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

Main characteristics
Type of boat: neel 47
Number of cabins: 5
Maximum capacity: 10 travelers

Cabs

Shared double cabin
Capacity: 2 Beds maximum
Comfortable and functional, this double cabin is equipped with a bed and an optimized space for rest. On the side of the boat, 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 point front
Capacity: 1 Bed 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 photos, information and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The indicated itinerary and program may be modified without prior notice, depending on the weather conditions or for technical reasons (decision of the captain). Sailing times may vary depending on sea and weather conditions.

Sailing itineraries

Ajaccio At sea - Atlantic Ocean
From Ajaccio to the Atlantic: setting sail and offshore navigation: On board, life revolves around... see+ 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.
The watches are rotated continuously, with two people working together. 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), reefing, gybing, changing tack, or adjusting the course and speed. 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
Dinner
At sea - Atlantic Ocean The Azores
Atlantic route and arrival in the Azores: From day 10 onwards, the sailboat heads out to sea... see+ towards the Azores archipelago. Sailing in the North Atlantic requires precise adjustments, constant weather forecasting, and smooth coordination of watches. The crew members will then fully apply the skills they acquired during the first few days: rigorous watchkeeping, optimization of course and speed, and fine adjustments to the sails according to changes in wind and swell. Conditions may 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 take on board provisions, inspect the boat, rest, and enjoy exploring ashore before embarking on the second part of the crossing to the Caribbean. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
The Azores At sea - Atlantic Ocean
Resumption of sailing from the Azores: After stopping in the Azores, the sailboat sets sail again... see+ to begin the long crossing to the Caribbean. Once out of the archipelago, the route heads west. The first few days are spent getting back into the rhythm of ocean sailing: reorganizing watches, checking equipment, and making initial adjustments to adapt to the still-choppy and sometimes irregular seas. Gradually, conditions become more favorable as we approach the trade wind zone. The wind settles, the swell lengthens, and navigation becomes more regular. These ten days are marked by alternating maneuvers, sail adjustments, and attentive watchkeeping, allowing us to consolidate the skills we have already acquired: optimizing the course and speed, monitoring squalls, and carefully managing the spinnaker or gennaker depending on the conditions.
The rhythm of the sea takes hold: night watches under the stars, meal preparation, daily maintenance of the sailboat, monitoring tropical weather reports, and careful management of energy and fresh water. The crew becomes more confident, more coordinated, and sails with increasing fluidity. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
At sea - Atlantic Ocean Le Marin
Sailing towards Le Marin: With around five days to go before arrival, the yacht is now sailing in... see+ steady trade winds. The consistent 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 sailing trims, and maintaining steady progress towards The Caribbean.
These last few days have been a success: 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
Dinner

Included

The price includes
Supervised participation in port maneuvers and anchorage
Support from professional skippers
Training or introduction to offshore sailing
The price does not include
Provisions taken on board and meal expenses during stopovers
Meals not included in the program
Tips for guides and/or crew
Further information
Even if the boat is equipped with sails, it will mainly be powered when the conditions are too pitch for the sails to be used
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 program are available on request

Information about the partner

Commercial history with Filovent

New Filovent partner, no business history yet.