Learn to sail between La Rochelle and the Vendée

DAY 1 : La Rochelle
You will meet at 4pm in the port of La Rochelle for your boarding. After having met your trainer and your crew, you will familiarise yourself with the boat and its equipment. You will then discuss the different points you wish to work on: manoeuvres in port, navigation on the chart, tide calculation, sail adjustment, solo manoeuvres... The objective is to gain autonomy!
You will cast off the next morning.

DAYS 2 to 7: Sailing
Your trainer will suggest itineraries according to your objectives, the tides and the weather conditions. Below is a non-exhaustive list of possible stops.

- The Charente Coast -

• The island of Ré, a small corner of paradise where peace and quiet reign. It is one of France's favourite destinations and has been awarded the "Pays d'art et d'histoire" label. The island is made up of 10 villages with remarkable heritage and architecture. During your stopovers you will discover, among others:
  • Ars-en-Ré and its salt marshes topped by its surprising black and white painted bell tower.
  • Saint-Martin de Ré and its pleasant walk along the ramparts. The bell tower of the church, called "observatory", offers a unique view of the town.
  • Saint-Clément-des-Baleines dominated by its lighthouse. Climbing its 257 steps will take you 57 metres up for a breathtaking view.

• The island of Oleron, or the "luminous island" as some people call it, has an incredible cultural and natural diversity. You will wander between beaches, marshes and forests to discover some of its towns:
  • Saint-Denis d'Oléron and the unmissable Chassiron lighthouse overlooking the Pertuis d'Antioche. Its museum (suitable for both adults and children) will allow you to learn more about the history between the islanders and the sea. You will be surprised to see old colourful cabins on the beach at La Boirie.
  • Boyardville, the ideal place to take a break from the wind and admire Fort Boyard.

• The island of Aix, as small as it is (1.19 km²) charmed Napoleon in the 19th century. His former residence has been transformed into a museum.

• Fort Boyard, a name that is almost world famous thanks to the success of its famous TV game show.

• Rochefort , a town steeped in history. You will reach it after sailing up the Charente estuary, in the middle of a wild and preserved nature. It is also the birthplace of the Liberty Frigate, the Hermione, a faithful replica of the one built in the 18th century and commanded by La Fayette.

• Royan, a family seaside resort, which will plunge you into the heart of the 50s. Its town centre is known for the atypical architecture of its Notre-Dame de Royan church, but also for its covered market with its circus-like appearance.

• The Cordouan lighthouse, classified as a historic monument in 1862 and a candidate for UNESCO, is the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation! From the top of its 311 steps, the view is splendid.

- The Vendée coast -

• La Tranche-sur-Mer, a very popular commune for water sports enthusiasts. Its 13 km of fine sandy beaches make it one of the most pleasant places to relax, swim or stroll through its town centre.

• Les Sables d'Olonne, an elegant town with varied landscapes (dunes, forests, marshes...). You will have a good idea of the architecture of the end of the 19th century by looking at the Remblai promenade. It is impossible to talk about this town without mentioning the mythical Vendée Globe, a non-stop solo race which takes place every 4 years. Next start in 2024...

• - Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie has the largest sardine port on the Atlantic coast. True emblem of the city, the sardine, has its own festival: the Spring of the Sardine. You will see the Josephine Tower just before you dock at Port La Vie. This port "in the city" is accessible at all hours and protected, for the pleasure of boaters.

• The island of Yeu, formerly known as the island of Oya, is located 15 km off the Vendée coast. It has many surprises in store for you, both buildings and legends.
  
  • The Dolmen of Petits Fradets or dolmen de la Gournaise, testifies to a human presence dating back more than 5000 years.
  • The Vieux Château, a remarkable fortress surrounded by water that has stood through the ages since the 14th century.
  • The Citadel (or fort of the Pierre Levée) would almost go unnoticed in the middle of a nature that seems to want to regain its rights. It was used, among other things, as a place of detention for Marshal Pétain.
  • The Lighthouse of the Crows dominates the south-eastern point of the island from its 19 meters high. Its light sweeps 18.5 miles out to sea.