Weekend sailing course in the Mediterranean from Bandol
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationVar / Toulon
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AgeFrom 6 - 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
French
In a few words
Departing from Bandol , 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 Marseille 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 calanques of Marseille to Porquerolles
Photos
Sport
Level
Snorkeling
The expert's opinion
No prior experience is necessary. This weekend is accessible to everyone, whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious to discover cruising.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
French
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 crossing, punctuated by an unforgettable stay in the Caribbean.
Lionel will be delighted to welcome you aboard to share his passion and experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
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 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:
- the calanques of Cassis and Marseille,
- or the islands of Hyères and Porquerolles.
Throughout the day, you actively participate:
- discovery of gaits,
- sail adjustments,
- steering
- simple maneuvers
- reading the body of water and introduction to the weather.
A lunch break is planned at anchor in a sheltered cove or bay, with the possibility of swimming depending on the season.
At the end of the day, arrival in a wild anchorage or in a port for the night.
A convivial moment on board around dinner, sunset over the Mediterranean and the first immersion into life as a crew.
Day 1 -
Coastal navigation and autonomy
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast on board, we resume sailing, giving more space to practice and autonomy.
This second day allows us to delve deeper into the basics covered the previous day:
- preparing for departure,
- port maneuvers or raising the anchor
- participation in navigation,
- adjusting the sails according to the wind,
- maintaining a course,
- Introduction to cartography and maritime safety.
Depending on the chosen route, we continue exploring the calanques or the coasts around Porquerolles and the Hyères islands.
After a final sail and an end-of-course debriefing, return to port in the late afternoon.
This introductory weekend is designed to introduce you to cruising sailing in a friendly, participatory and safe atmosphere, while enjoying one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Mediterranean.
Day 2
Note
The itinerary remains adaptable depending on weather conditions, sea state and the wishes of the crew.
Accommodation
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
Access
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
Paid and free parking nearby
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation on the sailboat
- Professional skipper services
- Motorized annex
- Mooring fees
- Snorkeling equipment
The price does not include
- The mandatory on-board kitty: estimated at €25 per trainee, per day depending on your food, fuel and port costs.
- 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
- Your sleeping bag. (Bedding option: €60)
- For private use of a double cabin, there is a single supplement of +100%.
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.
