La Manche, a sailing destination

Find out all about sailing in la Manche

With consistent wind, the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see and an unspoilt coastline, la Manche is the ideal destination for sailing. In all seasons, you can try your hand at this calming and stimulating nautical activity, which is suitable for everyone. Try different types of sailing boats for a unique experience at sea. Prepare for excitement, a sense of freedom and a good dose of sea air! Beginner and advanced lessons, boat hire, excursions on traditional sailing boats and major nautical events: all our suggestions to cast off on an adventure in la Manche!

Learn to sail in la Manche

The different sailing activities: a watersport that everyone can enjoy

Catamarans, trimarans or dinghies: different sailing boats are available in la Manche depending on your level and your preference. Renowned for their stability and speed, multihulls are just as enjoyable for beginners as for competitive sailors. Whether you prefer a catamaran or a trimaran, different beginners’ courses are available in la Manche if you fancy having a go at sailing a multihull.

If you’d like to try sailing a single-hull, a dinghy could be just right for you. Light, manoeuvrable and almost unsinkable, they’re the ideal way to learn. Lots of the watersports centres in la Manche have Optimists available. These flat-bottomed dinghies are perfect for young sailors who want to practice in complete safety. They’re an easy way for children to learn the ropes, giving them their first enjoyable experience of sailing. Choose your boat and hoist the sails!

Different courses to learn to sail

All aboard at the sailing school in Bréhal! Little sailors will become real adventurers on the Pirate course, suited to children from 6 to 8 years of age. This exciting course teaches them to assess the marine environment, to handle different boats and to navigate on the water.

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In Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, your young sailors from 9 to 11 years can try a course in a funboat, a small catamaran. With its rounded hull, the funboat is an ideal way to try sailing, between an Optimist and a bigger catamaran. The bonus: children sail in pairs and can have fun learning together.

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For teenagers, the watersports centre in Cherbourg runs beginner or advanced courses with larger dinghies and catamarans, but also sailing yachts.
A great way to move up a gear on the water!

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Photo, © David Daguier - CD50
Photo, © David Daguier - CD50

Where to go sailing in la Manche?

Discover the watersports centres

Supervised by experienced and passionate instructors, try your hand at sailing in la Manche. Lots of watersports centres provide group or individual sailing lessons and courses for beginners or advanced sailors. With a wide range of boats, there’s something for everyone on the coast of la Manche. For those with more experience or for a leisurely excursion, boat hire is also available if you prefer to sail at your own pace.

Lots of sailing events are held in la Manche

On the coast and in the ports of la Manche, a number of events shine the spotlight on sailing as a sport and also as part of its maritime heritage. The unmissable Voiles de Travail festival is one of them. Every year in Granville, this nautical event pays tribute to traditional sailing boats and their history, with workshops and activities. In terms of competitions, the Manche hosts a number of important events that bring together professional and amateur sailors. Rolex Fasnet, Drheam Cup, Tour des Ports de la Manche: find out all about our major sporting and nautical events.

The big nautical events

Board a sailing boat for a trip out to sea

A unique experience on a traditional sailing boat

Barneville-Carteret

Discover sailing differently on board a traditional sailing boat in la Manche. These emblematic vessels are steeped in history and will take you on a unique journey for an authentic experience. In Barneville-Carteret, board the Neire Mâove to discover the West Coast of the Cotentin Peninsula and the Channel Islands. This schooner offers a special maritime adventure with an exceptional view of the rugged coast of la Manche.

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Granville

Further south, the bay of Granville is renowned for its old sailing boats. On board the Marité, the last remaining French cod fishing boat, head towards the Chausey Islands with their crystalline waters. A number of other traditional sailing boats offer excursions and cruises, including the Charles-Marie, the Granvillaise and the Courrier des Îles. Become a sailor for the day!

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Hire a boat to sail at your own pace

Lots of lessons and courses are available in the Manche, but you can also hire a boat for an outing or for a short stay on the water, either with a without a skipper.

Different sailing boats are available for hire in the watersports centres of la Manche. This is a great way to enjoy time with your family and to discover the sea in complete freedom. Boat hire is also available for experienced skippers who want to train or to challenge themselves on the water. Cast off on an adventure in a catamaran or a single-hull boat, whether a traditional vessel or a sailing yacht, either on your own or with others!