From Port Grimaud: Half-Day Classic Yacht Sailing Experience

The From Port Grimaud: Half-Day Classic Yacht Sailing Experience offers an authentic taste of sailing aboard a beautifully preserved Edwardian gaff cutter. Priced at $1,217 per group, this 4-hour private tour departs from 9 Rue de la Giscle, providing a relaxed yet immersive way to explore the South of France’s stunning coastline. Perfect for those who enjoy maritime history, scenic views, and a touch of luxury, this experience emphasizes comfort, expert guidance, and the chance to enjoy the Mediterranean waters.

The tour’s highlight is the opportunity to sail past many anchored super yachts in the bay of Saint-Tropez, offering a glimpse into the glamorous marine scene of the area. As part of the experience, visitors can indulge in a picnic-style lunch and even take a dip for swimming or snorkeling. While sailing knowledge isn’t required, the guides are experienced and ready to handle all sailing operations, ensuring a stress-free journey. This tour is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic escape with personalized service, although it’s not suited for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key Points

• Price: $1,217 per group for up to 2 people, making it a premium, intimate experience.
• Duration: 4 hours, departing from 9 Rue de la Giscle in Port Grimaud.
• Vessel: A classic Edwardian gaff cutter with a unique interior, saloon seating for 4, and an on-deck cockpit.
• Activities: Sailing past super yachts, swimming or snorkeling in clear waters, enjoying local snacks and drinks.
• Guides: The captain and crew provide a safety briefing, yacht tour, and share insights about the vessel and the area.

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A Classic Edwardian Gaff Cutter in Port Grimaud

This tour begins on the classic Gaff Cutter LONA II, a vessel that exudes charm with its historical interior and authentic design. The interior features a cozy saloon with seating for 4 and a toilet, while the deck offers plenty of space to enjoy the sun and breeze. You meet the captain and crew for a quick tour of the yacht before the safety briefing and departure into the bay of Saint-Tropez.

Sailing on this Edwardian gaff cutter provides a traditional sailing experience and the chance to feel the wind in your hair. The crew handles all the sailing details, so no prior experience is needed. This setup makes the tour accessible to most, with a focus on relaxation, scenic views, and marine life.

Scenic Sailing Past the Super Yachts

One of the tour’s standout features is sailing past the numerous super yachts anchored in the bay. This view offers a glamorous perspective of the French Riviera, with the yachts as a backdrop to your leisurely cruise. The captain shares stories about the area and the vessel, enriching your understanding of the maritime scene.

As you glide through the waters, you can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenic coastline. The duration of the sail allows plenty of time to absorb the beauty of the Mediterranean, with many opportunities for photos and quiet moments.

Lunch, Swimming, and Snorkeling on Board

After sailing for a while, the yacht drops anchor in a calm spot where you can sit back and enjoy a picnic-style lunch. The snacks and drinks included are perfect for a light, refreshing break. The clear waters make the bay an excellent place to swim or snorkel, and the crew can assist with gear if needed.

Swimming and snorkeling are popular with guests who want to get close to marine life or simply cool off in the warm waters. The opportunity for water activities from the yacht enhances the experience, making it more than just a cruise.

The Experience of Sailing on the Gaff Cutter

While sailing knowledge isn’t a necessity, the guides are happy to discuss sailing options and points of interest. The vessel’s original interior and classic design add a nostalgic touch to the journey, transporting you to a different era of maritime travel. The deck space and cockpit provide ample room to feel part of the action or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.

While at anchor, guests can explore the foredeck or stay on deck to enjoy the Côte d’Azur sunshine. The overall pacing balances sailing, relaxing, and water activities to create an enjoyable half-day outing.

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Meeting Point and Practicalities

The meeting point is at the quayside near the Grimaud Beach restaurant, close to the yacht. The tour includes a safety briefing, yacht tour, drinks, and snacks, but does not include transportation to the starting point or picnic food—guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water.

The tour runs in English and French and is available as a private group experience, making it suitable for couples or small gatherings. Sailing knowledge is not required, but guests should be prepared with sunscreen, hats, swimwear, towels, camera, and snacks.

The Guides and Crew: Knowledge and Hospitality

The crew are described as friendly, experienced sailors who are passionate about sailing. They take care of all the sailing operations and share insights about the yacht and the area, making the experience both educational and relaxing. Visitors value their expertise and warm hospitality, which contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment.

Suitability and Limitations

This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, given the sailing nature of the experience. The interior of the yacht is small, with limited seating, so it may be less ideal for those seeking a more spacious or modern vessel. The 4-hour duration strikes a balance between enough time on the water and manageable physical activity.

Comparing with Similar Experiences

While this specific tour offers a classic sailing adventure on a historical vessel, there are other options around Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud, such as private Riva boat tours or full-day excursions. However, the authentic Edwardian character of the gaff cutter and the personalized service make this experience stand out.

The Classic Water Tours Advantage

Operated by Classic Water Tours, this private sailing experience emphasizes authenticity, comfort, and scenic beauty. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation and pay later, provide added peace of mind. This tour offers a luxurious yet relaxed way to enjoy the French Riviera’s coastline from the deck of a beautiful classic yacht.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sailing knowledge required for this tour?
No, sailing knowledge is not essential; the crew handles all sailing operations, making it accessible for most guests.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a safety briefing, a yacht tour, drinks, and snacks. Guests can also swim or snorkel during the trip.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and returns to 9 Rue de la Giscle in Port Grimaud, at the quayside near the Grimaud Beach restaurant.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts 4 hours, providing enough time for sailing, water activities, and relaxation.

Can I bring my own snacks?
The tour does not include picnic food, so guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the 4-hour duration and water activities make it better suited for adults or older children who are comfortable on boats.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. No smoking is allowed onboard.

Are drinks and snacks provided?
Yes, drinks and snacks are included as part of the experience.

Is there a dress code or specific attire?
Guests should wear comfortable clothing suitable for sailing and swimming, along with sun protection.

This half-day sailing tour provides a beautiful blend of maritime history, scenic cruising, and water activities aboard a classic vintage vessel. With expert guides, a relaxed pace, and the chance to see the French Riviera from the water, it makes an appealing choice for sailing enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.

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