BOATING GUIDE 2023


catamaran features a front deck, a rear deck and an awning to shelter from the sun. The company offers half-day and day-long cruises between Cannes and the Lérins Islands, with plenty of stops for swimming and snorkelling. In the summer there’s even an evening fi reworks cruise. Prices start at €65 for a half-day. www.rivage-croisiere.co.uk


OceanBLUE Yachts’ suggested itineraries include port-hopping along the Riviera coast


or sailing yachts; or you can charter your own yacht and sail it yourself. The latter option is most popular along the French Riviera, with the company’s Cannes to Saint- Tropez trips especially popular. Corsica, meanwhile, provides outstanding cruising against a backdrop of stunning rocky scenery and glorious white beaches. www.boatbookings.com


Clearwater Sailing Clearwater Sailing is a family-run business based in the UK which offers sailing trips across the English Channel to France. With the skippered yacht option, customers can charter a berth, a double cabin or the whole boat if they wish. “We do all the hard work,” they say. “We provision the yacht, provide bedding and cook for you. Our skipper and crew will sail the boat and you can choose to be involved as much or as little as you wish… or you can just sit on deck and relax. This is a perfect package for those new


144 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Feb/Mar 2023


to sailing or those more experienced who don’t want the hassle of organising the whole charter themselves.” www.clearwatersailing.co.uk


Nomad Sailing


Based in the Hampshire port town of Gosport, Nomad Sailing offers weekend sailing trips across the Channel to a selection of ports on the Normandy coast, with the aim of giving budding sailors practical experience. “A typical crossing will involve around 150 miles of sailing, several hours’ active night sailing and valuable experience navigating the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel,” explain the owners Jim Barden and his sister Lou. “You’ll be encouraged to take as active a role as you’d like in aspects of the crossing such as passage planning, navigation and pilotage. It’s even possible for you to skipper an entire leg.” There are trips between May and September, priced at £425 per person. Another option is to choose


what the company calls an adventure cruise. There are two going to France in 2023: one in July from Gosport that then port-hops along the Normandy coast, and one in late July/early August from Gosport to Saint-Malo and the Channel Islands. www.nomadsailing.co.uk


OceanBLUE Yachts This British yacht charter company, based in the Dorset town of Poole, offers all types of private yachts for rental, from bareboat sailing boats and catamarans (with or without skippers) to high-end luxury yachts with a full crew. Suggested itineraries include port-hopping along the Riviera coast, or a more adventurous cruise around Corsica. The company was established in 2001 by Bob Redrupp who has decades of experience on the waves. www.oceanblueyachts.com


Rivage Croisière Catamaran With capacity for up to 150 passengers, this 25m


Sailing School Brittany Here’s a great way to get your sea legs. Sailing School Brittany, based near Vannes, will give you all the tuition you need, regardless of your skill level. On its yacht Tamara – with its three double cabins and spacious saloon – you can explore the Gulf of Morbihan, the Bay of Quiberon, and the islands of Belle-Île and Houat, as well as the towns of Vannes and Lorient. “Southern Brittany lives to the rhythm of the tides and the changing winds,” the company says. “It offers something for all tastes: unequalled Breton scenery, picturesque harbours, cruising in protected bays, delightful, peaceful anchorages and the opportunity for some challenging pilotage and some adventurous sailing.” www.sailingschoolbrittany.com


Activ’Annecy


One of the largest lakes in France, Lake Annecy is also the cleanest, thanks to strict environmental regulations implemented in the 1960s. Adventure sports company Activ’Annecy offers sailing dinghies and catamarans for hire – for any level from beginners upwards – at the southern end of the lake. After tuition from an instructor, you’ll be allowed onto the lake on your own. Prices start at €33 for one hour. There are also private sailing courses, starting at €82 for one hour. FT


IMAGE © OCEANBLUE YACHTS


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