Sailing adventure off the coast of Le Havre with an overnight stay onboard

The city of Le Havre has earned a stellar reputation in the world of sailing, hosting numerous regattas and internationally acclaimed races. Driven by a passion for the sea and a shared desire to inspire others, the dedicated team at Club de Loisirs Nautiques Thalassa offers unforgettable sailing excursions aboard their yachts. Set sail and experience the magic of Le Havre’s coastline for yourself!

With the Club de Loisirs Nautiques Thalassa

Philippe and Claudine are experienced skippers and proud members of the Club de Loisirs Nautiques Thalassa (CLNT). Based in Le Havre, this passionate association offers sailing excursions and training along the stunning Normandy coastline. For a truly unique experience, they also provide tailor-made packages, including the option to spend a night onboard.

As the day winds down in Le Havre, the lively marina comes to life. Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, masterfully rebuilt by the renowned architect Auguste Perret, members of the Club de Loisirs Nautiques Thalassa (CLNT) are busy preparing for a special day. Claudine, the club’s president, and Philippe, an experienced skipper, are gearing up to welcome a group of friends eager to try their hand at sailing and spend a night aboard. “Our association boasts a fleet of seven boats—six here in Le Havre and one in Deauville,” explains Claudine with pride. For this outing, the chosen vessel is Philippe’s own pride and joy: the Macquarie III. At 13 metres long and 4 metres wide, this Sun Odyssey 439 (a name that rings a bell for sailing enthusiasts) is the perfect companion for a memorable adventure on the Normandy coast.

Experience the Macquarie III: Discover, Dock, and Sleep onboard

Tied up at the end of one of the docks, this luxurious sailing yacht feels just like an apartment on the water. “With two double cabins, a bathroom, and a cosy kitchen area, it’s a fantastic space to relax,” Philippe shares enthusiastically. Today’s four guests are in for a treat, as this experience unfolds in two stages: an evening in Le Havre, complete with an overnight stay onboard, followed by an exhilarating sailing adventure the next day.

The group settles in and quickly makes themselves at home. With Valérie, Pierre-Éric, Wesseline, Olivier, and their host, lively conversations spark to life: Who’s from where? Who knows Le Havre? Who has ever sailed before? The evening is set to be delightful, featuring a glass of cider shared on deck (to be enjoyed responsibly), a leisurely stroll along the pebble beach, and a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Excitement fills the air as they bond over their shared love for adventure!

As dawn breaks, the Le Havre marina comes to life, and the group stirs from their slumber. They excitedly share tales of their unusual night aboard: the gentle lapping of the waves, the wind rustling through the rigging, and the sounds of the bustling port and squawking seagulls. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, it’s nearly time to raise the anchor. Skippers Philippe and Claudine return to lead the adventure, and everyone gears up with a thrill of anticipation. It’s time for an exhilarating half-day of sailing!

Sailing adventure off the coast of Le Havre

As the Macquarie III glides out of the port, the air buzzes with excitement and lively chatter. Passing in front of the iconic Saint-Joseph Church, the yacht sails smoothly into open waters. At the helm, Pierre-Éric confidently takes command under the watchful eyes of the two skippers, who keenly observe the courses of nearby boats.

It’s time for the first maneuver: raising the mainsail. “To get started and ensure we’re well positioned, we need to check the wind direction,” explains Philippe, outlining the steps ahead. The crew quickly springs into action, with Olivier grabbing one of the ropes. “Lift it up! Go!” he calls out. As they work together, the sail unfurls majestically, stretching across nearly 45 square meters. It’s an impressive sight! Meanwhile, the team expertly uses a roller to unfurl the genoa, the sail positioned at the front of the boat, adding to the thrill of their nautical adventure. With the wind filling the sails and the horizon ahead, the crew embarks on an unforgettable journey across the sea.

The yacht sails smoothly towards Cap de la Hève, passing by the picturesque town of Sainte-Adresse and its lovely seaside villas (a well-known haunt for Impressionist artists). The crew seizes the moment to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Le Havre, the stunning cliffs of the famous Alabaster Coast, and the open sea. “And over there in the distance is Deauville,” gestures Claudine, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Could this beautiful destination be the next stop on their sailing adventure? The possibilities are endless!

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