Crossing the Bay of Biscay by sailboat between Oléron and Gijón
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationCharente-Maritime / Oléron Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions93.45 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a unique and enriching offshore sailing immersion during an intense round-trip crossing between the Île d'Oléron and Gijón , in the heart of Spanish Asturias . The Bay of Biscay , renowned for its challenging seas and ever-changing conditions, is one of Europe's premier training grounds for demanding sailing . Aboard the Pogo 8.50 , a fast, seaworthy, and Atlantic-ready performance sailboat, you'll become a fully active crew member. Your technical training will encompass maneuvering in all weather conditions , night watchkeeping , and weather routing using QTVLM . To ensure high-quality, precise instruction, a certified sailing instructor and expert offshore racer will lead a small group of no more than three people . Depending on the weather and timing, stopovers in Asturian ports will punctuate your maritime adventure before you begin the return journey. This complete one-week loop is aimed at people who have already sailed 24 hours on a habitable boat or validated an FFV course.
The highlights
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Supervision by a qualified professional skipper, certified sailing instructor with 20 years of experience
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Aboard a POGO 8.5, a fast, seaworthy monohull sailboat with modern equipment
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Offshore sailing, ideal for challenging yourself and progressing
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
Management
French
English
Program
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Crossing the Bay of Biscay (Round Trip)
- Activity Sailing
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On board, and throughout the course, you'll take the helm, participate in maneuvers, and discover the routing software we'll be using. David will also explain the influence of currents and local weather in the Pertuis Breton. He'll show you how to trim the sails, from basic to optimal settings. Right-of-way rules and safety at sea will also be covered. David will also explain the operation and usefulness of the onboard instruments (autopilot). Finally, you'll learn how to calculate tides and plot a position on a chart.
Note
The program is indicative and subject to David's discretion. It may be modified if weather conditions require it, and this at David's sole and absolute discretion.
Accommodation
During the stopover on Saturday evening in Saint Denis d'Oléron, you will be accommodated on board our sailboat.
You may have to share your cabin with another intern.
Access
- Departure from La Rochelle is possible upon request and subject to availability (schedule, tides). Please mention your wish to depart from La Rochelle when registering, and we will inform you if it is possible (this depends primarily on the tides).
- Optional (paid) car transfer from La Rochelle to Saint Denis d'Oléron available (see options)
- It is possible to sleep on the sailboat the night before departure (a contribution of €20 per person is requested).
- The exact departure and arrival times are subject to the tides and will be communicated to you once the booking is confirmed.
Go to the starting point
🚆 Getting to Saint-Denis d'Oléron by train + bus
Since the island of Oléron is not served by train, access is easily achieved by combining train and bus.
You can take the train to Surgères, Rochefort or La Rochelle.
- Surgères > Saint Denis: line 154
- La Rochelle > Saint Denis: line 155 from March to September
- Rochefort > Saint Denis: line 154
We recommend checking bus schedules in advance, especially outside of peak season, as frequencies may be limited.
You can park for free in the public car park which is 100m from the port.
In general, it is not difficult to find space outside of July and August.
Price details
The price includes
- Stopover and overnight stay on board (including a stop in Gijon)
- Theoretical and practical training over 7 days
- Supervised by David, a certified sailing instructor.
- Accommodation on board the sailboat
- Port fees, diesel fuel and mooring
- Passenger navigation insurance
The price does not include
- Meals on board (a collection box is available) - payable locally between €10-15/day
- Transportation to the starting point
- Personal expenses during stopovers
- Personal equipment (shoes, raincoat, etc.)
- Extra activities
Options
- Transfer by car from La Rochelle the day before departure : CHF27.44 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Carry a valid identity document (passport, identity card, etc.)
A list of documents will be sent to you before the internship (certificate of liability, medical form, etc.)
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and the health recommendations of the country where the internship takes place.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Life jackets and lanyards
Equipment to bring
- Sheets
- Sleeping bag
Clothing to bring
- A list of clothing to bring will be sent to you once your stay is booked.
The David team
Based in Saint-Denis d'Oléron, our local expert's agency was co-founded in 2024 by David and Cynthia. David, a seasoned sailor and state-certified instructor, makes sailing accessible and safe, while Cynthia provides responsive and supportive logistical management. Specializing in sailing courses and cruises on an 8.5m Pogo, our local expert offers tailor-made itineraries to the Île d'Yeu or the Pertuis islands, prioritizing personalized instruction limited to four participants.
