Long-distance sailing trip from Corsica to Martinique: four weeks learning ocean navigation on Yannick Bestaven's sailboat, bound for the Caribbean.

Main features
Boat type: neel 47
Number of cabins: 5
Maximum capacity: 10 travelers

Cabins

Shared double cabin
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
Comfortable and functional, this double cabin is equipped with a bed and an optimized space for rest. On board, cabins are shared according to the principle of shifts, as in ocean racing. For long crossings, this may involve a rotation of crew members to ensure that everyone gets enough sleep and that there is a constant watch.
Single bed in front
Capacity: 1 Berth maximum
Located at the front of the ship, this single berth offers a functional and well-designed space, ideal for solo travelers. Compact yet comfortable, it reflects the authentic maritime spirit, perfect for an immersive sailing experience.
NB : The pictures, information, and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The itinerary and program indicated may be modified without notice due to weather conditions or for technical reasons (captain's decision). Sailing times may vary depending on sea conditions and weather.

Itinerary

Ajaccio At sea - Atlantic Ocean
Day 1 to Day 15 - From Ajaccio to the Atlantic: setting sail and offshore navigation: On board,... more+ life revolves around watches, maneuvers, and continuous navigation monitoring. From the moment we leave Ajaccio, each crew member plays a full part in sailing the boat, day and night, in real offshore conditions.
Watches are rotated continuously, with two people working in pairs. Each team monitors the boat's course: heading, position, traffic, and weather. They steer at the helm or using the autopilot, regularly check the sails, rigging, and equipment, and keep the logbook, noting the course, speed, weather conditions, and any incidents. The skippers are available at all times to supervise maneuvers, adjust the navigation strategy, and share their experience in managing an offshore sailboat.
Every day, crew members participate in all maneuvers: adjusting the sails according to the apparent and true wind, changing the headsails (genoa, staysail, spinnaker, gennaker), taking in and releasing reefs, gybing, tacking, or adjusting the course. They set the autopilot or take the helm during delicate phases, while ensuring daily checks of the deck and equipment (sheets, halyards, winches, lines, safety systems). All maneuvers are coordinated with the skipper in a spirit of efficiency and safety.
Life on board also relies on everyone pitching in: reading GRIB files, analyzing isobaric charts, routine boat maintenance—rinsing the cockpit, checking the sails, stowing the sheets—as well as preparing meals. Energy, fresh water, and equipment management are handled collectively.
These first ten days allow us to leave the Mediterranean, cross the Strait of Gibraltar, and settle into a true sea rhythm. We then continue sailing westward toward the Atlantic, where conditions become more variable and require particularly attentive monitoring.  
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
At sea - Atlantic Ocean The Azores
Day 1 to Day 15 – Atlantic Route and arrival in the Azores: From Day 10 onwards, the yacht sails... more+ across the open sea towards the Azores archipelago. Navigating the North Atlantic requires precise adjustments, constant weather forecasting, and smooth coordination of watches. The crew members fully apply the skills they acquired during the first few days: rigorous watchkeeping, course optimization, and fine adjustments to the sails according to changes in wind and swell. Conditions can alternate between sustained westerly winds, calmer periods, and transitions between low-pressure systems, providing an ideal learning environment for offshore sailing.
Around day 14, the crew reaches the Azores. This technical and convivial stopover allows them to refuel, inspect the boat, rest, and enjoy exploring ashore before embarking on the second part of the crossing to the Caribbean. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
The Azores At sea - Atlantic Ocean
Day 15 to Day 30: The second part of the crossing takes us from the Azores to the Caribbean. Once... more+ we leave the archipelago, the sailboat heads west, carried by winds that gradually become more consistent as we approach the trade winds. The sea becomes rougher but more stable, offering long days of downwind sailing.
These ideal conditions allow the crew to fine-tune the sail settings, perfect their spinnaker and gennaker maneuvers, and put into practice all the skills acquired during the first part of the voyage. The watches follow one another, the rhythm of the sea sets in, and life on board becomes more fluid: energy and water management, daily maintenance, meal preparation, monitoring the tropical weather.
As the days go by, the crew gains confidence, coordination, and autonomy. The crossing becomes a complete immersion in offshore sailing, between long hours under the stars, monitoring squalls, subtle sail adjustments, and steady progress toward the Caribbean.
The arrival in Le Marin, Martinique, is scheduled after about four weeks at sea. It is the culmination of a true ocean adventure: the satisfaction of having crossed the Atlantic with a supportive, trained, and seasoned crew, with the memory of a unique experience of sailing and life at sea. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
At sea - Atlantic Ocean Le Marin
Day 25 to Day 30 - Sailing towards Le Marin: With around five days to go before arrival, the yacht... more+ is now sailing in steady trade winds. The steady winds allow for fast and comfortable sailing, almost entirely downwind. The sea is warmer, the sky more stable, and conditions are ideal for perfecting spinnaker maneuvers, adjusting speed, and maintaining steady progress toward the Caribbean.
These last few days are those of successful sailing: everyone knows their role, maneuvers are executed with precision, and the crew is taking full advantage of the dynamics of the open sea. The nights are punctuated by stargazing, monitoring squalls, and subtle adjustments to the sails to optimize speed.
The approach to Le Marin, in Martinique, marks the end of around four weeks at sea. Entering the bay, after the long crossing from Europe, brings a mixture of satisfaction, pride, and emotion: that of having crossed the Atlantic as a trained, united, and seasoned crew. A complete, rich, committed, and unforgettable maritime experience. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner

included

The price includes
Supervised participation in port maneuvers and mooring
Support from professional skippers
Training or introduction to offshore sailing
The price does not include
Provisioning on board and meal expenses during stopovers
Meals not included in the program
Tips for guides and/or crew
Additional information
Even though the boat is equipped with sails, navigation will primarily be done by motor when conditions are not favorable for using the sails
Active cruise with offshore license training, participation in watches and maneuvers
The duration of the crossing depends on weather conditions and can vary by several days.
The cabins will be shared as in a race. For long crossings, this may involve rotating the crew to ensure that everyone gets enough sleep and that there is a constant watch.
Beds are sold individually; cabins will be shared unless the cabin is privatized.
Optional services
Flights not included in the programme are available on request

Information about the partner

Commercial history with Filovent

New Filovent partner, no commercial history yet.