French Performance Catamaran Course

We recommend arriving in Saint-Malo the day before your course begins. The nearest major airport is Rennes (RNS), about 70km away with regular bus connections. Nantes (NTE) and Paris CDG offer more international flights, with excellent TGV train connections to Saint-Malo. Aim to arrive by mid-afternoon to settle in, explore the walled city, and join the crew for an orientation dinner. Saint-Malo also has a direct ferry from Portsmouth, UK — arriving by sea is perfectly appropriate for a sailing course!

The course concludes by noon on Day 7, allowing plenty of time for afternoon trains or flights. Many students extend their trip to explore more of Brittany or continue to Paris. If departing immediately, book flights from Rennes after 4pm or Paris after 7pm to allow for travel time. We're happy to help coordinate shared transport with fellow crew members heading the same direction.

Brittany's sailing season from May to October offers reliable conditions, with average temperatures between 15-25°C. The weather is characteristically Atlantic — changeable and exciting. You'll experience sunny days, building clouds, and possibly some drizzle, which is actually perfect for learning. Wind is generally reliable, and our instructors expertly adjust the itinerary to maximize learning opportunities regardless of conditions. The 'bad' weather in Brittany is what makes great sailors!

Brittany requires layering. Bring: quality waterproof jacket (essential), fleece or down layer, quick-dry clothing, non-marking boat shoes with good grip, swimsuit for braver souls, sunglasses with retention strap, sun protection, personal toiletries, a small dry bag for electronics, and a warm hat for evening sailing. Storage space is limited, so pack in a soft duffel rather than hard luggage. The weather can change quickly, so always have layers accessible.

Absolutely! Our ASA 101 certification is designed specifically for complete beginners. Brittany is actually an ideal place to learn because you'll develop strong skills from day one — if you can sail here, you can sail anywhere. Our instructors are experts at breaking down complex concepts and building confidence progressively. By day three, you'll be surprised at what you can do. Many of our most accomplished graduates started exactly where you are now.

France takes food seriously, and so do we. The course fee includes provisioning for breakfasts and lunches aboard — think fresh baguettes, local cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal fruits. We shop at local markets together, which becomes part of the cultural experience. Most dinners are ashore in harbor restaurants where you'll discover Brittany's incredible seafood — fresh oysters, moules-frites, and the catch of the day. Budget approximately €25-40 per dinner. Galettes (savory buckwheat crêpes) with local cider are a must-try!

You'll work toward ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) certifications during the week. Assessment is continuous and practical — your instructor evaluates your growing competence throughout the course rather than through a single stressful exam. Most students earn all three certifications, which qualify you to charter boats up to 50 feet worldwide. Additionally, these certifications make you eligible for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), recognized for chartering throughout Europe and beyond.