Hoist the sails and fill up with excitement. Here, under the guidance of our professional instructors, you can sail the "greyhounds" of the sea and learn all about the catamaran. The catamaran accelerates quickly and is easier to master than you might think. We promise that it is tempting to hang in the trapeze at 20 knots. UCPA uses modern boats of high safety, mostly Hobie Cat 16.
A typical day
The first day starts with an introductory meeting where the group and the instructor go through equipment and safety issues. This is followed by a review of the week's structure and what you are expected to get out of it. The lessons last about 2 hours and during the week you will gather knowledge both theoretically and practically.
When & where should I go?
Nov - April
From November to April, head to Le Vauclin & Les Saintes in Martinique. The trade winds make the conditions for catamarans optimal.
June - Aug
This period you will find the best conditions in Benodet, with warm temperatures and stable winds. These months attract many visitors to the region, creating a lively atmosphere both on land and on water.
May / Sep - Oct
Outside the high season, a more relaxed period is offered with fewer tourists and milder temperatures in Giens. Sailing conditions remain excellent, with stable winds and a pleasant climate.
How fast can I learn?
Learning to sail a catamaran can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and how quickly you can learn depends on several factors, including previous experience with sailing or other water sports.
With the help of UCPA's professional instructors, you can expect to start feeling comfortable at a basic level within a few days to a few weeks.
You will learn the basic theories behind sailing. This includes understanding the direction of the wind, how sails work, and the basics of navigation. After the theory comes the practice. Under the supervision of your instructor, you'll learn how to rig the catamaran, handle its sails, steer, and perform maneuvers like tacking and gybing. Initially, you'll learn on calm waters to build up your comfort and safety.
Choose the right Catamaran level
1
2
ACTIVITIES
Where can you go?
Destination
UCPA - Freely translated to English as "National Federation for Sports and Outdoor Centers" - has a history of over 50 years. It is, in short, a non-profit, all-French organization supported by, among others, the French state. The purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to learn and develop in one or more sports together, in pleasant and unpretentious forms. The organization has about 80 centers in France and the West Indies, 28 of them are located at well-known winter sports resorts in the French Alps.
© 2026 UCPA Travel AB.
