Selling a boat isn’t always straightforward, especially right now. Competition is fierce, and travel for viewings can be costly. The success of the sale depends on thorough preparation and a strategic approach. From setting the price and writing the listing to presenting the boat and managing viewings, every step matters to attract serious buyers and …
The sea trial is an important, even essential, step before purchasing a boat. This is the moment when theory gives way to practice, when promises and dreams are confronted with the reality of sensations, behavior, and comfort on board. It’s when reason will clash with passion and infatuation. Whether you’re a brand-new boater or an …
Sailing is freedom, adventure, the wind in your hair and the horizon as far as the eye can see. But be careful, behind this dream lie traps that too many beginners fall into. Mistakes that can ruin a budding passion, cost you money, or worse… endanger your safety. What if, without knowing it, you were …
They fly above the water, defying the laws of physics and time. These sailboats impress by even being able to lift Ultim class trimarans and circumnavigate the globe. Foils, these underwater wings that lift the hulls of sailboats, have already transformed competitive sailing. But what if tomorrow they also changed the way you cruise? Between …
We often hear about the ideal boat, its characteristics, its qualities. But the big question is, what is the ideal boat? Does it even exist? Do we all have the same definition of our dream sailboat? I offer some possible answers. Buying a boat is a significant moment in a boater’s life. Choosing a sailboat …
In an era where catamarans dominate the offshore cruising market and where offshore racers set off on ultra-modern vessels or former 10-meter stars like those of the Golden Globe RaceOne question remains: Is there really such a thing as the ideal boat for a round-the-world trip?The answer, however disappointing it may be for purists, is …
Sailboat maintenance is a recurring topic. And our relationships with nautical professionals aren’t always smooth sailing. While routine boat maintenance can be done yourself, at some point, a professional with genuine expertise and experience will need to work on your boat. And the vast majority of professionals are trustworthy, it must be said. But to …
A few years ago, I made an observation: my boat had become a source of constraints far more than a vehicle for freedomBetween time-consuming maintenance, unnecessary equipment to repair, mounting costs, and the stress of managing everything, the magic of sailing had faded. So, I decided to get back to basics. Fewer objects, less complexity, …
On the second-hand market, you can find sailboats of all ages, for all types of sailing programs and for all budgets, from the most expensive to the most affordable. But while the question of age is often accompanied by the question of budget, is it really reasonable to buy a sailboat for less than 10,000 …
When you’re planning to explore the sea and go boating, the first question that comes to mind is whether to buy or rent a boat. This question is generally linked to budget, both when purchasing the boat and when considering year-round availability and sailing opportunities. Indeed, while buying a sailboat is a dream and a …
The availability and number of marina berths in France has been a problem plaguing the recreational boating market for many years. And yet, is the number of marina berths truly insufficient? It is often said that the recreational boating market in France is hampered by the number of marina berths. It is true that finding …
Organized moorings are an alternative to pontoon berths. Learn all about the regulations for mooring your boat. A berth on a pontoon is excessively expensive for a sailboat. Anchoring can be a very attractive alternative. Having a berth on a pontoon is convenient, we can all agree on that. However, berths are expensive, both literally …
Boating professionals are often at the center of controversy and anger among boaters, both on the docks and in online forums. So, are shipyards, marine mechanics, and other chandlers trustworthy, or do we, as boaters, also need to adopt some new habits? How many times have we complained about the mechanic who winterized our engine? …
It’s large, spacious, stable… and a dream come true for all cruising enthusiasts. Yet, the catamaran sometimes divides boaters. Between those who swear it’s the ideal boat for family travel and those who call it a “false good idea,” the debate exists, and it’s legitimate, as you’ll see. The catamaran market is booming. Sales are …
Here are 15 tips for choosing a sailboat. The goal of this guide is to help you purchase a new or used sailboat that will allow you to sail peacefully on a boat that matches your sailing plan, budget, and the enjoyment of the entire crew. This guide, designed to help you choose the right …
Here’s a controversial question: Is it still necessary to have paper charts near your chart table? Beyond regulations, the real question is whether you still often spread out your nautical charts on your table or in the saloon, or if you’ve completely forgotten these relics in favor of tablets, smartphones, and navigation software. Well, the …
Are you planning to buy a boat but don’t know where to start? Buying a boat is a significant investment. To avoid disappointment and unpleasant surprises, you need to make the right choice. Just like buying a car, purchasing a boat depends on several criteria. What Type of Boat Suits You Best? Buying your first …
The rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is increasingly becoming the essential boat for many boaters. Combining ease of maintenance, a refined hull, safety, and versatility, this type of boat meets many needs, from beginners to the most experienced sailors. But how do you navigate the vast market offerings? What criteria should you consider to make the …
Buying a sailboat means choosing one that matches your sailing program. Whether for coastal cruising or racing, sailboats will not be the same. Among the selection criteria, the type of ballast is crucial. Choosing a keelboat or a dinghy will address several needs related to your type of sailing and mooring. Let’s explore together the …
Choosing and buying a sailboat, whether for cruising or racing, requires selecting the type of appendage that will equip your boat. This means choosing between a keelboat and a dinghy, as well as a twin-keel or other options. The type of keel or centerboard you choose will impact your sailing program, boat storage, marina berth, …
Here’s a question we often hear at boat shows and on the docks. When planning to buy a sailboat, the question of budget is sometimes accompanied by thoughts about your future investment. Should you buy a new boat or a used one? Boating is a passion that can be expensive. Between the price of the …
There are two types of dinghies: the centerboard dinghy (DI) and the weighted centerboard dinghy (DL). While both types of sailboats allow access to all bodies of water and can be beached at low tide, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. So how do you choose between a centerboard dinghy and a weighted centerboard …
The first boat always leaves great memories. Between the inexpensive sailboat for beginners and the large, complicated-to-maneuver voyage sailboat, it’s not always easy to find your first boat, especially when you’re discovering sailing and the sea. So, I offer you 5 tips for choosing your beginner sailboat, or simply your first sailboat. Buying your first …