Year-round and seasonal clubs
In France, the Fédération Française de Voile counts almost 400 sailing clubs. Spread out along the coast, but also inland on lakes and rivers, these clubs offer the chance to learn a variety of sailing techniques. While some are only open seasonally, others are open all year round, offering a range of packages to suit all tastes. Such is the case of the Pôle Nautique Hague in Urville-Nacqueville, in the Manche département. Created in 2014, it comprises two bases: Omonville-la-rogue, which opens only on Wednesdays and Saturdays and every day during the summer, and the main base in Urville, which closes only in January.
Instructors already trained or training in-house
Recruiting instructors is a key issue for many clubs. To supervise trainees, it is necessary to find qualified, and in some cases seasonal, staff.
In the case of Pôle Nautique Hague, 12 permanent instructors provide daily lessons. During the summer months, 20 to 30 additional seasonal instructors are recruited. The club either recruits already-qualified instructors, or also provides training for its own staff cQP IV level training courses, depending on the activities chosen. Training at the club allows instructors who are still students to continue their studies and train during the summer.
Courses, individual or group, for adults and children
In a sailing club open all year round, there's a wide range of activities on offer. Vacation courses are offered for children and adults from April and throughout the summer. All year round, private or group lessons are given by instructors for all nautical activities, with the exception of surfing in the case of Urville-Nacqueville. Lessons take place at dedicated times.
The sea garden is a great gateway to the maritime world. Children are usually introduced to the Optimist and group boats, but also to fishing and the marine environment.
Payment methods and prices depend on the practice and the club. In 2023, for example, the Normandy club surveyed offered a kitesurfing session for 155 euros, an individual windsurfing lesson for 65 euros, and a group lesson for 45 euros.
In addition to water sports, some clubs also organize competitions. For example, Pole Nautique de la Hague organized the departmental windsurfing championship and the Normandy windsurfing, windfoil and wingfoil championships. Some club members wishing to take part in competitions are also accompanied by club instructors, as was the case for the Défi Wind de Gruissant 2023.
Rent to practice independently
Urville, like many other clubs, also offers a rental service for sailors able to rent equipment by the hour or day without an instructor: catamarans, dinghies, paddleboats, kayaks... This is an important source of financing for these structures. At the Normandy club, it's even possible to rent RIBs for those with a boating license. Last but not least, the club also organizes practical coastal license examinations, in addition to two mornings dedicated to reviewing and learning the theory courses.
Specialization and versatility
Each practice has its own specificities. Instructors have their own specialties: sand yachting, light sailing, windsurfing, cruising, kitesurfing... However, we also need Swiss Army knives for the many ancillary tasks. At Urville Nacqueville, the club has a manager and a surface technician, as well as a dedicated beach instructor. This is a reception desk to introduce the club and provide information to passers-by. He also works in the workshop, ensuring that the day's activities run smoothly, helping to reassemble the boats on the beach, recovering riders in difficulty...
A regularly renewed fleet
One of the great advantages of clubs, especially large ones, is that equipment is regularly renewed, especially sailing equipment, for the safety of customers and staff alike. In the Normandy club, GPS trackers are available for members practicing independently. This tracker locates the person, and an SOS button sends signals to the instructor's computer and telephone to request assistance.
