Cruising schools
a mandatory step for proper sailing training
Training / sailing / learning
Cruising schools
France and its overseas territories offer an exceptional variety of coastlines, making it possible to experience all sailing conditions throughout the year.
Yakapartir on television...
There is something for everyone, and at (almost) every price point! But without going very far, it is possible to train effectively in sailing cruises without breaking the bank.
Why train?
Most apprentice sailors are driven by the call of the open sea inspired by simply contemplating the ocean. Leaving the beach, exploring the corners of an island, or stepping over the horizon to conquer the world and oneself are all good reasons to attend a sailing school.
But proper training above all allows you to learn faster than by listening to advice from those who “know best.” A good skipper is not necessarily a good teacher, and that too is something that must be learned.
First step: take the time to discover the platform. A short weekend in a cruising school will allow you to validate the idea (preconceived or not) you had of this activity. If it is a yes, then great. If it is “meh,” or even “meh-meh,” you will have done well not to immediately sign up for a training package that could result in the premature removal of your next vacation budget.
Second step: clarify your objectives. If you have no precise idea, a crew training course will be enough to allow you to “volunteer” your experience on the recreational sailing market. Enough to get you embarked in the short, medium or even long term aboard private boats whose owners are looking for inexpensive help. Be careful, however, not to embark with just anyone on long crossings!
If, on the other hand, your dream is to leave for good, then you will need to go all in on comprehensive skipper training. Are you sure you are ready? Then let’s go.
How long does it take?
For reasons that are both financial and “vacation-related,” a training program generally spans two seasons, or even more. Expect around three years for a final goal of coastal cruising and five years to prepare for a long-distance voyage.
Our advice: at sea, shortcomings often come at a high price. It is illusory to think you can become fully autonomous in just a few weeks.
These are foundations that will need to be reinforced by a multitude of experiences that can only be acquired with time and practice.
Consequently, there is no question of skipping steps: it is better to take the time to “repeat” higher-level courses to “log the miles” before finding yourself alone in anxiety-inducing situations.
With whom?
Before setting off, consider that a boat is a confined space where close quarters require good interpersonal relations. Before beginning your search, ask yourself what style of cruising school suits you best: do you prefer demanding but efficient training, or a more friendly atmosphere because you are on vacation, even if it takes a bit longer?
Once you have your answer, do not hesitate to target the profiles of different cruising schools by consulting user feedback online.
Some schools are affiliated with the French Sailing Federation. This affiliation allows validation of levels and enables you to change organizations between levels if you wish, whether to change sailing areas or to discover other methods.
You may also choose a sailing school not affiliated with the FFV. In practice, there is little chance you will be refused because you do not have your “sailing passport” in your pocket...
Indeed, there are many independent cruising schools run by competent skippers. In this case, remember to ask the instructor for a written evaluation of your level at the end of the course. School managers must hold a State Sailing Instructor Certificate or a BPJEPS.
Once you know whether you want to first enjoy your vacation or are eager to get down to business, the Internet is yours. The Paris Boat Show held every December is also an excellent hunting ground.
At what price?
Expect an average of €700 for one week of training.
Provided you work seriously, one week allows validation of one of the five practice levels approved by the French Sailing Federation.
Level 5 is that of “skipper” and opens the doors to boat chartering in manageable conditions. It is already a very good start.
If all this may seem expensive, consider that life has no price and that training represents only a fraction of the cost of a boat.
Address book (non-exhaustive list of cruising schools)
Les Guides du Grand Large
Les Guides du Grand Large is:
- sailing practice, from initiation to advanced training, up to intensive regatta training,
- a sailing school and a cruising school whose ambition is to help you progress on all the seas of the globe,
- the association of 5 professional skipper-instructors spread across the entire French coastline,
- an innovative teaching approach, ultra-experienced skippers, seaworthy and enjoyable boats.
Les Glénans
Founded after the Liberation by resistance fighter and journalist Philippe Viannay, the Glénans school remains an international reference in cruising education. Several sites between Brittany and the Mediterranean, with shore-based courses for beginners, then onboard or semi-onboard courses for intense vacations. Volunteer instructors.
UCPA
This major organization with strong recognition offers a very wide range of destinations in France as well as in the Caribbean or Cuba, also accessible to children. A classic way to learn while enjoying a vacation. Volunteer instructors.
http://ecoledevoile.ucpa.com/ucpa-ecole-de-voile
TML
The Trans Mer Le Havre association offers training two hours from Paris on fast and modern cruising yachts. Simple and effective. Professional instructors.
Yakapartir
One of the references in La Rochelle. This association, founded more than fifteen years ago by long-distance cruising enthusiasts, offers onboard training from one day to one week, or more for transatlantic or transpacific destinations. Professional instructors.
http://www.yakapartir.com/
Challenge Océan
This organization based in Lorient offers coastal or offshore cruising courses on fine vessels of around twenty meters. Transatlantic crossings possible, and more if there is mutual interest! Professional instructors.
http://www.challengeocean.com/
ACM
Rather rare on the market, this school trains in cruising catamaran sailing with various packages oriented toward boat owners. Playground: Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean. Professional instructors.
MAÏMITI CATAMARAN
Another option, Maïmiti Catamaran, the school specialized in catamaran navigation
At the helm of Maïmiti Catamaran, Gilles offers specialized catamaran training for sailors of all levels. Anchored in the splendid Mediterranean setting, this cruising school combines theoretical teaching with intensive practice to enable students to master both coastal and offshore catamaran navigation. Each course is carefully structured to provide a rich, safe, and personalized learning experience. Ideal for learning to sail or improving nautical skills on catamarans.
Embarking as a crew member
These “crew exchange” websites connect boat owners with volunteer crew members willing to contribute to onboard expenses.
Vogue avec moi
Offers outings and multi-destination cruises with shared costs.