Shore Based and Learn to Sail Holidays

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Boating/Sailing Holidays Bareboat Charters Shore Based and Learn to Sail Holidays Rockley Watersports/Sail France 

	Rockley Watersports/Sail France
Rockley Point, Poole, Dorset BH15 4RW			MAP
tel: (01202) 677 272

A highly regarded sailing centre, taking a particular interest in teaching children and priding themselves on the quality of their staff, from couriers to instructors. In the UK also offers residential courses for children only (see Summer Camps).

Where

As well as its main centre offers sailing in France at a private bay on Lac Biscarosse, around 100km southwest of Bordeaux, a little inland.

Accommodation

In France is at the four-star La Reserve camp site. There are a variety of sandy beaches on the lake. Holidays are in blocks of either seven or 14 nights' accommodation. At Poole harbour offers three and five-day adult and children's courses. A parent or parents are reported to often attend with children, though they are taught separately.

Mid May to early September.

Activities

Lots of sailing but also windsurfing, power boating, and surfing. Holiday prices include per week a five-day sailing or windsurfing course, a regatta day and free use of the boats and boards through the holiday. At Poole harbour offers predominantly sailing and power boating but also windsurfing at certain times of the year.

Ages

Guideline age for sailing, eight years-plus. From 3-6 years in France there is the No Green Zebra Club.

Accommodation

In France tents are chalet style with three sleeping compartments and they are arranged in small villages next to the lake and Sail France's centre. The site includes five swimming pools, two tennis courts, three bars, one restaurant and bakery and grill. Alternatively the company is happy for you to book direct with the site which also offers mobile homes, through Haven, or to look for non-camping accommodation in the area. In the UK accommodation is dormitory style rooms with bunk beds for four to six people. In high season it can be difficult ot organise accommodation in family units so some families use a local hotel or b&b.

Childcare

The No Green Zebra Club is free for those staying in a Sail France tent while both parents are on a five-day sailing course and operates for the three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon that parents may be one the water. Supervision may also be available during lunch. There is a carer to child ratio of one to four and activities are based round playing games both water-based and in the forest or camp site.

Sample Prices

A five-day sailing course in France would be from ?240 per person low season, £260 high with some reductions for non-sailing family members. Prices in the UK are the same and accommodation at the centre itself is £24 per night per person full board.