• Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
  • Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle
La Rochelle

Monohull sailing initiation and improvement weekend in La Rochelle

4,3/5 (3 reviews)
Réf : DJLQLZ

In summary

  • Sports
    Sailing
  • Duration
    2 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
    Charente-Maritime / La Rochelle
  • Age
    From 18 - 80 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    15.95 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

From one of Europe's largest marinas, the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle, embark on a weekend sailing trip aboard a Dufour 350 Grand Larg e, a monohull renowned for its balance of ease of handling, responsiveness, and comfort. This course, designed for both beginners and experienced sailors looking to solidify their skills (equivalent to FFV levels 1 and 2), offers an ideal setting for improvement . Beyond technical training, you'll sail in the heart of an iconic sailing area on the Atlantic coast : the Pertuis d'Antioche and Pertuis Breton straits, as well as the islands of Aix, Oléron, and Ré. Sheltered from the open sea swell, this area allows you to calmly acquire the fundamentals while enjoying an exceptional natural environment . Between the famous Fort Boyard, the unspoiled beaches, the marine nature park, and remarkable biodiversity—dolphins, migratory birds, and much more—every moment offers its share of wonder. A perfect weekend to learn, gain confidence… and disconnect from everyday life!

The highlights

  • A legendary sailing area on the Atlantic coast
  • Tailor-made learning: maximum 5 trainees
  • Validation of your FFV level and nautical miles covered
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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

A participatory and friendly multi-level training course

All levels, beginners and more experienced , are accepted for this sailing weekend, initiation and improvement level.

You will discover or rediscover the basics of navigation: maneuvers, driving, safety, navigation, map reading, rules of priority, tides, currents…

As a crew member, you'll be fully involved in life on board : managing supplies, preparing meals, and cleaning. This weekend offers a complete immersion in maritime life. A true escape!

In figures

Sailing

  • Average duration/day: 6h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 5 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
Manuel, Moniteur professionnel FFV

Professional instructor - FFV State Diploma

A professional and passionate instructor

Your state-certified sailing instructor knows the sailing area perfectly. You'll set sail in complete safety and discover the history of this sailing area alongside them.

He is passionate about sharing and passing on his knowledge and is experienced in leading sailing courses. He adapts to the skills, training needs, and objectives of each trainee.

Management

Security

Safety equipment provided on board
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
  • map

    La Rochelle, Île d'Aix and Fort Boyard

    • Activity Sailing
    • Duration of the activity 6h
    • Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    Welcome to the Minimes marina in La Rochelle, a true emblem of Atlantic sailing. Your instructor will meet you at 9:30 am to get acquainted, introduce you to the sailboat, and kick off your weekend of sailing! From the very first maneuvers, you'll set course for Île d'Aix, a small island full of character and maritime legends. Nearby stands the iconic Fort Boyard, a landmark monument that seems to rise from the sea.

    Day 1

Note

This program is provided for informational purposes only and may change depending on weather conditions.

Accommodation

🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
  • 🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1

Accommodation in a shared or private double cabin

Access

Departure
Port des Minimes, La Rochelle, France
Day 1 : 09h30
End of stay
Port des Minimes, La Rochelle, France
Day 2 - 17h00

Boarding and disembarking from the port of Les Minimes in La Rochelle.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare SNCF de La Rochelle
Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport de La Rochelle

Regular connections with Lyon, Nice, Marseille, Ajaccio, Brussels, London and Geneva.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Parking is available at the Port des Minimes.

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Notify me of upcoming availability

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. Your Atlantic sailing course on a monohull, taught by a state-certified sailing instructor (BE)
  2. Your accommodation on board in a shared cabin
  3. Validation of your level and the number of miles completed

The price does not include

  1. The onboard kitty: this is estimated at €30 per trainee, depending on your provisioning, fuel, and port fees. Provisioning and meal preparation are managed by the crew during the cruise. - Mandatory
  2. The FFV sailing passport is mandatory, subject to FFV regulations, if you don't already have one (passport option: €20).
  3. Travel expenses to and from the destination
  4. Your personal expenses and costs during any stopovers

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Accommodation in a private double cabin : CHF182.96 / person
  2. Accommodation the night before the internship : CHF73.18 / person
  3. 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 to bring

  1. A flashlight or headlamp
  2. A pair of sunglasses
  3. Sleeping bag and towel
  4. Sunscreen


Clothing to bring

  1. Quarter jacket or rain jacket
  2. Shoes with white or soft soles (no black soles, nor dress shoes)
  3. Swimsuit


They traveled with us

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

Caroline - 33 ans

september 2026 In a group
Translated from French
Top-notch training! And fantastic weather!
Published on 22/09/2026
F

Francois - 27 ans

may 2026 In a couple
Translated from French
Fantastic trip with Manuel from Sail Away, our instructor, who was attentive and adapted to the lack of wind to teach us additional skills (knots, charting, etc.) and allowed us to sail in pleasant conditions suited to different skill levels. The boat was very clean and ideal for learning.
Published on 15/05/2026
A

Alexia - 42 ans

april 2026 In a group
Translated from French
No information was provided before the course, no advice on appropriate attire, I was placed in a course with experienced instructors when I wanted an introductory course, spent the night alone on the boat with a stranger, and sailed in terrible weather… of the two-day course, only the second day was satisfactory. My advice: choose either an introductory or advanced course depending on your skill level, but not both, and be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand: boots and ski gear would have been ideal for this sailing weekend.
Published on 14/04/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Alexia,

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this detailed feedback. We are sorry to hear that your first day of sailing was marred by difficult weather conditions and seasickness, which can indeed make for a challenging experience.

To address your concerns, we place great importance on the preparation of our trainees. A summary email was sent to you on March 27th upon your registration, detailing the list of necessary equipment (sailing jacket, boots, warm clothing) as well as how life on board works (nights on the boat, shared cabins).

This course is designed as an introduction for levels 1 and 2, which sometimes involves a mix of levels allowing beginners to learn in contact with slightly more experienced practitioners, under the supervision of our instructor.

We are delighted that the second, more favorable day met your expectations. Your comments regarding the separation of levels have been noted and are helping us to improve our teaching methods.

We wish you many more wonderful sailing trips, perhaps under a more generous sun!

Sincerely,

They traveled with us

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

Caroline - 33 ans

september 2026 In a group
Translated from French
Top-notch training! And fantastic weather!
Published on 22/09/2026
F

Francois - 27 ans

may 2026 In a couple
Translated from French
Fantastic trip with Manuel from Sail Away, our instructor, who was attentive and adapted to the lack of wind to teach us additional skills (knots, charting, etc.) and allowed us to sail in pleasant conditions suited to different skill levels. The boat was very clean and ideal for learning.
Published on 15/05/2026
A

Alexia - 42 ans

april 2026 In a group
Translated from French
No information was provided before the course, no advice on appropriate attire, I was placed in a course with experienced instructors when I wanted an introductory course, spent the night alone on the boat with a stranger, and sailed in terrible weather… of the two-day course, only the second day was satisfactory. My advice: choose either an introductory or advanced course depending on your skill level, but not both, and be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand: boots and ski gear would have been ideal for this sailing weekend.
Published on 14/04/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Hello Alexia,

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this detailed feedback. We are sorry to hear that your first day of sailing was marred by difficult weather conditions and seasickness, which can indeed make for a challenging experience.

To address your concerns, we place great importance on the preparation of our trainees. A summary email was sent to you on March 27th upon your registration, detailing the list of necessary equipment (sailing jacket, boots, warm clothing) as well as how life on board works (nights on the boat, shared cabins).

This course is designed as an introduction for levels 1 and 2, which sometimes involves a mix of levels allowing beginners to learn in contact with slightly more experienced practitioners, under the supervision of our instructor.

We are delighted that the second, more favorable day met your expectations. Your comments regarding the separation of levels have been noted and are helping us to improve our teaching methods.

We wish you many more wonderful sailing trips, perhaps under a more generous sun!

Sincerely,
The Clément team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Clément team

4.6/5 (62 reviews) • 46 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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