Sailing and Practice on a Tall Ship: Corsica and Sardinia from …

Very popular activity. Places usually sell out 112 days before the start

CROSSING AND OFFSHORE AND COASTAL SAILING PRACTICES ON A LARGE SAILING BOAT: CORSICA and SARDINIA from NICE +425 NM

Would you like to gain experience and improve your sailing technique? Do you want to increase your confidence and skill as a skipper or captain? Are you preparing to become a professional? Do you need to prove your sailing days and miles? Or do you simply fancy living a great adventure?

We offer you a program where you will learn to sail with greater safety and efficiency on a journey of more than 425nm, assuming the role of skipper and crew member in different situations and real wind and sea conditions. Whether you are already a skipper, captain or PPER or would like to become one, or you simply want to enjoy the sea and our coasts, this journey is for you. Come aboard a modern Dufourt 525 Grand Large. A large ocean-going sailboat, ideal for learning and enjoying with great safety and comfort.

We will depart from the beautiful city of Nice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you may wish to enjoy by arriving a day earlier. We will sail on a spectacular crossing from here, along the West-Southwest coast of Corsica and the entire East coast of Sardinia.

From Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, we will sail among incredible rock formations, large cliffs, long beaches and white sand coves such as Cala d'Orzu, Tralicetu, Rocapina, Furnellu or the spectacular Rondinara Bay, one of the most beautiful in Corsica.

We will also cross the legendary Strait of Bonifacio, a real experience for sailors, but not before tying up in its splendid port to enjoy the impressive fortress city and its lively atmosphere that brings together sailors from all over the world every year.

And now in Sardinia, we will discover the Lavezzi Islands and the La Maddalena Archipelago, a true paradise of unspoiled islands. From here, we will sail along the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda, one of the great wonders of the Mediterranean. We will drop anchor in authentic gems, such as Cala Brandinchi, Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé, among many others, accessible only by sea. What a privilege!

And finally we will arrive at Cagliari, the vibrant capital of Sardinia, full of history, culture and beauty. Recommended to enjoy on your own if you can stay a few more days.

WORKSHOPS AND PRACTICES

It includes different workshops and practices for those who set learning objectives:

• Government and safety on the sailboat (The boat, the skipper and his crew, the steering position, instrumentation, RIPA, POB, EPIRB, abandonment, logbook, positioning on the chart, control and tasks on board…)
• Night navigation (guards, lights, AIS, Radar…)
• Sailing (sails, controls, manoeuvres, headings, trimming with crew and solo…)
• Offshore navigation (planning, meteorology, route, management…)
• Coastal navigation (planning, meteorology, route, dangers, marks and beaconing, delays, alignments, oppositions, markings, anchoring, moorings in port and buoy)
• Basic ropework and much more.

BOARDING AND DISEMBARKATION

• Boarding: 17:00 h. | Port of Nice (Train or taxi from the airport 8Km away). Alternatively, boarding is at the Port of Ajaccio, Corsica (Bus or taxi from the airport 6Km away).
• Disembarkation: 17:00h. | Port of Cagliari (Train, Bus or taxi to the airport 9Km away).

DETAILS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

We recommend a minimum of sailing experience to participate in this trip. The proposed program may vary partially or significantly depending on the weather or at the request of the group. Consider that there may be some change or delay due to this or any other unforeseen circumstance. Keep this in mind when planning, train, flights, hotel, etc. if you need it and if necessary we advise you to make your reservations with the option of cancellation, or alternatively take out insurance that covers this possibility, they are usually affordable and well adapted to this type of activities.

OTHER PROGRAMS

If the dates don't work for you or the group is full, you may want to take a look at the following programs we have posted on Sailwiz:

CROSSING AND NAVIGATION PRACTICES | ALL YEAR ROUND

• 1 Island | Columbretes from Valencia +110 nm
• 1 Island | Menorca from Valencia +400 nm
• 1 Island | Mallorca from Valencia +280 nm
• 2 Islands | Columbretes-Ibiza from Valencia +200 nm
• 3 Islands | Ibiza-Formentera-Columbretes from Valencia +250MN
• 5 Islands | Ibiza-Formentera-Cabrera-Mallorca-Columbretes from Valencia +400 mn

CROSSINGS AND NAVIGATION PRACTICES | JUNE ONLY

• Roses-Marseille-Nice from Valencia +500 mn
• Corsica-Sardinia from Nice +425 nm
• Menorca-Mallorca-Valencia from Menorca +275 mn

CRUISES | IN JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

• Ibiza and Formentera from Valencia +240 mn

Plan

1st SAILING: PORT OF NICE

Welcome and boarding at the port of Nice. Our sailboat is now perfectly stowed and ready to sail, so after settling in we will have a first WORKSHOP ON GOVERNMENT, SAFETY AND NAVIGATION, going into depth on aspects related to government and safety, both during daytime and nighttime navigation (guards, lights, AIS, Radar…).

Once these objectives have been met, we will have a second WORKSHOP ON HIGH-SEA NAVIGATION, where we will analyse the weather, plan the route and organise the watches and tasks on board. And finally, we will familiarise ourselves in a practical way with the manoeuvre, both under sail and under motor.

And now that we are well prepared, with our sailboat sailing to the sound of the sea, we will take advantage of the opportunity to dine together, something typical in the vicinity of the lively port of Nice.

2ND SAILING: PORT OF NICE-HEADING TO THE WEST COAST OF CORSICA (80 NM)

We will start our route very early, beginning with the navigation watches in shifts, positioning ourselves on the chart and checking the indicators and safety elements every 2 hours.

During this voyage we will have a SAILING WORKSHOP to get the best performance from the sailboat throughout our journey. Our course will be towards Ajaccio (153º), capital of Corsica, where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769.

3rd VOYAGE: WEST COAST OF CORSICA-PORT OF AJACCIO (50 NM)

Around midday, we will dock in the port of Ajaccio in the heart of the city to enjoy its beautiful old town and its vibrant nightlife by the sea. In this lively port, we will spend the night.

If anyone prefers, they can embark at this port at 4:00 p.m. and join the rest of the group to experience the Corsican charm of this town.

4th SAILING: AJACCIO-SOUTHWEST COAST OF CORSICA-PORT OF BONIFACCIO (45 NM)

We will cast off early, pointing our bow towards Capo di Muru. Once we have rounded the cape, we will anchor in the shelter of Cala d'Orzu to enjoy a swim in its blue waters. And from here we will leave the Gulf of Valinco on the port side, gradually approaching the beautiful beaches of Tralicetu, Rocapina and Furnellu where we will anchor in fine sand to cool off again before arriving at the spectacular port of Bonifaccio at sunset.

On this voyage we will have a new COASTAL NAVIGATION WORKSHOP, where we will be able to practically locate ourselves on the chart using the bearing compass, all of which we will be able to continue practicing throughout our journey.

5th SAILING: BONIFACCIO

Today we will enjoy this spectacular setting for a day, surrounded by beautiful mountains full of vegetation and cliffs, which make the port a magical place. And also its atmosphere that brings together sailors from all over the world every year. We can take a walk, have a drink on a terrace, or perhaps eat in one of its restaurants.

We will get to know the city located on top of a cliff sculpted by the wind, and experience its lively nightlife.

6th SAILING: BONIFACIO-NORTH-EAST COAST OF SARDINIA-LAVEZZI ISLANDS-MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO (20 NM)

We will set sail early in the morning towards the legendary Strait of Bonifacio. Crossing it is quite an experience for sailors. From here, and once in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, we will point our bow towards the Lavezzi Islands. In a few hours we will be in a wild paradise, where we will drop anchor to spend the morning in some of its best coves: Cala Lazarina, Cala di Zeri, Cala della Chiesa...

We will then set off for the neighbouring archipelago of La Maddalena, one of the most evocative landscapes in the world. Here we will enjoy a spectacular afternoon and evening under the stars.

7th VOYAGE: LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO-NORTH-EAST COAST OF SARDINIA-CALA BRANDINCHI (35 NM)

We will weigh anchor early to embark on a new voyage south along the spectacular Emerald Coast, enjoying the contrast between crystal-clear waters and Mediterranean vegetation.

We will drop anchor at the majestic Tavolara Island. With its imposing rocky profile, it will offer us good shelter to cool off while contemplating a spectacular landscape, before setting off towards Cala Brandinchi, a beautiful spot perfect for relaxing in the afternoon and enjoying another night in the moonlight.

8th SAILING: CALA BRANDINCHI - EAST COAST OF SARDINIA - CALA LUNA (40 MN)

We will continue our route along the eastern coast of Sardinia, leaving the impressive cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei to starboard. We will drop anchor to cool off on the long beach of Orosei, facing its large pine forest, and then set sail for our destination today, Cala Luna.

We will arrive in the early afternoon to enjoy an authentic paradise of golden sand, a serene atmosphere and natural caves that penetrate the rock, ideal for relaxing.

9th SAILING: CALA LUNA-EAST COAST OF SARDINIA-CALA MELISENDA (35 MN)

We will continue our route exploring a truly wild coast, towards Cala Goloritze, one of the most iconic jewels of the Mediterranean, with its imposing natural arch and its deep blue waters, perfect for snorkelling and taking an unforgettable swim.

From here, we will point our bow towards Cala Melisenda, a quiet refuge surrounded by nature, where we can relax, walk or simply bathe in its crystal-clear waters and enjoy this wonderful environment.

10th SAILING: CALA MELISENDA-SOUTHEAST COAST OF SARDINIA-CAGLIARI (55 MN)

We will start our last journey towards Cagliari early. During this journey we will have a last “ROPEWORK WORKSHOP”.

On the way, we will drop anchor in some of the best coves in this area, such as Cala Pira or Cala Regina. We will surely tell a thousand and one anecdotes about our trip, before we dock early in the afternoon in the picturesque port of Cagliari, bringing the program to a close.

And after more than 425mn of navigation, we will say goodbye to what will surely have been a great shared experience.

Those who wish can spend the night, at their own expense, and enjoy this wonderful town for another day.

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Other information

All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (spanish)

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• Sailboat rental with auxiliary boat, professional skipper, insurance, purchase and stowage service (with the Complete Pack) and VAT.

*All activities, workshops and practices scheduled have no additional cost. At the end, a certificate of passage will be issued justifying the route and the miles sailed (professional qualifications, rentals, boarding...).

NOT INCLUDED (extras):

• COMPLETE PACK (Mandatory): Food and drinks, bed linen, towels and final cleaning. 260 Eur/pax

• FUEL (Mandatory): A provision of approximately 75 Eur/pax will be made. Sailing will be prioritized. In any case, the amount will be adjusted to the amount actually consumed.

• MOORINGS IN PORTS OR BUOYS (Mandatory): If for boarding or safety reasons it is necessary or chosen as an option, it will be shared among the group. A provision will be made for the scheduled moorings (Nice, Bonifacio and Cagliari) of 50 Eur/pax. In any case, this provision will be adjusted to the amount that is finally obtained.

• SUITE PACK (Optional): Reserve the spacious bow cabin with a full bathroom. 155 Eur/pax

• SINGLE PACK (Optional): Reserve a superior aft cabin exclusively for you. 455 Eur/pax

• LAST MINUTE PACK (Optional). When there are no more cabins left, you can still come on board and spend the night on the comfortable sofa in the lounge. -195 Eur

• Any other request or need not specified in the price or that needs to be budgeted separately.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

• Cost of early cancellation by the client:

-Before 60 days from the date of embarkation, 10% of the reservation.
-Between 59 and 30 days prior to the boarding date, 50% of the reservation.
-Less than 30 days before the boarding date, 100% of the reservation.

• If cancelled early by the owner/skipper:

-Due to force majeure, crew indisposition, safety of the sailboat or any other circumstance, a new date would be agreed or, if applicable, the client would be reimbursed 100% of the amount paid.

-If the minimum group size is not 5 confirmed people (in the case of rental by seats), a new date will be agreed or, if applicable, the client will be reimbursed 100% of the amount paid.

-Due to adverse weather conditions, a new date would be agreed or, if applicable, the client would be reimbursed 100% of the amount paid in the form of a credit valid for 1 year, which can be enjoyed by the client directly or by whomever they decide and inform.

-Once embarked, a refund in the form of a credit valid for 1 year would only be applicable if the cancellation is due to causes directly attributable to the shipowner or skipper, not including meteorological causes in any case. Said refund would be calculated proportionally to the time or period ultimately not enjoyed, with no additional compensation being payable.

FORMALIZATION OF THE RESERVATION AND BOARDING

• According to platform policy.

• Up to 4 days before the charter, extras can be paid directly to the owner/skipper by bank transfer.

• Before boarding, the group will sign the sailboat rental contract for the indicated time, with a professional skipper included.

• During this time, the group will have access to the sailboat to enjoy sailing following the suggested itinerary or any other that they may alternatively propose together directly to the skipper.

OTHERS

• Complete Package: The menus are healthy, easy to prepare and generally adapted to life on board. Soft drinks, beer and wine are included. You do not have to worry about deciding on the ingredients and preparing the shopping. This service is included. If you require any special diet or have any allergies, you must notify us in writing in advance.

• A cook or sailor is not included (this service has an additional cost), so it is the responsibility of each person to collaborate with the group in preparing meals and other tasks related to the order, cleanliness and safety of the sailboat in order to have the best experience.

• We will make this trip with a minimum group of 5 and a maximum of 7 crew members plus the Captain, to fully enjoy the large spaces and comfort of this large sailboat, and to get the most out of the different workshops and practices. Smaller groups may be confirmed exceptionally.

Next dates

Square by square

Complete boat

Boat details

Powerful, elegant and comfortable Dufour 525 Grand Large. An ocean-going sailboat with superior features and finishes, with a premium specification that includes a generator, hot-cold air conditioning, a watermaker, washing machine, dishwasher, Bosé speakers... as well as a great capacity for autonomy.

The interior is equipped with 3 spacious cabins (suite type forward) with large closets and shelves, two complete toilets (electric and with hot and cold water showers), as well as a large convertible lounge that adds 2 bunk beds, where you can sleep comfortably. in total 8 people. Additionally, it has an independent crew cabin with a third full bathroom.

Outside, its clean and spacious lines are complemented by a magnificent teak deck, with 2 sundecks, one forward and one aft, each for 4 people. In short, it is a large full-equipment sailboat, Dufourt's flagship, with which you will enjoy the pleasure of sailing in paradisiacal settings with high safety and comfort with your family or friends.

General characteristics

- Measurements: overall length 15.32m, beam 4.90m and draft: 2.3m
- Ballast: 4.85 tons
- Displacement: 16.2 tons
- Fuel tanks: 500 liters (2x250l)
- Water tanks: 3x185 (555 l)
- Engine: Volvo Penta D3-110 kW
- Main propeller: 3 folding blades
- Bow thruster: Maxpower retractable
- Alternator: 114AH
- Generator: Fisher Panda 8000 6.8KW
- Chargers: Cristec, Fast Inverter: Power 1200W
- Air conditioning and heating: Dometic Cruiseair with outlets in the living room and 3 cabins
- Water treatment plant: Desalination plant D60BY 60 L/h*
- Water heater: Quick Inox Platform
-Electric bathing platform with aft shower
-Dispatched in sixth list: zone 2 (up to 12 people on board)

Rig

- Sparcraft mast and boom
- Sparcraft Ocean retractable bowsprit with tack line to cockpit
- North Sails cruising laminated mainsail
- Furling cruiser genoa North Sails
- Elvstrom 2010 furling gennaker
- I'm flying
- Elvstrom bad weather jib
- Elvstrom Storm Jib
- Battened mainsail Elvstrom dacron
- Furlex Seldon 404s genoa furler

winches

- 2 main German Harken 53 ST winches
- 2x Harken 60.2 ST electric genoa winches 2x spinnaker
- 1 Harken 48 ST electric starboard halyard winch
- 1 Harken 48 ST port halyard winch

navigation equipment

- VHF ICOM Marine IC-M505 with remote control in cockpit and BoseMC-Murdo ICS speaker
- Navtex Computer Nav6 and Monitor 15
- TinyBytetransceiver AIS wireless keyboard logitech2
- Raymarine ST602 tridata. Raymarine ST6002 Autopilot and Raymarine E80 Plotter
- Raymarine radar and tablet with Navionics

Accommodation

It is a sailboat designed to offer a great navigation experience, comfort and enjoyment for 6 to 8 people overnight and up to 12 people including the crew during daytime navigation.

The interior, with high-quality furniture, in Moabi and Wenge wood, is equipped with 3 spacious cabins (suite type forward) with ample closets and shelves, two complete toilets (electric and with hot water showers), as well as a large convertible saloon that adds 2 berths (for crew or passengers), where a total of 8 people can sleep comfortably. Additionally, it has an independent crew cabin with a third complete bathroom, which is usually used as a sail locker.

The kitchen, distributed in 3 large spaces, has a Corian® work surface with a raised anti-heeling edge in wood. It has a double sink with a synthetic resin lid. 3-burner gas cooker with oven/grill type "Bretagne Evolution" in cardan with stainless steel handrail and safety fixing anchor. A fridge with front cover 130L. A second 175L fridge with freezer, plus a 100L freezer. The service is completed by an Electrolux Arthur Martin MD30 dishwasher, a 1200W ENO microwave, a Tefal toaster, a bottle rack and complete Dufourt crockery for 10 people.

Daily rest is guaranteed with Calipso comfort mattresses with wooden slatted base, fans, as well as a large space in cabinets and shelves, LED reading lights, openable deck hatches, ventilation, black-out blinds and mosquito nets in each cabin.

All this is complemented by 12v-220V plugs. BOSE-Lifestyle DVD 5.1 dolby surround. Sharp Aquos TV and large storage spaces throughout the boat.

*This description may not be exact or may have changed due to subsequent changes. The use of some services such as the dishwasher, TV or air conditioning may be restricted to the port or at certain times at the discretion of the skipper. The owner/skipper is not responsible if any element or accessory described is damaged just before or during the departure.

SERVICES

Rental for cruises and crossings, regattas, hourly rides, Charter day, sunrises, sunsets, ashes at sea, celebrations, etc. Ask us and we will organize a personalized quality service for you.

Specifications

Model: Dufour Yachts - 525 Grand Large
Capacity: 11 spots
Length: 15.32 m
Cabins: 3
Year: 2008
Bathrooms: 3

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Bimini
Fishing rods
HI-FI equipment
TV
Equipo de snorkel

5 · 88 reviews

Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Columbretes-Ibiza +200 MN

José Raúl

April of 2025

Ignacio's total command of navigation even in a difficult situation (storm F7nocturno). Very participatory and very good atmosphere on the boat.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Raúl! I was delighted to share this journey with you on board, a great experience for the crew. I highlight your ability to adapt to conditions, your desire to learn and collaborate at all times with the group. Good bow partner

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Wences

April of 2025

Sailing on this great sailboat with an experienced skipper like Ignacio and five unknown people has been one of the best experiences I have ever had, Ignacio demonstrated a deep knowledge of sailing and determination to transmit it, it generated not only a great atmosphere, also laughter, stories and desire to return to the sea!!

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Wences. It has been a pleasure to share this journey with you. I must highlight your willingness to help with tasks, guards, trimming and maneuvering, the desire to learn and the way in which you have contributed to the good environment of the group. Good bow partner;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Julio

April of 2025

A beautiful experience. A good skipper, I have the feeling that there was a very good connection between skipper and crew.
Good coordination between theoretical and practical teaching.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Julio. It has been a pleasure to share this journey with you. I must highlight your ability to adapt and spirit of improvement, as well as your eagerness to learn, participating in a practical way in all onboard activities, in addition to your good spirit and contribution to the group. Good winds buddy;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Luis

February of 2025

Impeccable boat and exceptional skipper. Always supporting and teaching. Also, a great person. I will repeat without hesitation.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you very much Luis! It has been a pleasure to share this journey with you. You certainly have the makings of a captain; you collaborate, learn and encourage the group. But beyond that, your excellent human quality does not go unnoticed. I hope we sail again soon. Good bow mate ;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Valencia-Columbretes +110 MN

Lars

November of 2024

Ignacio was an excellent host and communicated clearly and quickly before, during and after the trip. He allowed us to enjoy sailing in the Mediterranean in comfort. Although we did not snorkel or visit the island, I highly recommend taking advantage of these options. Thanks, Ignacio!

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you very much Lars! It has been a pleasure to sail with you. At all times you have shown a very good attitude, camaraderie and collaboration, enjoying the experience despite the fact that due to the weather we could not snorkel or disembark. Good winds;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Valencia-Columbretes +110 MN

Cristina

November of 2024

The experience has been fantastic. Nacho is a master of sailing and explains everything perfectly. You learn a lot from him. He is also very nice and takes great care of the crew. And the boat is an absolute marvel, big, beautiful and very well maintained. A complete luxury.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you very much Cristina. It has been a pleasure to share this journey with you. You have participated and collaborated in the steering and maneuvers of the sailboat as well as in the rest of the tasks inherent to navigation, contributing your friendliness and good conversation at all times to the group. Good luck, and see you on the next voyages.

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