• Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
  • Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran
The Calanques

Heading for the Calanques: Introduction to sailing on a catamaran

4,3/5 (10 reviews)
Réf : JYZHOV

In summary

  • Sports
    Sailing
  • Duration
    3 days
  • Level
    Beginner

    Levels

    Sailing
    Beginner
    For those who have never sailed and wish to discover sailing over a short weekend.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to complete their Level 1 "first tacks" certification and discover the various crew roles and basic maneuvers.
    Confirmed
    For those who have completed an FFV-affiliated sailing course within the past two years, OR for those who have sailed for more than five days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length within the past year, having participated in routine maneuvers and docking operations.
    Advanced
    For those who have already completed a 4- or 5-day advanced training course at an FFV-affiliated center. You have already sailed for more than 10 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, and course tracking (including dead reckoning). A coastal boating license and an FRR (radio certificate) are not mandatory but are recommended.
    Expert
    For those who have already completed an intermediate-level course (*stage évolution*) at an FFV-affiliated center. You have sailed for more than 20 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in: docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, course tracking and dead reckoning, and watch-keeping. OR For those capable of single-handed maneuvers (reefing, tacking, gybing) or who have sailed as skipper (charter or private). The coastal license, CRR (Short Range Certificate), and offshore license are recommended for this level but are not mandatory.
  • Destination
    Bouches-du-Rhône / The Calanques
  • Age
    From 18 - 75 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    26.7 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    French

In a few words

Discover the joys of cruising on a keelboat during a weekend introductory sailing course in the Mediterranean, departing from Marseille . For two days and two nights, embark on a spacious and comfortable catamaran , perfectly suited for learning and cruising. Under the supervision of a certified FFV (French Sailing Federation) instructor , this "Introduction/Discovery" level course (FFV1) will allow you to acquire the basics of sailing in complete safety. Explore an exceptional setting, between the Frioul Islands and the unspoiled landscapes of the Calanques National Park , while enjoying an immersive and enriching experience at sea.

The highlights

  • A state-certified sailing instructor (BE), specializing in courses on habitable catamarans
  • An introduction to sailing over a weekend course on a Lagoon catamaran
  • A maximum of seven trainees for personalized learning and comfort on the boat
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Payment in 2 installments
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Photos

Sport

Level

Sailing

Beginner

Levels

Sailing
Beginner
For those who have never sailed and wish to discover sailing over a short weekend.
Intermediate
For those wishing to complete their Level 1 "first tacks" certification and discover the various crew roles and basic maneuvers.
Confirmed
For those who have completed an FFV-affiliated sailing course within the past two years, OR for those who have sailed for more than five days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length within the past year, having participated in routine maneuvers and docking operations.
Advanced
For those who have already completed a 4- or 5-day advanced training course at an FFV-affiliated center. You have already sailed for more than 10 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, and course tracking (including dead reckoning). A coastal boating license and an FRR (radio certificate) are not mandatory but are recommended.
Expert
For those who have already completed an intermediate-level course (*stage évolution*) at an FFV-affiliated center. You have sailed for more than 20 days on a sailboat over 8 meters in length, having participated in: docking maneuvers, sail trimming, chart navigation, course tracking and dead reckoning, and watch-keeping. OR For those capable of single-handed maneuvers (reefing, tacking, gybing) or who have sailed as skipper (charter or private). The coastal license, CRR (Short Range Certificate), and offshore license are recommended for this level but are not mandatory.
For those who have never sailed and wish to discover sailing over a short weekend.

The expert's opinion

You want to discover the joys of sailing and learn the basics aboard a comfortable catamaran. This course is for people with little or no experience on a boat.

In figures

Sailing

  • Average duration/day: 5h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 7 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
Moniteur FFV

You will be supervised by a FFV instructor who will teach you:

  1. Sailing maneuvers
  2. Engine maneuvers
  3. Safety on board
  4. The weather
  5. Common sense at sea and ecology

Professional Instructor - State Diploma.

Management

Security

Safety equipment is provided on board.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
  • map

    Marseille

    • Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    Welcome aboard our comfortable catamaran! Marseille, France's largest port city and one of the most iconic in the Mediterranean, welcomes you. With its commercial, marina, and passenger ports, as well as its role as an Olympic city for the sailing events of the Paris 2024 Games, Marseille is a must-see destination! Your introductory sailing weekend in the Mediterranean begins at 5:00 PM from Port Corbières, in the Bay of Marseille.

    Day 1

Accommodation

🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 2

For the entire duration of the internship, you will be accommodated in a shared double cabin on board a catamaran sailboat. It is possible to reserve a private cabin (optional).


Our Lagoon catamarans feature four double cabins with private bathrooms. The catamarans are equipped with all the necessary safety, cooking, and comfort equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe stay.


*Cabin photos are not contractual; interior layout may vary depending on the model and year of your catamaran.

Access

Departure
Port Corbières, Marseille
Day 1 : 17h00
End of stay
Port Corbières, Marseille
Day 3 - 17h00

Boarding and disembarking from Port Corbières in Marseille.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Marseille Saint-Charles
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby

Parking in Marseille costs approximately €50 per week.

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. Instruction by a FFV instructor
  2. Accommodation on board the boat in a shared double cabin
  3. Validation of your FFV1 level
  4. Boat insurance

The price does not include

  1. Participation in the onboard kitty, estimated at €60 per trainee depending on the costs of provisions, fuel and port - mandatory ( to be paid on site)
  2. Onboard bedding: €40 ( payable to the provider)
  3. FFV sailing passport (mandatory if you do not have an FFV license, valid for all your other FFV training courses until 31/12/2025): €20 ( payable to the provider)
  4. Transport to the port
  5. Personal expenses

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Single cabin : On request
  2. 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

  1. Flippers
  2. Masks
  3. Tubas

Equipment to bring

  1. A headlamp
  2. Sunglasses
  3. Sleeping bag
  4. Sunscreen
  5. Gloves
  6. Toiletry bag

Clothing to bring

  1. Quarter jacket or rain jacket
  2. Shoes with white soles ( no black soles, nor dress shoes )
  3. Swimsuit
  4. Pairs of socks
  5. T-shirts
  6. Pants
  7. Shorts
  8. Polar

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,3/5
(10 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
s

sébastien - 58 ans

october 2026 Alone
Translated from French
This allowed me to confidently find the trip I was looking for.
Published on 20/10/2026
N

Nicolas - 48 ans

september 2026 In a group
Translated from French
Weekend catamaran initiation, pleasant atmosphere overall, perfect teaching method from the skipper. Perfect
Published on 22/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Nicolas, We're delighted to hear from you. Congratulations on this wonderful introduction to catamaran sailing! We're thrilled that you were able to set sail with our expert sailors. The Decathlon Travel Team
H

Hortense - 28 ans

october 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
Incredible! Fantastic sailing instructor, everything was perfect! Thank you
Published on 19/10/2025

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,3/5
(10 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
s

sébastien - 58 ans

october 2026 Alone
Translated from French
This allowed me to confidently find the trip I was looking for.
Published on 20/10/2026
N

Nicolas - 48 ans

september 2026 In a group
Translated from French
Weekend catamaran initiation, pleasant atmosphere overall, perfect teaching method from the skipper. Perfect
Published on 22/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Nicolas, We're delighted to hear from you. Congratulations on this wonderful introduction to catamaran sailing! We're thrilled that you were able to set sail with our expert sailors. The Decathlon Travel Team
H

Hortense - 28 ans

october 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
Incredible! Fantastic sailing instructor, everything was perfect! Thank you
Published on 19/10/2025
M

Michel - 69 ans

september 2025 In a group
Translated from French
Friendly, kind, and well-organized, I highly recommend them.
Published on 30/09/2025
N

Nassima - 43 ans

june 2025 In a group
Translated from French
This short sailing weekend was fantastic, the group was very friendly, as was our skipper, whom I thank for his good humor and excellent teaching skills.
Published on 28/06/2025
C

Claudia - 27 ans

june 2025 In a group
Translated from French
A very good experience on the boat and a very motivated skipper, but note that you have to organize your own food with strangers and pay extra.
Published on 22/06/2025
s

stephane - 55 ans

june 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
It started off well. 1/ The itinerary stated that breakfast was not included and other meals were included (see photo). In the end, what was included was the internet link to the local supermarket. We had to prepare our own food and do our own shopping. 2/ Windlass failure, aging boat, we lost 4 hours at sea and ultimately only had one night at anchor, despite our skipper's good energy. In short, we weren't all able to validate our FFV1 level even though we had all helped with the repairs.
Published on 17/06/2025
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Good morning,


Thank you for your feedback. We regret that this internship did not fully meet your expectations. The €60 kitty, covering meals and shared expenses, was clearly indicated at the time of booking, in prior communications, and on the WhatsApp group. The error regarding included meals was corrected beforehand, without impacting the costs incurred.

The windlass malfunction temporarily delayed the sailing trip, but the training program was completed. Validation of the FFV level depends on specific criteria, regardless of onboard participation.

We hope that, despite everything, you will retain good memories of this experience at sea.


The Decathlon Travel team

a

anais - 36 ans

june 2025 In a group
Translated from French
I found the organization very unprofessional, with hidden fees. The trip description stated that lunch and dinner were included, but in the end, we had to do our own shopping and pay for everything! The boat was old and had two toilets that didn't work… urine and feces were constantly backing up, and the smell was awful! There was also a problem with the genoa; we had to haul up the anchor by hand and couldn't anchor, so we had to stay in port… luckily, the instructor was fantastic, and we were still able to sail and learn. Thankfully, the company did offer some compensation and covered the cost of the night in port, but I really wouldn't travel with Decathlon Travel again; they weren't even capable of offering a goodwill gesture!
Published on 14/06/2025
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Anais,


We sincerely regret your disappointment. A display error regarding meals may have caused confusion, but the €60 onboard kitty, mentioned at the time of booking and reiterated before departure, did indeed cover the shared expenses. No overspending was observed.

Regarding the boat, it has four toilets with manual pumps. Their use is explained during the briefing; improper use can indeed lead to problems. The windlass malfunction was unforeseen, but the instructor was able to adapt the program, and the operator took care of the port on Saturday evening.

We are sorry that this experience has damaged your confidence, despite the efforts made on site.


The Decathlon Travel team

R

Raphaël

june 2025 In a group
Translated from French
A two-day sailing course in Marseille. The goal of discovering sailing was achieved in a beautiful setting. However, validation of Level 1 certification was not possible (the course was short and the weather conditions less than ideal, allowing only half a day of sailing during the entire stay). A breakdown complicated the trip (windlass failure), preventing us from anchoring in the Calanques. This inevitably skews our overall impression of the course. The instructor, however, was resourceful and resourceful in compensating for this unforeseen event.
Published on 14/06/2025
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Raphaël,


Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed the setting and the introduction to sailing. Indeed, unfavorable weather and a technical issue limited some of the planned maneuvers, despite the instructor's efforts to maintain the program.

Validation of the FFV level depends on specific criteria which require optimal conditions and sufficient sailing time.

We hope that this first experience at sea has inspired you to continue the adventure!


The Decathlon Travel team

N

Nicolas

june 2025 Among friends
Translated from French
A fantastic time spent on board with a skipper delighted to share her passion.
Published on 12/06/2025
The Clément team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Clément team

4.6/5 (66 reviews) • 54 stays
Our local partner offers cruises and sailing courses on comfortable catamarans, allowing you to sail in some of the world's most beautiful sailing areas. With departures from Marseille, Ajaccio, Split, Athens, the Grenadines, the Seychelles, and French Polynesia, they welcome 2,500 crew members and passengers each year. Whether you're a beginner looking to discover catamaran sailing or want to hone your skills, you're welcome aboard. Our local partner's team, primarily French-speaking, will be delighted to assist participants in French throughout their maritime adventure.
Discover their team and their trips
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