Yacht Club Carnac – Sailing Courses, Regattas & Eurocat Catamarans

Yacht Club Carnac, a sailing institution with an international reputation since 1960, offers sailing courses for children aged 4-13 (discovery and the thrill of gliding), courses for adults and teenagers of all levels (from beginner to high-performance thrills), the Eurocat – the legendary catamaran regatta (held every year in May, more than 110 international crews), flexible hire (dinghies, catamarans, windsurf boards, kayaks, paddleboards, foils), the French coastal boating licence and professional water-sports training. Experienced, qualified instructors with a passion for teaching, small groups (6-8 maximum), brand-new top-of-the-range equipment, rigorous safety and Quiberon Bay, a natural sailing arena with ideal conditions. A friendly, sporting atmosphere, personalised progression and a flexible spring-summer-autumn calendar (March to November). Based at Port-en-Dro in Carnac, close to Camping Les Druides and easy to reach by car. A prestigious, inclusive, multi-generational sailing institution offering a deep dive into the sensations of sailing, regattas and competitions for professionals and amateurs of all levels, and a memorable adventure with lasting memories for families on the bay.

📌 About this establishment

Camping Les Druides recommends Yacht Club Carnac as a destination for sailing, courses and regattas.

Please note: Yacht Club Carnac is an independent, professional sailing institution established in 1960. Camping Les Druides:

• does not run Yacht Club Carnac;

• does not offer sailing lessons directly to campsite guests;

• simply helps with practical information and coordination.

We simply recommend this renowned sailing institution, established in 1960 and recognised internationally.

To confirm timetables and programmes, contact Yacht Club Carnac directly via its official website www.yccarnac.com.

⛵ Yacht Club Carnac – a sailing institution since 1960

History and international prestige

A sailing institution of excellence – more than 65 years of expertise:

• Founded: 1960 – creation of the Carnac sailing club

• Location: Quiberon Bay – an internationally renowned spot for catamaran sailors from around the world

• Reputation: internationally recognised for its sailing excellence

• Eurocat: the legendary annual regatta in May – more than 110 international crews

Complete professional facilities

A natural harbour on Quiberon Bay with first-class infrastructure:

• Harbour: more than 200 berths

• Slipway and ramp: easy launching for boats

• Moorings: sheltered, secure anchorage in calm water

• Training school: a comfortable, well-equipped classroom

• Bar-restaurant: a terrace to relax and socialise after sailing

• Facilities: changing rooms, toilets and showers for complete comfort

👧👦 Sailing courses for children aged 4-13 – discovery and progression

Teaching philosophy

• The pleasure of sailing is the absolute priority

• Personalised progression: each child at their own pace

• Absolute safety: buoyancy aid compulsory, constant supervision

• Friendly atmosphere: group friendships, learning through play

• Qualified instructors: experienced, patient and caring teachers

Mouettons (ages 4-7) – first steps on the water

Duration: 3-5 days (July-August, summer only)
Times: 9.00 am-12.30 pm, mornings
Boats: Optimist, an introduction for young children
Activities:

• Learning to balance a boat through play

• Rigging a simple sail

• Fun games, swimming and bathing

• A safe, caring environment

Aim: discovering the water and the boat, first sailing skills, confidence at sea.

Juniors (ages 8-13) – learning and competition

Duration: standard 5 days (all school holidays)
Times: 9.00 am-12.30 pm and 2.00-5.00 pm (full day)
Boats: Optimist, 420 dinghy, by progressive level
Progressive levels:

• Beginner: boat terminology, trim and balance

• Intermediate: tacking, gybing, boat handling

• Advanced: friendly regattas, competition, strategy

Options: multi-activity (sailing + windsurfing + kayak + paddleboard), specialist courses (Optimist, 420, performance catamaran)
Groups: small (6-8 children maximum per instructor)

👨‍🦱 Sailing courses for adults and teenagers (11+) – all levels

Levels on offer

Beginner – a first experience:

• Duration: standard 5-day course

• Times: 9.00 am-12.30 pm and 2.00-5.00 pm

• Content: boat vocabulary, rigging, trim and balance

• Boats: dinghies (Topaze, Laser, Solo, 420)

• Aim: simple independent sailing with the boat under control

Intermediate – progressing to performance:

• Duration: 5-day performance course

• Content: tacking, gybing, speed control

• Boats: Nacra catamaran, performance 420 dinghy

• Aim: performance, speed, the thrill of leisure regattas

Advanced – competition and extreme sensations:

• Duration: 5-day competition course

• Content: competition strategy coaching, regatta tactics

• Boats: Nacra F18 catamaran, foil

• Aim: regattas and competitions, an adrenaline rush

Sailing specialities

Windsurfing: 5-day course, small group (6 maximum), progressive equipment suited to each level, from beginner to advanced, for the thrill of gliding.

Performance catamaran: fast two-person Nacra 500/570, learning the technique and balance of a multihull for a boost in speed.

Foil and wing-foil: 3-5 day introduction with specialist equipment, for the new sensation of flying over the water.

🏁 Eurocat – the legendary catamaran regatta in May

A major international event

Eurocat, the legendary catamaran regatta – held every year in May:

• Crews: more than 110 catamarans across several categories

• Categories: Catamaran 24, F18, C1, C3, C4, Diam24

• Atmosphere: intense, sporting and festive, a gathering of enthusiasts from all over the world

• Venue: Quiberon Bay, with ideal sailing conditions

The Eurocat weekend programme

Friday: crews arrive, technical checks, registration, opening evening in the village

Saturday: a full day of racing on courses around Quiberon Bay, festive evening with concerts on the bar terrace

Sunday: final races, rankings and podiums, prize-giving with champagne, an emotional closing ceremony

Open to everyone

• Several categories: beginners, experienced sailors, professionals and amateurs of all levels

• Catamaran hire: possible through the club and its partners

• Equipment provided: buoyancy aids, technical assistance

• Safety first: rescue boats, constant supervision, daily weather analysis

🚤 Sailing and water-sports hire – total flexibility

Hire options

• By the hour, half day, day or week – to suit holidaymakers’ needs

• Brand-new top-of-the-range equipment, regularly maintained

• Optimum safety and comfort: buoyancy aids, buoys and equipment always provided

Craft available

Dinghies: Laser, Topaze, 420 (leisure sailing around the bay)
Catamarans: Nacra 500/570 (performance, speed, gliding)
Windsurf boards: beginner to advanced, sails suited to your progress
Sea kayaks: single or double, for exploring the coves of the bay
Paddleboards: stand-up paddle (a gentle outing or fitness on calm water)
Foil and wing-foil: the new sensation of flying over the water

Instructors’ sailing advice

• Weather briefing: wind and sailing conditions

• Route recommendations: permitted and restricted areas

• Safety at sea: instructions and respect for the marine environment

• Protected wildlife and flora: Quiberon Bay is a sensitive natural area

📜 Coastal boating licence and professional training

Coastal boating licence – official training

5-day theory and practical course:

• Coastal navigation, maritime safety rules

• Weather, reading nautical charts, motorboat handling

• Harbour manoeuvres (mooring, docking, anchoring)

• Rescue at sea, first aid afloat

Final exam: theory and practical, leading to the official French coastal licence (sailing up to 6 nautical miles off the French coast)

Professional water-sports training

Sailing instructor: CQP (professional qualification certificate) for supervising water-sports activities – a practical and theoretical course covering teaching, safety and group management.

Skipper training: training as a professional yacht captain and skipper – offshore navigation and long-distance cruising, advanced meteorology, offshore safety, crew management.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all – a multi-generational club

Yacht Club Carnac is open to everyone, families included:

• Children aged 4-13: fun discovery courses on Optimists and dinghies

• Teenagers aged 11-18: performance catamaran courses, the thrill of competition

• Adults aged 18-50: all levels from beginner to advanced, independent hire

• Seniors aged 50-77: windsurfing, dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards for gentle outings

• Groups: companies, hen parties, water-sports team-building, flexible booking

📋 Practical tips – preparation and safety

Before the sailing course

• Swimsuit: compulsory, quick-drying

• Towel: to dry off after sailing

• SPF 50+ sun cream: UV protection against the intense sun at sea

• Sunglasses: protection from glare off the water

• Flip-flops or sandals: to protect your feet when boarding

• A light breakfast: drink plenty of water 1-2 hours before going out

During the course

• Safety first: buoyancy aid always compulsory

• Listen to the instructor: follow the instructions and stay focused

• Questions are normal: ask for clarification, progress at your own pace

After the course

• A hot shower: relax your muscles and rehydrate

• An electrolyte drink: physical recovery

• Feedback from the instructor: future progress and sharing the experience

🏕️ From Camping Les Druides

Very easy access to Yacht Club Carnac:

• ✅ Excellent proximity – Port-en-Dro, Carnac

• ✅ Campsite services: showers and changing facilities to get ready and freshen up after sailing

• ✅ Secure parking: your car stays safely at the campsite

• ✅ Restaurants nearby: a comfortable meal after the course

A typical sailing-course day:

1. Breakfast at the campsite, 8.00 am

2. Drive to the Yacht Club, 8.30 am

3. Sailing course 9.00 am-12.30 pm (3 h 30)

4. Lunch break at a restaurant, 12.30-2.00 pm

5. Afternoon sailing 2.00-5.00 pm (3 h)

6. Back at the campsite, 5.15 pm

7. Relax by the pool, 6.00-7.00 pm

8. Aperitif at the campsite bar, 7.00-8.00 pm

✨ In short

Yacht Club Carnac – an outstanding sailing institution with more than 65 years of expertise since 1960 – offers discovery courses for children aged 4-13 with the thrill of gliding, courses for adults and teenagers of all levels, from beginner to high-performance thrills, the legendary Eurocat regatta in May with more than 110 catamaran crews, flexible hire of every kind of craft, the coastal boating licence and professional training, and qualified instructors who teach with passion and warmth.

Quiberon Bay is a natural sailing arena with ideal conditions, with brand-new top-of-the-range equipment, optimum safety and comfort, and access for all levels in an inclusive, multi-generational club. A prestigious, multi-generational sailing institution offering a deep dive into the sensations of sailing, regattas and competitions for professionals and amateurs alike.

From Camping Les Druides, just a short drive away, set sail on a memorable sailing adventure of courses, regattas and Eurocat catamarans that creates lasting family memories and unforgettable sensations.

📞 Contacts and information

Yacht Club Carnac – course bookings

Telephone: +33 2 97 52 88 02
Email: contact@yccarnac.com
Website: www.yccarnac.com
Address: Port-en-Dro, BP 30, 56340 Carnac
Season: open from March to November each year
Facebook: Yacht Club Carnac (latest updates)

Carnac tourist office

Telephone: +33 2 97 52 13 52
Website: www.ot-carnac.fr
Services: bookings, confirmations, information

Camping Les Druides

Telephone: +33 2 97 52 08 18
Website: www.camping-les-druides.com/en
Services: heated pool, bar, information at reception, sailing advice