Brittany is where serious sailors hone their skills. Strong tidal currents, rocky coastlines, and unpredictable winds make this the perfect training ground. If you’re looking for an adventure that sharpens your abilities, enroll in our Brittany sailing course!
Our 7-day fast-track performance course will turn you into a fine-tuned sailor. Your training happens on boats that are designed to go fast. Brittany, in the north of France, is one of the most diverse and challenging Atlantic coasts in Europe, offering great coastal views and a unique sailing experience. You might even join the mighty 20+ knot club!
A great sailing course helps you build skills that hold up anywhere. Brittany delivers an unmatched training experience, and here is why Sailing Virgins is the best way to experience it.
Sailing Virgins is the highest-rated sailing academy on TripAdvisor for adventure-driven courses. Our ASA-certified instructors bring a mix of expertise, energy, and practical training that keeps learning fun and engaging.
A true sailor’s education starts with the right boat. You will train on boats like the Pogo 12.5 and TS42 catamaran. These boats are responsive, well-equipped, and well-suited to mastering the demanding conditions of Brittany’s coastline.
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Reviews
Eric P
@ericpR7101JAMar 2025 • Solo
Sailing Virgins is a great company that is well organized and has great values that match their clients. They keep a fun and positive attitude at all times and focus on the adventure and experience, not just the learning! Have been on trips with them twice and each time has been a blast!
Nathan S
@337nathansFeb 2025 • Couples
James is one of the best leaders I have ever met. He has a kind and genuine way about him that earns your respect immediately, not because he asks for it, but because he deserves it. He puts the group first and the person he’s teaching a close second. He is especially good at teaching by letting you learn through doing. He doesn’t over-explain or hover. Instead, he gives you space to practice and steps in with the right feedback at the right time. It makes for a great learning experience and an even better trip. I would sail with him again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend.
Matt A
@mattaO2034KTAfter many years of debating a Sailing Virgins trip, finally pulled the trigger and joined on a catamaran adventure in the British Virgin Islands. Should not have waited so long. Went solo but had no issue blending with a likeminded crew of genuinely good and friendly people. Coordination prior to the trip was handled smoothly by the SV team and communications were frequent and clear. The boat itself was fantastic - well equipped and in great condition. Captains Chris and Fin kept us safe, entertained, and taught along the way. They went above and beyond fulfilling our desires for adventure, beach hoping, finding great moorings, and overall being enjoyable blokes to be around. Particular highlight was a beach bonfire after an already long sail day - vibes were great the entire week. Only downside was the trip had to end. Won't be long until the next one.
Javier S
@javiersO9063PWJan 2025 • Solo
Outstanding. Perfect combination between learning and fun. Finn, the instructor was excellent. He made sure that each one of us had a chance to practice not only sailing itself but also things like mooring and docking. I am particularly grateful that he made sure we tried as many times as necessary so that each one of us had done it right, which I am very grateful for. Definitely recommend!
Clara S
@clarasX2778YFJan 2025 • Solo
A great week learning how to sail a monohull with instructor Finn in one of the most renowned sailing spots in the world. The mixture of adventure and instruction was perfect, and I came away from the week with more confidence on the water.
Laksh
@its_lakshDec 2024 • Couples
Outstanding sailing experience with Virgin Sails in BVI. I got my ASA 103, 104 and 114 under the tutelage of Capt James Finney. He was a great instructor. Patient and thorough. The only drawback was because so much learning happened in one week we were unable to go as deep in the course material and practice the maneuvers as regular ASA course. This was not fault of the instructor or sailing course. It was just because three certifications were covered in one week on a Catamaran. We also got to snorkel and swim. Loved it !!
Bluewater Breeze Co
@BluewaterBreezeCoNov 2024 • Solo
I attended the BVI Sailing week and had a blast! I took several ASA courses and added onto my sailing skill set! Flying into and out of Tortola was extremely easy. Kathi gave me clear directions on where to meet and when. James is a incredible teacher and instructor and could cater to each students learning style!
Kushagra V
@Extraordinary560702Nov 2024 • Solo
Great group of people and made new friends. A great experience that improves your life back home. Helpful to get excited about sailing and peaceful as well.
Stef
@stefK4277QXNov 2024 • Solo
Sailing Virgins! The best way to get into sailing or train to become a skipper. I had the best time with them in the BVI in November 2024. The concept is to bring sailing closer to younger people, which is quite different from what's mostly the case. SV offers an effective methodology to train their students, either from the ground up or to hone their skills. The training is practice-oriented and aims to encourage people to become self-sufficient, either as crew members or as skippers. More importantly, SV puts the emphasis on a positive experience. Sailing is an adventure and is fun; it's about collaboration as a crew and having a great time together.
Brittany challenges sailors with its dynamic conditions. You will encounter strong tidal shifts, narrow passages, and complex weather systems that demand constant attention and quick decision-making. These natural elements turn every sailing day into a real-world lesson in seamanship.
Unlike sheltered cruising grounds, Brittany requires precision and awareness. You will learn to read the water, adapt your sail plan quickly, and navigate with accuracy.
These are skills that stay with you long after the course ends, no matter where you sail next.
This is not a classroom-based course. Our Brittany sailing course is a seven-day, live-aboard experience focused on going fast.
Each day brings the chance to sharpen your sail trim, boat handling, and tactical decision-making. You'll be active on the water, moving quickly, and learning through every maneuver.
Sailing is best learned by doing. Over the week, you will be fully immersed in coastal sailing, advanced navigation, anchoring techniques, and heavy weather handling. Every decision you make will shape your confidence on the water.
Planning your trip to Brittany should be easy. We provide all the details you need to get here and settle in before setting sail.
Students book their own flights, but we provide guidance on the best routes.
You will board your yacht at a marina in Brittany. The exact location depends on the route for your course and will be confirmed after booking.
While we do not organize ride-shares, we connect students beforehand so they can coordinate.
Your course fee covers everything you need to focus on learning and sailing.
Expert instruction
Seven days aboard a modern, well-equipped yacht
Provisions for all meals (except those taken onshore)
All sailing-related fees
You won’t be limited to sail handling alone. You will be learning how to prepare for long-term sailing trips.
Our Brittany sailing course is a real sailing adventure in one of the most exciting and challenging waters in Europe.
You will train on a high-performance yacht and push your skills to the next level. Whether you want to sail for fun or explore offshore cruising, Brittany will prepare you like no other destination.
Limited spots available, so make sure to secure yours today!
Today’s destination: Le Dahouet. Today you will meet your instructor and your fellow sailors, go provisioning (3pm), get onboard the boat (5pm) and receive briefings, ready for pushing out in the morning (or in the evening depending on the weather).
Today’s destination: Roscoff. Famous harbour for both fishing and welcoming the first technical stops of famous racers having just started the Route du Rhum or the Transat Jacque Vabres. In your case, it will be the opportunity to navigate the boat safely, taking into account the many rocks, kelp and currents up to 9kts around the bay
Today’s destination: Saint Cast. Really cute little beach town with plenty of anchorages around, depending on weather, we could also try to reach the Ebihen island and a good overnight stop at anchor if conditions allow. During the day you will be refining your trimming and reefing and coached to find those extra half-knots of boat speed.
Today’s destination: Chausey. During the day you will visit Chausey Island, providing great navigation challenges around the rocks of the area. In the evening, the appropriately named little island provides a great overnight stop. With water as clear as the Caribbean and only a few dozen habitants, this is one of the finest English channel islands.
Today’s destination: Bréhat island. A lovely little island, combining stunning views, great restaurants and really cool bicycle rides (bikes for rent on the island). It’s also the place to go souvenirs shopping, munch some fresh creps and go for a dinghy ride to explore secluded beaches.
Today’s destination: Paimpol. Ever gone through a lock before? Well getting into Paimpol will be the opportunity ! Make sure you have your tides right before trying to access this typical north brittany little town. Fine restaurants and sticky sailors bars will be your reward (if you don’t run aground getting in)
Today’s destination: Saint Malo. Today is an early start as we make our way to finish the week in the legendary port of Saint Malo, really impressive enclosed city, almost destroyed during WWII, it has been restored and definitely worth to check out. In the afternoon if you have any ASA exams, this is when you will sit them. After sailing back to Le Dahouet, you will get together for a final bash in the restaurants and bars of the village.
A final debrief over breakfast, and then you will be anointed as an ex-Virgin! You will leave the yacht by 9am and head to the airport or to continue your adventures.
ㆍWhen should I arrive?
Fly in the day before the course starts. This gives you time to settle in and be ready for departure.
ㆍWhat about departure plans?
The course wraps up on Friday in the late afternoon. We recommend booking return travel for Friday evening or anytime Saturday to give yourself a relaxed departure window.
ㆍWhat is the sailing weather like?
Brittany is best from late spring through early fall. It’s a strong pick if you’re looking for summer sailing in Europe with fewer crowds than the Mediterranean.
ㆍI have never sailed before. Can I still join?
No. This course suits sailors who already have experience. We focus on speed, performance, and advanced handling. If you're new to sailing, we recommend starting with our beginner courses.