From Port Grimaud: Half-Day Classic Yacht Sailing Experience

A four-hour sail aboard LONA II, a classic Edwardian gaff cutter, gives you a slower and more graceful way to see the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. You leave Port Grimaud under sail, pass the superyachts anchored in the bay, then stop for a swim or snorkel from the boat.

I like the hands-on feel of the yacht and the chance to talk with Ian and Carolina, whose passion for sailing comes through clearly. I also like that you are not simply carried around on a motorboat: the sails go up, the crew handles the work, and you can relax in the cockpit or move to the foredeck when the boat is anchored.

The main drawback is that picnic food is not included, even though drinks and snacks are provided. People prone to seasickness should also think carefully before booking, since this is a real sailing trip rather than a stationary boat outing.

Key Points To Know Before You Sail

• Classic LONA II: Sail aboard an original Edwardian gaff cutter with a small saloon, cockpit, foredeck, and toilet.
• Port Grimaud departure: Meet near the Grimaud Beach restaurant at 9 Rue de la Giscle.
• Four hours on the water: The route heads toward Saint-Tropez and includes sailing, a swim or snorkel stop, snacks, drinks, and coastal views.
• Ian and Carolina at the helm: The captain and crew handle the sailing while explaining the yacht and the area in French or English.
• Bring your own lunch: Drinks and snacks are included, but the picnic-style meal itself is not.
• Private group setting: This is a more personal outing than a large sightseeing cruise, with room to discuss sailing and points of interest.

Why A Classic Gaff Cutter Changes The Day

The appeal here is the boat itself. LONA II is not a modern party catamaran or a basic sightseeing launch. It is a classic Edwardian gaff cutter, a sailing vessel with a traditional rig and a distinct old-world look.

You begin with a welcome aboard and a tour of the yacht. The crew gives a safety briefing before getting underway, so you do not need sailing experience. Ian and Carolina take care of the practical work, including raising the sails and managing the boat once you are out in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

That leaves you free to watch the rigging, sit in the cockpit, or simply enjoy the movement of the yacht. I like this balance. You get a sense of how a sailing boat works without being expected to crew it.

The yacht also has an original interior. A small saloon offers seating for four, and the toilet is forward of the saloon. This is useful if the weather changes or you want a short break from the sun, but the main attraction is outside.

On deck, the cockpit puts you close to the action. Once the yacht is anchored, you can make use of the foredeck for sunshine and wider views. The boat’s layout makes the trip feel personal, though anyone who prefers a large vessel with lots of indoor room may find it compact.

Leaving Port Grimaud At 9 Rue de la Giscle

The meeting point is on the quayside close to the Grimaud Beach restaurant, at 9 Rue de la Giscle. You need to arrange your own transport to Port Grimaud, so allow enough time to find the quayside and meet the crew without rushing.

Port Grimaud is a practical starting point for this outing. The yacht leaves from the canalside setting and soon reaches the open water of the Gulf. The shift from the protected port to the broad bay is part of the experience, since you watch the marina setting give way to the coast around Saint-Tropez.

The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the schedule when booking. The total outing lasts four hours, including the sail, the stop at anchor, swimming or snorkeling, and the return to Port Grimaud.

The safety briefing comes before departure. It should help you understand where to sit and how to move around the yacht, especially when the boat is under sail. You do not need to know sailing terms or handle equipment yourself.

Sailing Toward Saint-Tropez Under Canvas

Once the sails are raised, the experience settles into a calmer rhythm. You can sit in the cockpit, watch the crew work, and let the boat carry you across the Gulf. The appeal is less about reaching a list of sights and more about enjoying the changing views from the water.

The route heads toward Saint-Tropez, with the coast and the bay providing the main scenery. You will also pass anchored superyachts, which give you a very different view of the Riviera’s famous boating culture. From the deck of a small classic yacht, these large vessels become part of the scenery rather than the center of the day.

The crew can explain points of interest and talk about sailing options along the way. This makes the trip a good fit if you have some curiosity about boats but do not want a formal sailing lesson. You can ask questions, or you can remain quiet and enjoy the wind.

The boat’s pace also helps set expectations. Sailing is not a fast way to tick off several coastal stops. Wind conditions affect the feel and speed of the trip, and the activity is built around time on the water. If you want a quick transfer to Saint-Tropez, use another form of transport. If you want four unhurried hours aboard a historic yacht, this is the better choice.

The Swim And Snorkel Stop In The Gulf

At anchor, the trip becomes more relaxed. You can move from the cockpit to the foredeck, enjoy the sun, and take in the clear Mediterranean water around the yacht.

You have the opportunity to swim or snorkel directly from the boat. The stop also gives you a chance to look for marine life in the water, though the experience is naturally affected by sea conditions and visibility. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, since these are not items you want to be without once the yacht is anchored.

I like this part of the outing because it breaks up the sailing without turning the trip into a packed schedule. You are not hurried from one stop to another. You can swim, snorkel, or stay on deck and enjoy the view.

The yacht does not appear to be designed around a large swimming platform, so you should listen closely to the crew’s instructions when entering and leaving the water. The supplied information confirms the opportunity to swim and snorkel, but does not promise equipment rental or a dedicated water-sports setup. Bring only what you need and keep personal items secure.

Planning Your Picnic Lunch

The meal is picnic-style, but the picnic food itself is not included. Drinks and snacks are provided, while you should bring your own lunch and any extra food you want during the four-hour trip.

This is an important detail when comparing the outing with other boat excursions. A supplied meal can simplify the day, but bringing your own picnic gives you more control over what you eat. Pack food that is easy to handle on a moving boat and avoid anything that needs elaborate serving.

You should also bring water, even though drinks are included. A hat, camera, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and snacks are all listed as useful items. There is no smoking allowed.

The best time for lunch is likely during the anchored portion, when the yacht is steadier and you can focus on the food. The information does not specify a fixed lunch menu or exact meal schedule, so think of the food as a relaxed picnic rather than a formal service.

What The Private Group Format Means

This is a private group experience, which changes the mood considerably. You are not joining a large crowd with a fixed commentary script. Instead, the captain and crew can discuss the yacht, sailing, and local points of interest in a more direct way.

The listed languages are French and English. Ian and Carolina are the crew named for this experience, and their role includes welcoming you aboard, explaining the yacht, managing the sailing, and helping you enjoy the swim stop.

The yacht has a saloon with seating for four, but the supplied information does not give a total passenger limit. If your group needs precise capacity details, ask the operator before booking. The private format is especially appealing for couples, families, or a small group of friends who want a quieter outing.

The tradeoff is that a small classic yacht has less space than a large cruise vessel. You will spend much of the time outdoors, and the deck areas are connected with the ordinary movement of a sailing boat. Wear practical clothing and shoes that allow you to move safely.

Value, Timing, And Practical Tradeoffs

No tour price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact cost. The value depends on what you want from a half-day at sea.

This outing includes a private group setting, a classic yacht, a safety briefing, a yacht tour, crew-led sailing, drinks, snacks, and the chance to swim or snorkel. You also avoid having to know how to sail, since Ian and Carolina manage the boat.

You still need to pay for transport to Port Grimaud and bring your own picnic food. Personal expenses are also separate. Those extras are modest in themselves, but they matter when you compare the total cost with a standard sightseeing cruise that includes lunch.

For me, the strongest value lies in the character of the boat and the slower pace. You are paying for time aboard LONA II, not simply for a ride between two ports. If you care about classic boats, personal attention, and being on the water rather than rushing through a checklist, the format makes sense.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible. Check the available departure times before making other plans for the day.

Who Will Enjoy This Sailing Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to anyone who enjoys boats, coastal scenery, and an easygoing day outdoors. You do not need sailing experience, and you can remain a passenger while still getting close to the work of a traditional sailing yacht.

It suits people who want:

• A small private outing rather than a large cruise
• A classic vessel with character
• Time to swim or snorkel from the yacht
• A relaxed way to see Saint-Tropez from the water
• Conversation with a captain and crew
• A flexible day built around sailing rather than many scheduled stops

The trip may not suit you if you are prone to seasickness. It is also less suitable if you want a fixed meal, a fast route to Saint-Tropez, or extensive indoor seating.

Families and mixed groups should consider how comfortable everyone is with four hours on a boat. The swim stop adds variety, but most of the outing remains time spent at sea. Bring sun protection and accept that the weather and sailing conditions shape the day.

What To Bring For Four Hours Afloat

Pack lightly, but bring the basics. A hat and sunscreen protect you during the open-water portions, while a towel and swimwear prepare you for the stop at anchor.

You should also bring water, snacks, and your picnic lunch. A camera is useful for the yacht, the coast, and the large vessels anchored around the Gulf. Keep personal items compact because deck space on a classic yacht is limited.

Smoking is not allowed. Sailing knowledge is not needed, but following the safety briefing and crew instructions is essential. If you are uncertain about seasickness, consider how you normally respond to boat travel before reserving.

Should You Book LONA II From Port Grimaud?

Book this trip if the idea of spending four quiet hours on a classic sailing yacht appeals more than a fast coastal cruise. The best parts are specific: LONA II, the traditional sailing experience, the friendly crew of Ian and Carolina, the views toward Saint-Tropez, and the swim or snorkel stop in clear water.

Do not book it expecting a full catered lunch or a large, highly equipped boat. Bring your own picnic, prepare for time outdoors, and keep seasickness in mind.

For the right passenger, this is a memorable way to see the Gulf. You get a taste of classic sailing, a chance to swim from the yacht, and a close view of the Riviera’s boating scene, all without needing to handle the sails yourself.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour start?

The tour starts at 9 Rue de la Giscle in Port Grimaud, on the quayside close to the Grimaud Beach restaurant.

How long does the sailing experience last?

The experience lasts four hours, including the sailing, time near Saint-Tropez, the swimming or snorkeling opportunity, and the return to Port Grimaud.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. Sailing knowledge is not essential. The captain and crew handle the sailing and provide a safety briefing before departure.

Is lunch included?

No. Picnic food is not included, so you should bring your own lunch. Drinks and snacks are included.

Can I swim or snorkel from the yacht?

Yes. There is an opportunity to swim or snorkel from the yacht while it is anchored in the bay.

Which languages are available?

The live tour is available in French and English.

Is the activity suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.