Sailing
Conavigation and local boat clubs

Conavigation

There are loads of websites out there to link you up with skippers and crew; you’ll be sure to connect with someone using one of the following:

• sailtheworld, stw.fr/bourse
• hisse et ho, www.hisse-et-oh.com/annonces/bourse-aux-equipiers
• sharemysea, www.sharemysea.fr/
• bourse aux équipiers, www.bourse-aux-equipiers.com/
• cobaturage.fr, www.cobaturage.fr/
• vogueavecmoi www.vogavecmoi.com/

Local boat clubs

 « A.P.P.O. » : 

The Amicale Plaisance de Port Olona (Port Olona boating) association was founded in 1995, and now has 150 members.
The A.P.P.O is a recognised association that actively participates in nautical, festive and sporting activities organised in the marina and more widely in the town of Les Sables d’Olonne. 
Our association focuses on recreational boating and the pleasures of sailing alone or with others. Shared experiences provide opportunities for everyone to increase their knowledge and skills and improve the seamanship that is essential to successful boating.
Although our association’s purpose is not to defend users’ rights, we are sympathetic to all proposals for activities in the port. We actively participate in our town’s seafaring life with initiatives for charity, and in events organised by the town of Les Sables d’Olonne and the maritime authorities.

Being committed to ensuring that regulations and safety standards are respected, we regularly organise awareness-raising sessions for our members.

For further information, please visit:  www.appo85.org

« Amicale des Olonnois & voile traditionnelle » :  

The Olonnois and Bélesbat boat (wooden boats built in Les Sables d’Olonne) owners’ club, founded in 1964, has a rallying cry: Regattas and Conviviality!
The colourful sails of Olonnais boats have been seen at the Bois de la Chaise regatta on the island of Noirmoutier, at Brest 96, and accompanying the sail-training vessels the Bélem, the Étoile and the Mutin.
In 2000, the Amicale organised a large gathering of Old Gaffers at Les Sables d’Olonne and helped with organisation during the first Vendée Globe solo yacht race.
Today, the Amicale has 120 members and 58 boats, as well as a well-known singing group! Olonnais boats are sailed in the Gulf of Morbihan, in the estuaries of Charente, in Gironde, etc.

It would be impossible to recount the history of the Amicale des Olonnais without noting that one of its primary objectives is the restoration and maintenance of boats, with the knowledgeable advice and assistance of shipwright Louis Vallée.

For further information, please visit:  amicaledesolonnois.org