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French Riviera
The French Riviera
Stretching across the vibrant city of Marseille, the cliffs of Cassis, to the illustrious Monaco, French Riviera-or “Cote d’Azur” as it’s known to the French-exudes a cultural passion for sailing. The traditional fishing boats here carried sailing rigs and the more modern history of recreational sailing has a strong presence on this coast as well. It’s not unusual to see a regatta on the horizon with a hundred boats under their full press of sail. They are out there for the love of sailing as much as for the coastline that they are tacking to. Whether you come primarily for the sailing or for the Cote d’Azur itself, you’ll be delighted by the interplay of how they come together--a classic pairing like Chardonnay and Gruyère, or butter on a freshly baked baguette.
Location
French Riviera
France
Season
May-September
Itinerary Recommendation
Along this coast there are ancient towns where the fortified walls, originally built to protect against pirates and invaders, still stand doing their best to keep out the big power yachts and helicopters that buzz around them with the annual influx of the rich and famous. Events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix are like a siren song for megayachts and their patrons who recognize the beauty here too, even if they are only enjoying it through the tinted windows of their upper deck lounges. On a sailboat the beauty is inescapable and becomes a part of you even as you become a part of it. Sailboats and the sailors who ply them are an important part of this landscape, and by sailing here you are laying your brush on the canvas and contributing to the Cote d'Azur seascape that has inspired so many.
The coast of the French Riviera expands from Monaco in the east to Marseille in the west. A 7-day itinerary does not lend itself to cover the entire distance will still offering an opportunity to explore the magic that is the French Riviera. Wind and weather is also a factor requiring flexibility if changes must be made during the week. For example, the Mistral wind that comes from the Northeast over the French countryside and blows Southwest is strong and uncontrollable and can at times require a pause in the itinerary to take refuge. In the event a strong Mistral wind is forecasted, your Sailing Collective captain will plan accordingly and book a slip at a safe marina that is enjoyable until it is safe to continue the itinerary.
* There are 4 primary starting marinas along the coast and primarily in the center point of the itinerary. The Starting & Ending marina will be included in your vessel option during the booking process.
Ports of Call
Ile Des Embiez
Massif Des Calanques
Porquerolles
Sant-Tropez
Parc national des Calanques
Hyeres Archipelago including Port-Cros, Porquerolles, ile du Levant
Villefranche-sur-Mer
East bound:
Cannes
Menton
Monaco*
* Monaco itinerary request must be discussed in advance with your captain, dockage and tax not included in the SC inclusive pricing.
Crew
Private Chef
Meet the chefs
A Sailing Collective chef embodies our philosophy of travel, storytelling, learning, and sharing. We use local ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for each voyage. This is unlike any food adventure you've ever been on.
Professional Captain
Meet the captains
Your professional crew are talented explorers who combine their love of sailing with personalized hospitality. Each captain is professionally certified and able to lead your one of a kind experience at sea.
General Information
Provisioning Sailing Collective will provision your journey with local foods and produce. Cooking Aboard: Your Sailing Collective chef/crew is incredibly talented and can handle the group's needs with ease. We are all about participation and learning, so if you'd like to help, just ask and we'll get you involved! Collective groups may choose to dine out more times than scheduled if the group or individuals choose.
Included in provisioning package*:
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners (or similar), Light Snacks, Water, Coffee & Tea
* Subjected to change
Dietary Restrictions We can accommodate as long as we know in advance! It is important to notify us of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and include full details in the Guest Form that you will fill out prior to the start of the trip.
Sailing a group journey is a collective experience calling us to ebb and flow with the tides of the group. While alcohol and soft beverages are not included, we find a well curated bar shared across the group works out best. We offer two beverage during group journeys packages during the course of the week*:
• $150 for wine, beer, spirits and soft beverages • $75 for soft beverages and under 5 alcoholic drinks. *Private charters, beverages are billed to the charter
Private Charters: Contact us for details
ADDITIONAL COSTS We recommend planning on having at least $300 – $600 in spending money depending on spending habits. You will be responsible for paying for:
All expenses on shore including meals and drinks
Flights and transportation to and from the marina location
Onboard beverages
Gratuity (a 10% to 20% offering)
GRATUITY Tipping your captain and crew is welcome. If you are satisfied with your service, the industry standard for yacht charters ranges from 15-20% of the cost of the charter. Gratuity is split evenly between the crew and can be paid via cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal. Please contact your Sailing Collective Journey Coordinator if you have any questions.
10% - Standard good time on holiday with good service.
15% - Exceptional service on your holiday with exceptional service!
20% - Extraordinary experience and your crew sent the voyage to the moon and back!!
The Journey Schedule Meeting time is at 9:00am on Day 1 of the charter. Our last night is spent at the starting marina before we disembark by 9:00am on the final morning. All Mediterranean charters return to the home port on Friday evening to spend the final evening at the marina. Disembarkation time is at 9:00am on the final Saturday morning.
Packing Collapsible bags in place of large rigid suitcases are advised for ease of transport on and off the boat. Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes such as flip-flops that you can get wet if we are landing on a beach.
As the vast majority of your time will be spent outside, prepare for elements - bring a light raincoat just in case, a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a warm layer. Throughout the week we may dine out at a nice restaurant, so bring an outfit looks nice and suits your style. Loading and unloading from the dingy on beaches can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes that you can get wet is recommended.
We also encourage guests bring ecologically appropriate products into ocean environments. You can read more about those recommendations on the Sailing Collective Journal here: Packing for a Healthy Ocean
Terms & Conditions By booking this journey, you agree to comply with the stated Terms & Conditions and Covid Considerations, available on our website. Please contact info@thesailingcollective.com with any questions.
Travel Insurance We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that protects you in case of general and covid-related trip interruptions. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you forfeit the right to a refund or credit in the event you have to cancel your trip with Sailing Collective.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. The Sailing Collective cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
About the Food
A culinary program with a focus on locally sourced sustainable foods
The Sailing Collective Travel Co. takes food to a new level. We believe by sourcing local ingredients from local friends we have made throughout our travels pushes us to experience where we are by being engulfed by the regional flavors.
Private chef creating customized menus to your taste and requirements
Each voyage, both group & private, has a private culinary artist aboard preparing some of the most unique, interesting, and thoughtful food you may ever enjoy in your life! From breakfast to dinner each day of the journey, we are blessed by beautiful meals by one of the most talented culinary teams in travel anywhere in the world.
Start & End Schedule Overview
Arrival Schedule
Boarding time is 9:00 am on Day 1 of the charter. There will be a mandatory orientation prior to departing. The exact meet up location will be shared with you by your crew and your crew will be in direct communication to ensure an easy and safe arrival.
End of Week Schedule
All Mediterranean charters return to port on Friday night and the final night is spent at the home port before disembarkation at 9:00am on the final Saturday of the charter. Upon return, your captain must refuel the vessel before docking. Returning to port will take place between 5:00pm - 6:00pm.
Boats
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