La Rochelle
/ France
Sailing course on a habitable sailboat in La Rochelle
4,8/5
(4 reviews)
Réf : UKTVIT
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration5 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationLa Rochelle / France
-
AgeFrom 15 - 85 years
-
CO₂-Emissions56 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Departing from La Rochelle , embark on a 5-day sailing course with total immersion on a comfortable cruising sailboat . A complete experience to learn to sail, improve your technical skills, and fully experience the rhythm of the sea among the islands and anchorages of the Charente coastline .
Guided by a professional instructor , you will develop your skills day after day: preparing the boat , organizing life on board, harbor and anchoring maneuvers , sail trimming , sailing, chart reading , route planning, weather analysis , and tide management. Each sailing trip becomes a practical application to gain independence and confidence.
This immersive format fosters genuine skills development, accessible to motivated beginners as well as those wishing to consolidate their existing knowledge. Beyond learning, the experience is also a collective one: sharing watches, preparing meals, choosing ports of call, and evenings at anchor in a friendly atmosphere.
A stay to learn, practice and experience crewed cruising , as close as possible to the elements.
The highlights
-
A sailing school accredited by the French Sailing Federation (FFV) allowing for the validation of recognized skill level
-
The number of trainees is limited to 5 to optimize everyone's participation.
-
Supervised by professional instructors, committed to sharing and a friendly atmosphere.
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision, program, or group will be tailored to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
Everyone is welcome to participate in this trip. The supervision and program will be adapted to each participant's level (individual progress chart, experience and preferences...).
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 2 to 5 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Kind and qualified skippers/instructors who love to share their knowledge and passion for the sea in a pedagogical way.
Régis, Antoine, Philippe, Stéphane, Louise... All with the same mindset :-)
Program
-
Navigation to the island of Ré or Oléron
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At 10am, your professional instructor will meet you on the dock to board a comfortable sailboat. After familiarizing yourself with the boat and receiving a clear and reassuring safety briefing, you'll cast off and head towards the islands of the Pertuis: Île de Ré or Île d'Oléron.
Together you choose the evening's stopover based on the weather and the crew's preferences.
From the very first miles, you'll get straight to the point: hoisting the sails, feeling the boat accelerate, taking the helm, understanding your course relative to the wind… Each maneuver is explained, demonstrated, and then performed by you in an atmosphere that is both focused and relaxed. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, you'll make real progress and build confidence.
Navigation to the selected port, discovery of the buoyage, learning essential knots, preparation of arrival maneuvers… You participate in each step.
Once ashore, it's time for some friendly get-togethers: a stroll around the port, exploring the surroundings, then preparing a communal dinner on board. We share the meal, our impressions of the day, and already our plans for the next day.
A complete program to learn, navigate, and fully experience sailing.
Day 1 -
Navigation to Les Sables d'Olonne
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The second day begins peacefully with a shared breakfast on board, a perfect opportunity to chat and soak up the atmosphere of the port. Then, you cast off to reach a new port of call.
During the sailing trip, you will continue to refine your helming and sail trimming skills, while discovering new competencies: introduction to cartography, reading nautical charts, and calculating tides to plan your routes. Each step is explained by the instructor and carried out by the crew, in a safe and stimulating environment.
You arrive in Les Sables via the channel used by the Vendée Globe offshore racers, thrills guaranteed!
Day 2 -
Navigation to the island of Yeu
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The adventure and training continue! We will sail towards the island of Yeu, nicknamed "Little Corsica".
You continue to refine your helming and sail trimming skills, and deepen your knowledge of cartography. Plotting your course based on wind and current, identifying different headings (true heading, magnetic heading, compass heading), navigating at sea without GPS... All of this will become second nature to you.
Once docked, you will enjoy the absolute charms of this island, on foot or by bicycle.
Day 3 -
Night navigation and return to the Pertuis
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Fourth day of sailing, you will enjoy a heavenly anchorage at midday (Port de la Meule, Anse des Sioux, Plage des vieilles) before starting a return voyage towards the Pertuis rochelais.
Depending on the weather and the crew, an introduction to night navigation is planned during this stay. This may take place on the return voyage, with sailing to test night watches (in pairs for those who have never done so), learn about navigation lights... Arrival at night or in the early morning for lunch at sunrise.
The final stop will be in a port on the island of Oléron or the island of Ré, or at anchor off the island of Aix.
Day 4 -
Navigation back to La Rochelle
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on whether you arrive at night or in the early morning, a lie-in is beneficial.
After lunch, you set sail for La Rochelle, putting your new skills into practice. The skipper doesn't even need to speak; the crew is well-rehearsed, and you're the one who brings the sailboat safely back to port.
The day ends around 3pm with a group debriefing, followed by cleaning the sailboat, to conclude the course in a friendly and sharing atmosphere.
Day 5
Note
The program is dependent on the weather and tides, and the skipper adapts to the crew's wishes.
Accommodation
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Days 1 to 4
Access
Departure
Ponton 45 Port des Minimes 17000 La Rochelle
Day 1
: 10h00
End of stay
Ponton 45 Port des Minimes 17000 La Rochelle
Day 5
- 17h00
Nearby, right next to the pontoon: large free car park and bus stop (from the train station - 10 minutes, from the old port - 15 minutes)
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare de La Rochelle – Ville SNCF
The nearest airport isLa Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport (LRH)
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- The framework
- Accommodation on board the sailboat
- The gas
- Diesel fuel
The price does not include
- Meals: approximately €10-15/person/day - mandatory
- Stopovers in ports other than La Rochelle: approximately €10/person/stopover - mandatory
- The FFV Sailing Passport 2026 = €14.50 - mandatory
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,8/5
(4 reviews)
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
L
Laurie
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2026
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
Translated from French
Published on 19/09/2026
Excellent value for money, the website is easy to use and everyone can find a stay that meets their expectations.
P
Pascal
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2026
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
Translated from French
The five days spent on board were very beneficial. The La Rochelle sailing association is very well organized. Although I was a beginner, Jean-Yves' teaching skills enabled us to learn all the sailboat maneuvers while sailing from La Rochelle to the Île d'Yeu. Highly recommended regardless of your starting level.
O
Olivier
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2026
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
Translated from French
Published on 25/08/2026
A superb experience! A huge thank you to Jean-Yves, our instructor, who put together an exceptional program! From the very beginning, he sought to understand our desires and transformed this course into an unforgettable travel experience! Passionate and engaging, he shares all his knowledge during his presentations; I loved learning to sail! And the night sailing trip will remain an unforgettable experience for me! A beautiful region with magnificent scenery, perfect for discovering sailing! Thanks again, Jean-Yves!
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Elise team
4.8/5
(22 reviews)
• 10 stays
With 25 years of experience, our local partner is a sailing school in La Rochelle offering introductory and advanced courses leading to independent sailing. Departing from La Rochelle, participants embark on comfortable sailboats for flexible durations ranging from 2 to 12 days. Under the guidance of a professional skipper-instructor, crews are intentionally limited to 5 people to maximize everyone's participation in sailing maneuvers. Sailing between the islands of Ré, Aix, and Oléron, the agency offers the opportunity to discover iconic ports of call such as Boyardville and the Fier d'Ars, combining technical training with the pleasure of sailing.
Are you satisfied with this page?
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
