Offshore sailing course on a catamaran: from La Rochelle to Corsica
In summary
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Sports
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Duration25 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationLa Rochelle / Corsica
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions320.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a unique maritime adventure aboard a modern and comfortable catamaran , the Lagoon 42 (2026). This offshore sailing course is designed for those who wish to hone their offshore sailing skills while enjoying an intense and enriching experience . Departing from La Rochelle , you will cross the Bay of Biscay , sail along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts , pass through the Strait of Gibraltar , and sail to Propriano in Corsica . Over the course of the nautical miles, you will develop your skills in route planning, weather analysis, sail trimming , and managing commercial routes, ports, and anchorages . Guided by professionals, you will learn to anticipate the challenges of offshore sailing while enjoying breathtaking seascapes. Adrenaline, learning, and discovery will punctuate this ideal crossing to enhance your independence at sea. Whether you're a passionate sailor or seeking new challenges, this course offers an unforgettable experience , blending technical skills and adventure , in the heart of the vast ocean.
The highlights
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A state-certified sailing instructor, specializing in catamaran sailing school
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A voyage with legendary crossings: the Bay of Biscay, Gibraltar, the Mediterranean
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Validation of your FFV level and the number of miles sailed
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
The expert's opinion
Long-distance offshore sailing course. Navigation involves the participation of each crew member in the different aspects of navigation (day and night watches) as well as in life on board.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 10h
Management
French
You will be supervised by a FFV instructor who will teach you:
- Sailing maneuvers
- Engine maneuvers
- Safety on board
- The weather
- Common sense at sea and ecology
Professional Instructor - State Diploma.
Program
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Boarding and initial maneuvers
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 2h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle from 4 pm to board the Lagoon 42 (2026), a comfortable catamaran. The crew will take care of provisioning while you get to know the other participants. After introductions, the instructor will brief you on the sailing itinerary. As soon as the weather permits, the boat will cast off and head out to sea!
Days 1 to 3 -
Heading to A Coruña
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
First major crossing: destination La Coruña . This voyage allows you to get your bearings aboard the catamaran and become familiar with the crew. Between maneuvers, adjustments, and discussions , you'll have an enriching experience, both technically and personally.
Days 4 to 6 -
Crossing Cape Finisterre and heading south
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After sailing on the high seas , you approach the coast and enter a busier area. Cape Finisterre marks a key turning point, where the lights of merchant ships mingle with those of the shoreline. You continue south , taking turns on watch and finding your rhythm at sea. A technical stop in Lisbon allows you to prepare for the next leg of the journey.
Days 7 to 12 -
Passage through the Strait of Gibraltar
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You reach the Strait of Gibraltar , a defining moment for any sailor. From the catamaran, Europe and Africa seem to merge. Having passed this strategic passage, you set course for the Balearic Islands and Corsica . Conditions change, the sea and winds shift , and you learn to adjust your navigation accordingly.
Days 13 to 16 -
Heading towards the Balearic Islands
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The journey continues northeast , with the Balearic Islands in sight. Depending on the conditions, you'll sail along these coasts with their crystal-clear waters . Now comfortable with the rhythm of watches and shifts , you can fully enjoy the comfort and performance of the Lagoon 42.
Days 17 to 24 -
Arrival in Corsica and the end of the adventure
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You arrive in Corsica , bringing this wonderful crossing to a close. After several days at sea, you have discovered the ocean , its challenges, and its secrets. A final coffee together marks the end of the expedition before disembarkation, scheduled for 9:00 AM . To anticipate any unforeseen circumstances related to navigation, it is advisable to spend a few days there before your return. You set foot on land with unforgettable memories and a unique experience on the high seas.
Day 25
Accommodation
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
Your stay ends in Propriano.
By ferry : Propriano port and Ajaccio ferry terminal. Note that the number of sailings from Propriano port is lower than from Ajaccio ferry terminal to reach the main ports on the mainland.
By plane :
- Figari Airport: 1 hour 30 minute bus journey from Propriano or 1 hour by taxi
- Ajaccio Airport: 1 hour by car, 2.5 hours by bus
Go to the starting point
From Paris:
- Take a direct TGV train from Gare Montparnasse to La Rochelle. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
From Lyon:
- Take a TGV or Intercités train to La Rochelle, with a possible connection in Paris or Bordeaux. The total journey time is approximately 6 to 7 hours.
From Marseille
- Take a TGV to Bordeaux, then a regional train (TER) to La Rochelle. The total journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.
From Paris:
- Take the A10 motorway towards Bordeaux until exit 33 for La Rochelle/Rochefort. Then continue on the N248 and then the N11 to La Rochelle. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of about 470 km.
From Lyon:
- Take the A6 motorway towards Paris, then the A89 towards Bordeaux to exit 15 for Angoulême/La Rochelle. Continue on the N10 then the N11 to La Rochelle. The journey takes approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of about 600 km.
From Marseille:
- Take the A7 motorway towards Lyon, then the A9 towards Narbonne. Continue on the A61 towards Toulouse, then the A62 towards Bordeaux. From Bordeaux, take the A10 towards Paris to exit 33 for La Rochelle/Rochefort, then follow the N248 and the N11 to La Rochelle. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and covers a distance of about 800 km.
Price details
The price includes
- Instruction by a qualified sailing instructor with a state-recognized diploma, specializing in catamaran sailing school
- Accommodation in a shared double cabin
- Validation of your level and the number of miles covered during the internship
- The final cleaning of the catamaran
The price does not include
- The onboard kitty is estimated at €20 per day per trainee - mandatory
- Bed linens and bath towels
- Travel expenses to and from the ports of embarkation and disembarkation
- Your personal expenses
- Drinks
- Transport to reach the boat in La Rochelle
- FFV sailing passport €20 per trainee (mandatory if you don't already have one)
Options
- Private use of your double cabin : CHF1’097.76 / reservation
- 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
- Safety equipment
- Flippers
- Masks
- Tubas
Equipment to bring
- A flashlight or headlamp
- A pair of sunglasses
- Sleeping bag in addition to the onboard linen
- Sunscreen
- Culinary specialties or games
- 12V phone charger (cigarette lighter/USB)
- A valid passport or identity card in case of a possible stopover
- A medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to practicing sports, dated less than one year ago.
Clothing to bring
- Sails jacket
- Quarter overalls
- Boots
- Gloves / Hat
- Shoes with white soles ( no black soles, nor dress shoes )
- Swimsuit
- Pairs of socks
- T-shirts
- Pants
- Shorts
- Polar
