It is at La Rochelle - at the port of Les Minimes - that we have completed our introductory sailing course at the Macif Centre de voile. This course is intended for people who have not already sailed.
On the first day, we discover our crew - reduced since we are only 3 trainees instead of 5 - get to know our trainer - Bruno Royou - and take possession of our boat for the week - a Dufour 405. After a long safety briefing, Bruno explains the principle of the week: sail as much as possible because it is by practicing that we learn. Thus, we will turn at all stations: piano and sails, manoeuvres and navigation. A great opportunity to have a threesome, ideal for learning quickly! We will sail with the trainees of the "Perfectionnement" group - 6 trainees on a Dufour 36 - the opportunity to challenge each other.
A serious and competent instructor
Bruno Royou has been training trainees at La Macif for 17 years, after two years of training. A total reconversion for this former Paris firefighter, who must show patience and rigour to supervise and train the less experienced among us.
Here, no left and right, no "pushing" and "pulling". The terms are technical "cross out", "loffer", "take a reef" and repeated daily so that they become part of our vocabulary. Bruno is present with us, on deck, in the rain, in the wind and continues his training, leaving us more and more autonomy as the days go by "What would you like to do? What do you think is best? How's your course? How do you look?" The questioning is permanent, a way to gain self-confidence and learn the basics of sailing.
"The objective of the Initiation course is to have fun while learning about the dangers of the sea. It is a real personal investment to gain autonomy and self-evaluation. It must remain fun to show the range of possibilities that sailing brings. We have fun, we have a good time and we are serious" explains Bruno.
Various motivations
Of the 8 trainees (introductory + advanced training), only 3 of us hold our coastal licence, and only one holds the offshore licence. Some are there to discover sailing while others already own a boat and need training to feel more independent and safe, or are considering buying one. This is the case of Chantal, whose husband is a seasoned sailor and who has decided to learn to sail with him, or Robert, who is used to sailing with his brother (and who already owns a Bavaria brand sailboat), who wants to gain autonomy so he can sail alone.
For Jonathan, sailing is no secret since he regularly fishes in semi-rigid conditions. He would now like to be able to sail under sail, with women and children.
In any case, for everyone, the desire for a long cruise floats in their minds and it is through these internships that they hope to one day realize their dream.
Life on board
During our week, we slept on board. It is possible to arrive the evening before from 6 p.m. to be on site the next morning at 9 a.m. The trainees divide the cabins among themselves in good understanding, knowing that if there is only one woman in the group, she occupies a single cabin.
The trainees are in charge of the dashboard. That is, they do the shopping for the whole week - evening and lunch included. Once again, it is up to the group to agree on the wishes (cold meals, hot meals, meals on board or outside...). La Macif advises to plan around 15 euros/day/person, but we have rather spent 50 euros preferring meals on board. We were also only 3 people (4 at lunch with the trainer).
As for hygiene, you can either go to the harbour master's office at the port of Les Minimes de La Rochelle or use the boat's shower.
The afternoon of the last day is devoted to cleaning and storing the boat, which will be reused the next day for a new course.
Be well equipped
You will receive an instruction email before departure with the necessary equipment to be provided for your internship. Everything will depend on the weather conditions, but bring warm clothes, regardless of the season: technical underwear, fleece, softshel, waxed or watch jacket, overalls, boots and sailing shoes, warm and if possible waterproof socks, cap (or cap), gloves (which even if they are wet will protect you from the friction of the ropes) and sun glasses. If you don't have any wax, the Macif can lend you full equipment (trousers and jacket).
For life on board you will need a fitted sheet and a sleeping bag and essential toiletries. Don't forget the sunscreen either, because even on cloudy days, the sun is shining in the sea!
Cost of the 5-day course:
- Low season rate 595 euros
- Average season rate 655 euros
- High season rate 716 euros
