Experience is king. It can be obtained by first taking several practical and theoretical courses, providing for a very solid basis.
However, at C-MASTERS we also offer a complimentary approach to learning and building up experience ...
Experience Builder
"Brittany to Belgium - September 2025"
For this Experience Builder we don’t go south or west, but north, north-east … Yes indeed this is another opportunity for aspirant coastal skippers and yachtmasters to build up experience. Every day will be different with a mix of different situations and manoeuvres !
And what a great series of destinations .... For many of us, sailing the French Atlantic coast is most probably a once in a lifetime experience.
Feel ready for this challenge? This is a one-way trip from Brittant to Belgium of approximately 400 NM, which means that we’ll also have to add some nightsailing to your sailing experience! Some of the legs will be over 60 NM, which makes this passage also extremely interesting in forfilling the exam criteria for future Yachtmaster candidates.
The route of this experience builder
Your route with our Grand Soleil 45 will start in Brittany. The envisioned port of departure is La trinite sur mer.
Planning our way along the exciting and challenging coast of Brittany is always a good exercise: is there a favourable tide ? You’ll have to master your planning skills to navigate your way safely along the Raz de Sein and the other famous headlands.
After passing through the Brittany headlands, we will crossing offshore waters towards the channel islands. Which harbour will we choose for a brief visit of on of the islands, or shall we anchor … and do not forget, different gastronomical culture ( yes we do also have to stop and eat from time to time ).
After a stop at the channel islands, we will proceed our experience builder towards the North of France. We may pass through the Race of Alderney; one more famous place to be ticked off in your personal logbook. Proper planning and a bit of luck in favourable weather are of the importance for this passage.
We're almost there, but no time to relax on your navigation yet. Pilotage will be of the essence all the way along the coast of Northern France and the Belgian coast.
This Experience Builder is guaranteed to boost your skills.
What's included
- Accommodation on 45 ft yacht with instructor
- One-way sailing trip
- Fuel and mooring fees
Meals on board or ashore and your travel over land are not included in the fee.
Supporting courses
We recommend the C-MASTERS Passage Planning course and our RYA navigation courses.
Supporting books
What an adventure ! Great instructor and boat
The combination of my RYA training course and this sailing trip was ideal.
It was an excellent opportunity to make lots of miles and explore a new sailing area. I highly recommend your Experience Builders.
I can't wait to join you for the next adventure.
-- Monica --
