
- boat preparation
- departure maneuvers,
- sail adjustment,
- steering
- driving at different speeds.
Depending on the weather conditions, the training camp will head towards:
- towards the calanques of Marseille and Cassis,
- or towards the islands of Hyères and Porquerolles.
Initial theoretical reminders:
- security,
- roles on board
- rules of the road,
- reading the wind and the water surface.
Overnight stay at anchor or in port in a friendly and participatory atmosphere
Day 1 -
Navigation techniques and crew coordination
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day is dedicated to perfecting basic technical skills and coordinating crew maneuvers.
Objectives addressed:
- mastery of tacks and gybes,
- precise handling of the sailboat
- bar/sail balance
- maintaining a course,
- trajectory optimization.
Trainees learn to analyze the effects of the wind and to adapt the settings according to the speed and the state of the sea.
Cruising along the Mediterranean coast with alternating stops:
- training sequences,
- periods of travel,
- Anchorages and swimming.
Introduction to:
- mapping,
- the use of GPS,
- the alignments and landmarks,
- the development of a simple route.
Day 2 -
Coastal navigation and progressive autonomy
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
As the internship progresses, the crew members take on more responsibility in organizing navigation.
This third day focuses on:
- anticipating maneuvers,
- travel on board,
- priority management,
- Crew communication.
Specific task:
- reefing,
- sail adjustment,
- boat handling in a breeze,
- safety maneuvers,
- Man overboard.
Depending on the weather conditions, there may be more sustained sailing in order to work on sailboat handling in varied conditions.
Anchoring in a secluded cove or stopping over in a Mediterranean port.
Day 3 -
Route management and preparation for autonomy
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day is geared towards the skills needed to obtain FFVoile levels 3 and 4.
The interns participate in:
- the development of the road,
- weather analysis,
- the choice of trajectories,
- the preparation of the maneuvers,
- the organization of the ship.
Further details:
- map navigation,
- GPS coordinates
- navigation safety
- choice of an anchorage,
- managing a departure or arrival at the port.
The objective is to progressively develop the technical and decision-making autonomy of the team members.
Day 4 -
Practical application and skills validation
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last day of sailing with application of all the skills worked on during the internship.
The interns take turns:
- preparing the boat,
- the maneuvers,
- driving,
- navigation,
- security,
- crew coordination.
Depending on the level achieved and skills validated during the week, validation may be possible:
- of Level 3 FFVoile (progression),
- or preparation for FFVoile Level 4 (autonomy).
Return to port in the afternoon for the end-of-training debriefing.
This advanced training and autonomy course allows you to progress quickly thanks to a complete immersion in a liveaboard cruise, in one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the Mediterranean, between coves, islands and wild anchorages.
Day 5
Note
The itinerary can be adapted depending on weather conditions, sea state, and the crew's preferences. Subject to availability, you will be accompanied by one of the instructors and will sail on one of the boats described in your trip itinerary.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 4
Iti Manawa, Sun Fast 43, has 3 double cabins and two settees in the saloon. There are two bathrooms and two toilets.
Snorkeling and paddleboarding equipment on board. Motorized tender
🚢 Sailing cruise ship
🚢 Sailing cruise ship
Access
Departure
Bandol, France
Day 1
: 09h00
End of stay
Bandol, France
Day 5
- 18h00
The boat will be moored in the port; we will inform you of its location the day before or the morning of your arrival.
Departure possible from St Mandrier or Les Embiez, please contact us.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare de Bandol
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Paid and free parking nearby
Would you like to travel on other dates?
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Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation on the sailboat
- Professional skipper services
- Motorized annex
- Mooring fees
- Snorkeling equipment
The price does not include
- Mandatory on-site kitty : estimated at €25 per trainee, per day, depending on your food, fuel, and port expenses. - 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
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Your personal expenses and costs during any stopovers
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,8/5
(4 reviews)
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Lionel team
4.4/5
(12 reviews)
• 12 stays
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.
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Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
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