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

"Netherlands to Brittany (France) - May 2026"

For this Experience Builder we go south … 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 towards 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 the Netherlands to Brittany in France of approximately a total of 500 NM, which means that we may 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 total route will be divided up in two passages with a stop for crew change in the beautiful town of Honfleur.

The route of this experience builder

Your route with our Beneteau 40 will start at our training centre in the Netherlands. 

The first passage takes us to Honfleur, one of the prime destination of offshore sailors. This passage runs via the Belgian coast, passing our Belgian training centre in Nieuwpoort towards Dunkerque or Calais.  Next day, when passing Cap Gris Nez provides for a change of scenery and we might already encounter our first dophins. After an overnight stay in Boulogne-sur-mer with good sleep we prepare ourselves for the continuation along the French coast to Honfleur. Depending on weather and wind, we will be able to visit multiple French harbours along the way.

Honfleur is where the new crew will join us. After a proper safety brief and preparing the passage plan, we will set sail again. After a stop at Cherbourg, we will experience the Race of Alderney 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 ).

Once we have left the Channel Islands, we will be on our way to Brittany with its fantastic harbours, famous rocks and challenging races. No doubt, a sailing visit to Brittany will remain a long lasting memory.  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 Brittany towards our final destination in Brest.

This Experience Builder is guaranteed to boost your skills.

What's included

• Accommodation on 40 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 --