SailBase

The SailCoach SailBase provides the ideal winter training for both Laser and Finn sailors to fast track their development towards the top of the fleet. Our SailBase clinics allow sailors to train in warm air temperatures with both excellent sea sailing and flat water conditions. The geographical location of the island along with its tranquillity encourages athletes to focus on their sailing and fitness thus making the most out of their training time.

The SailBase is located on lie Les Embiez between the airport cities of Toulon and Marseille on the French Mediterranean coast and is 12 minutes away by boat, from the tiny port of Le Brusc and 20km to the west of Hyéres the site of the April World Cup regatta.

The location also gives ready access to both Italy and Spain by road, and is only about 12 hours from Calais and 14 hours drive away from Kiel, Germany.

The island was purchased by Paul Ricard (from “Pernod Ricard” fame) in 1958 and was developed by his hand alone. Since then the island has become a mecca for windsurfers and now sailors as it combines these three elements in luxurious abundance “sea, wind and nature”……

If you know what you’re looking for then please go straight to the “Clinic Calendar” above

Coaching Philosophy
The SailCoach coaching philosophy is similar to that of a University, where the sailor is encourage to take responsibility for their own learning and to use the coach as a facilitator.  We use this tried and tested method because over the years we have found that sailors retain the knowledge better.

We also believe strongly in the multi-national training concept. As most of today’s top sailors at Olympic level come from multi-national training groups. SailCoach was the first to develop the concept in sailing.

The SailCoach Centre of Excellence provides a platform for you to push yourself hard against competitors from other countries. Combining the strengths of different countries takes you to a level impossible to get on a National scale. Time on the water is maximised thanks to the great climate and sailing conditions.

You can now get access to some of the worlds best coaches and sailors! All of our camps include the use of video for accurate feedback and analysis. Each Camp is designed so that you get the most value for your money. You can choose from number of clinic or camps.

Training Conditions:
The island is situated at the most Southern point in the French Mediterranean therefore it is in an ideal position to catch the winter winds. The island forms part of a bay that allows you to launch right off the beach and start training without having to waste time sailing to your training area.

Les Embiez has two primary Westerly winds, the "Sea Breeze" and "Mistral" both provide large waves. These two winds are onshore therefore if anything goes wrong your sailors are safely blown ashore. The other key breeze from the East is an offshore wind that provides shifty sailing conditions and flat water. Therefore you get the best of both worlds.

If the island has a fault it is because you'll lose sailing days to having too much wind instead of too little.