7-day sailing course in the Mediterranean departing from Golfe Juan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 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-Emissions82.37 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Departing from Golfe Juan , enjoy a unique introduction to sailing aboard a comfortable and easy-to-handle sailboat . This active trip is designed to teach you the fundamentals of life on board and help you master the marine environment, all within the magnificent setting of the Mediterranean coastline.
Under the expert guidance of your instructor, you will learn sailing techniques and how to read a nautical chart . From preparing the boat to making precise adjustments for different points of sail, every maneuver becomes a learning opportunity: maintaining a course, changing tack, or managing propulsion under power and sail. Understanding tides and essential onboard safety protocols will also be central to your learning progression.
Drifting with the winds, your course will lead you towards the spectacular Calanques of the Estérel or the unspoiled landscapes of the Porquerolles islands . This maritime escape perfectly combines technical training, awareness of the local ecosystem, regular swimming , and shore excursions during stopovers. An unforgettable first experience, ideal for discovering new nautical horizons independently.
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 Porquerolles Islands
Photos
Sport
Level
Snorkeling
The expert's opinion
No prior experience is necessary. This trip is accessible to everyone, whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious to discover cruising.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Snorkeling
- Average duration/day: 0h30
Management
French
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 prioritizes:
- 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 4h
- Activity Snorkeling
- 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 an introduction to the boat, the crew and a safety briefing, we prepare the sailboat together for departure: putting away equipment, discovering how the boat works and first notions of life on board.
As soon as you leave the port, it's time to set sail. This introductory sailing course allows you to gradually discover the basics of cruising:
- getting to grips with the boat,
- discovery of gaits,
- sail adjustment,
- steering
- Travel and safety on board.
Depending on the weather conditions, we set our course:
- To the West: Esterel, Agay, Cap Taillat, St Tropez, Porquerolles, Bregançon,
- or eastward, towards Italy, San Remo, Villefranche, Menton, Ventimiglia
Lunch break at anchor with the possibility of swimming in a sheltered cove or bay.
At the end of the day, we'll settle in for the night at anchor or in the port. Enjoy our first sunset at sea and a convivial dinner on board.
Day 1 -
Coastal navigation and crew life
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast on board, we resume sailing, giving more time to practice.
The interns actively participate:
- to the maneuvers,
- to changes of tack,
- to the handling of the sailboat,
- adjusting the sails according to the wind.
This day also provides an opportunity to learn the basics of navigation:
- reading nautical charts
- signage,
- security,
- weather report,
- orientation relative to the wind.
Sailing along the Mediterranean coast with exploration of new anchorages and discovery of the iconic landscapes of the calanques or the Var islands.
Evening on board in a cruise atmosphere, sharing of onboard tasks and night at anchor or in port.
Day 2 -
Initial autonomy
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Activity Snorkeling
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This third day allows one to gradually gain autonomy.
The interns are taking more initiative:
- preparation for departures,
- organization of maneuvers,
- participation in navigation and route selection.
Work on:
- tacks,
- gybes,
- the boat's balance,
- crew coordination.
Depending on the conditions, more sustained navigation with the possibility of sailing under spinnaker or longer sailing durations between two stopovers.
Anchoring in a wild bay or stopping over in a typical Mediterranean port.
Day 3 -
Cruising and anchoring
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The cruise continues at the pace of the wind and the weather.
This day focuses on:
- anticipation,
- observation of the body of water,
- sail settings,
- route management.
The trainees also discover:
- wetting techniques,
- port maneuvers,
- managing life on board over several days.
Free time available on land to explore coastal villages, beaches or coastal paths.
Day 4 -
Active navigation and security
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After several days on board, everyone gradually finds their place in the crew and naturally participates in the running of the boat.
This day is dedicated to in-depth study:
- sail adjustments
- maintaining course,
- maneuvers,
- security.
Possible exercises:
- man overboard
- reefing,
- reduction of sail area,
- The boat stopped.
Sailing to new anchorages with swimming and a convivial evening on board.
Day 5 -
Excellent navigation and autonomy
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the weather, this day can be devoted to a longer sailing trip in order to discover the organization of a real coastal cruise.
The interns participate in:
- to the preparation of the road,
- upon reading the weather forecast,
- to navigation choices,
- to the organization of the shifts.
Objective: to gain confidence and understand the overall functioning of a habitable sailboat during cruising.
Last evening on board in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Day 6 -
Return to port and debriefing
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Final sail to the port of arrival.
This final day allows us to review the concepts covered during the week:
- boat preparation
- maneuvers,
- navigation,
- security,
- life in a crew.
Group debriefing at the end of the course, personalized progress assessment and possible validation of FFVoile levels according to the skills acquired.
This introductory sailing course is designed to allow everyone to discover cruising in the Mediterranean, progress technically and experience a true human adventure in one of the most beautiful sailing areas in France.
Day 7
Note
Subject to availability, you will be accompanied by one of the instructors and will sail on one of the boats presented in the description of your stay.
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
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
- Transportation to the place of stay
- 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
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
They traveled with us
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.
