Loïck made the choice 2006 to buy a cruiser-racer. Why? For the love of sailing!

A really great yacht! Perfect comfort, really Offshore seaworth, very efficient in any conditions. Our speed record of the Orion is 16.7 Knots!

We are very faithful to the these yachts (now 2 "35 Match" and 2 "38 Match") because our course participants and we (skipper team) love those yachts! We care them affectionately and don't see any reason to replace them!

Loïck has a french qualification: "Brevet d'Etat de voile" (professional state-approved sailing instructor qualification) and did a RYA course in Plymouth

Felix, yachtmaster offshore and instructor is approved by the RYA as RYA instructor.

Little crew : Max. 4 participants! For good comfort, interesting sailing and learn efficency!

We become many compliments to our sailing courses, what makes us really happy. But maybe is the best proof of the quality of our courses, the constant growth of the activity (over 20% / year).

In the past ten years, we have been sailing over 100 000 miles (coastal and offshore passages). Nobody has been injured, or fell overboard by sailing (some in harbour!)

* The reduced price can be requested for students, pupils and unemployed : when the price difference makes nearly no difference for you, we are pleased, that you pay the normal price. If you appreciate the reduced price, we will be happy to grant it!

Where do we sail?

Whether for sailing courses or regattas, Brittany is an ideal location for water sports and activities, thanks to its 3500 kilometres of coastline, broken up into creeks, inlets, roadways and bays, together with its many rivers.

Sailing in north Brittany requires a good planning and much attention. Tidal stream is often strong. Every 6 hours, the current changes is direction. We just need to take in account this phenomenon and we will make the current a friend and not an enemy.

Sailing Iroise Sea (west from Brittany): the Rade of Brest, which offers a beautiful and sheltered bay , Camaret and its bay, the numerous islands, (Ouessant, Molène, Sein…), Morgat and its Bay, Douarnenez... is a navigation zone offering any conditions of sea and stream.

North Brittany and the Mer d'Iroise are our privileged navigation zones in July, august.

Sailing in South Brittany : South Brittany offers an exceptionally rich navigation zone, with many ports and Islands (Les Glénan, Belle Île, Groix, Hoedic, Houat) and a softer climate than on the north coast of North Brittany. This zone is ideal at spring and in September. North of Brittany : A very strong beauty with wild landscapes : magnificient beaches, sculpted rocks, dunes of grass, turquoise water...

"Pertuis Charentais" gathers the Islands " Rez, Aix and Oléron". The sun is in this region very generous. The islands are very nice and interesting to visit and offer excellent navigation and mooring conditions. We will navigate in this part when the conditions are not favourable further in the west.

Since the beginning, for 10 years, our courses are based on the RYA courses (we are not a RYA training centre and don't deliver any RYA qualifiactions).

Competent crew:

The First step on the way to become a competent sailor.

Learning the basics ist quite much! learning sailing terms, preparing the yacht, doing knots, taking part to the whole live onboard, steering, understanding the skipper, trimming the sails, learning about good manners in harbour, learning about priorities... whow, that is quite much actually ! At the end of of the week, you will have learned all of that and will be a competent crew!

It is then nice to go on practicing: any sailing a dinghy or rowing a boat, or sailing on yachts with friends give you more experience!

When you feel, you would like to know more and get the responsibility, you can take part to a day skipper course!

Competent Crew Syllabus

1. Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails

Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing and day to day running of the boat.

2. Sail Handling

Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails
Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches

3. Ropework

Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and single and double bollards
Handling warps
Ability to tie the following knots and to know their correct use: figure-of-eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot

4. Fire precautions and fighting

Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fireb. Knowledge of the action to be taken in the event of fire

5. Personal safety equipment

Understands and complies with rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids

6. Man overboard

Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard

7. Emergency equipment

Can operate distress flares and knows when they should be used
Understands how to launch and board a liferaft

8. Manners and customs

Understands accepted practice with regard to: use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed
Aware of the responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment

9. Rules of the road

Is able to keep and efficient lookout at sea

10. Dinghies

Understands and complies with the loading rules.
Is able to handle a dinghy under oars

11. Meteorology

Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort scale

12. Seasickness

Working efficiency is unaffected/partially affected/severely affected by seasickness

13. Helmsmanship and sailing

Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing
Can steer a compass course, under sail and power

14. General duties

Has carried out general duties satisfactorily on deck and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel

Learning to skipper a yacht on short day passages! The instructor gives you the possibility to get some experience as a skipper, gives advices, and ensure the safety of the yacht.

You will learn more about navigation, engine, meteorology, coordinating deckwork, safety equipment, Yacht handling in harbours, emergency procedures... It is quite a lot! Sailing requires time and experience. Our great experience as

Day Skipper Practical Syllabus

The Day Skipper course teaches pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the required standard to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar.

1. Preparation for sea

Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below

2. Deck Work

Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions
Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to a buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or alongside berth

3. Navigation

Is proficient in chartwork and routine navigational duties on passage including: Taking and plotting visual fixes Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
Use of waypoints
Working up to DR and EP
Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
Knowledge of IALA buoyage
Maintenance of navigational records
Use of echo sounder and lead line

4. Pilotage

Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour
Understands the use of leading and clearing lines
Use of transits and surroundings as aids to pilotage

5. Meteorology

Knows sources of forecast information
Can interpret shipping forecasts and use a barometer as a forecasting aid

6. Rules of the road

Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

7. Maintenance and repair work

Understands and is able to carry out maintenance tasks
Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes

8. Engines

Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and to bleed the fuel system

9. Victualling

Understands how to victual a yacht

10. Emergency situations

Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard
Understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft
Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message
Understands how to secure a tow
Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

11. Yacht handling under power

Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide

12. Passage making

Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew

13. Night cruising

Has experienced sail cruising at night, including leaving and entering harbour.
Understands the special consideration for pilotage plans, keeping a lookout and identifying marks by night.

14. Seasickness

Working efficiency is unaffected/partially affected/severely affected by seasickness

15. Helmsmanship and sailing

Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing
Can steer a compass course, under sail and power

16. General duties

Has carried out general duties satisfactorily on deck and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel

Coastal Skipper Practical Syllabus

The aim of this course is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal passages by day and night.

1. Passage planning : Can plan a coastal passage including a consideration of the capability of the yacht, navigation, victualling, weather, ports of refuge, tidal heights, and tidal streams, publications required and strategy Know Customs procedures

2. Preparation for sea Is aware of safety equipment required for offshore passages Can prepare a yacht for sea including stowage, safety briefing, watch keeping, delegating responsibilities and equipment and engine checks

3. Pilotage Can prepare a pilotage plan, with consideration of surroundings, transits, clearing bearings, buoyage, port or harbour regulations and tidal considerationsb. Can pilot a yacht by day and night

4. Passage making and ability as skipper Can take charge of a yacht and direct the crew Can organise the navigation, deckwork, and domestic duties of a yacht on passage Is aware of the significance of meteorological trends Is aware of crew welfare on passage Can use electronic navigational equipment for planning and undertaking a passage, including the use of waypoints and routes

5. Yacht handling under power Can control the yacht effectively in a confined space under power All berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide

6. Yacht handling under sail Characteristics Can use the sails to control the yacht in a confined space Anchoring and mooring in various conditions of wind and tide Can sail efficiently on all points of sailing

7. Adverse weather conditions Preparation for heavy weather and yacht handling in strong winds Navigation and general conduct in restricted visibility

8. Emergency situations Recovery of man overboard under power and sail Understands action to be taken when abandoning to the liferaft and during helicopter and lifeboat rescues

Yachtmaster Offshore Syllabus

Candidates may be given the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of competence in the areas listed below. In each section the examiner will expect to see the candidate take full responsibility for the management of the yacht and crew. In Yachtmaster Offshore exams the candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence based on broad experience.

General rules (1-3)
Steering and sailing rules (4-19)
Lights and shapes (20-31)
Sound and light signals (32-37)
Signals for vessels fishing in close proximity (Annex II)
Distress signals (Annex IV)

2. Safety Candidates will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a yacht, based either on the recommendations in the RYA Boat Safety Handbook (C8), the ISAF Special Regulations or the Codes of Practice for the safety of Small Commercial Vessels. In particular, candidates must know the responsibilities of a skipper in relation:

Safety harnesses
Lifejackets
Distress flares
Fire prevention and fighting
Liferafts Knowledge of rescue procedures
Helicopter rescue

3. Boat Handling Candidates for Coastal Skipper examinations will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in simple situations only. Candidates for Yachtmaster Offshore will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise: Coming to and weighing anchor under power or sail in various conditions of wind and tide All berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide Recovery of man overboard Towing under open sea conditions and in confined areas Boat handling in confined areas under sail Boat handling in heavy weather Helmsmanship and sail trim to sail to best advantage Use of warps for securing in an alongside berth and for shifting berth or winding

4. General Seamanship, including maintenance

Properties, use and care of synthetic fibre ropes
Knots
General deck-work at sea and in harbour
Engine operations and routine checks
Improvisation of jury rigs following gear failure

5. Responsibilities of skipper

Can skipper a yacht and manage the crew
Communication with crew
Delegation of responsibility and watch-keeping organisation
Preparing yacht for sea and for adverse weather
Tactics for heavy weather and restricted visibility
Emergency and distress situations
Victualling for a cruise and feeding at sea
Customs procedures
Standards of behaviour and courtesy

6. Navigation

Charts, navigational publications and sources of navigational information
Chartwork including position fixing and shaping course to allow for tidal stream and leeway
Tide and tidal stream calculations
Buoyage and visual aids to navigation
Instruments including compasses, logs, echo sounders, radio navaids and chartwork instruments
Passage planning and navigational tactics
Pilotage techniques
Navigational records
Limits of navigational accuracy and margins if safety
Lee shore dangers
Use of electronic navigation aids for passage planning and passage navigation
Use of waypoints and electronic routeing

7. Meteorology

Definition of terms
Sources of weather forecasts
Weather systems and local weather effects
Interpretation of weather forecasts, barometric trends and visible phenomena
Ability to make passage planning decisions based on forecast information

8. Signals

Candidates for Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal Skipper must hold the Restricted (VHF only) Certificate of Competence in radiotelephony or a higher grade of certificate in radio telephony.1. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea Questions will be confined to the International Regulations and although candidates must be aware of the existence of Local Regulations, they will not be expected to memorise specific local regulations.

Questions to our sailing courses

Is there any physical fittness required to take part in the courses of Bretagne Atlantic Yachting?

Sailing is more technical than physical but to be a competent crew, we often have to change sides in the boat or to stand up on the deck, to go up in the boat and down of the boat in the dinghy.

Regulation doesn't require for adults any swimm certification or medical certificate but it is the responsibility of each participant to know if he has a medical contra-indication. This confirmation is required in the booking form. By medical treatment, the crew will take on board his treatment.

For official regattas: each crew has to have a licence from the French Sailing Federation (The licence can be bought by the Club Léo Lagrange in Camaret - look in the page "links"). This licence has to be signed by a doctor, as medical certification.

For under age crew : Taking part to courses for under age participants non accompanied of their parents, is possible from 15 years. Following documents are required

Parental authorisation of taking part in the course and for hospitalization if necessary
Certicate of swimming (can be signed by one parent)
Medical informations : medical treatment?... all what the skipper has to know
Discharge of responsibility when the crew is at land

Which equipment do we need on bord ?

Deck schoes/ deck boots (grip is your security!)
Sun lotion (high protection indice), sun glasses, cap
Sleeping bag/ pillowcase and sheet (protection of the mattress)
Sailing trousers and jacket
From T-shirt to fleece (better than cotton ) : weather can be nice, warm and dry or possibly less dry warm and dry
bonnet
Toiletbag / towel
Camera...

... and flexible bags that will be stowed easily

How can I book?

Send a mail to Loïck and tell about your project, ask him what you would like to know. Loïck should answer very quickly. Click on the link registration form, read the conditions of participation, fill up the form, sign it and mail it back to Loïck.

When everything is clear, you will make a deposit of 20% of the fees per transfer. After the transfer, the booking is firm.

Payment

Please by transfer on the bank account (IBAN)

IBAN : FR76 1558 9297 2200 2792 4004 447

BIC: CMBRFR2BARK

The final payment will be transfered two weeks before the beginning of the course. By very late booking (in the last week), just ask Loïck how to proceed.

Practical Informations to the courses :

Meeting : Generally, the course last 6 days: From Saturday 17.00 to Friday 16.00

Access: The departure or destination harbours lie close to an international airport : Lorient, Brest in Brittany, Porto in Portugal...

Harbour address

in Lorient: Boulevard Adolfe Pierre / Quai de Rohan, 56100 Lorient.
in Brest: Port du Moulin Blanc

Link to the registration form

Conditions of participation to a sailing course

1. Reservations are valid after confirmation by Bretagne Atlantic Yachting, sending the registration form and the payment of the deposit of 20%. The balance is payable two weeks before the beginning of the course.

2. The signer has a week to cancel his registration without charge. After that period, the deposit will be retained by Britain Atlantic Yachting.

3. Should the course be canceled by Bretagne Atlantic Yachting, any sum paid would be immediately reimbursed. A proposal for participation another course with a 20% reduction will be made to the signatory.

4. Participants undertake to respect the safety rules given by the Skipper. The skipper can impose without compensation the unship of one participant in the case of non-compliance of safety instructions.

5. The price of the course includes theoretical and practical training, civil liability and an additional accident insurance. The price of the course does not include victuals, skipper included, harbour taxes, fuel and gas.

6. The participant confirms by signing his registration form that he is not the subject of medical contraindication to the participation in the course.

In case of medical treatment, the crew has to inform the skipper .

7. Damage to the boat done by a crew, in case of non respect of instructions, gross negligence or volontary act has to be repaid by the crew

8. At the end of the course, crew take part in cleaning the boat (1 hour) or may if desired, pay 15 € instead of doeing it.