From Port Grimaud: Half-Day Classic Yacht Sailing Experience

Old boats make better Riviera stories. This four-hour private sailing trip from Port Grimaud takes you aboard the classic Edwardian gaff cutter LONA II, where the sails, woodwork, and open deck matter as much as the destination. I like the chance to swim or snorkel straight from the yacht, and I like that Ian and Carolina keep the outing personal, friendly, and hands-on. The main catch is that picnic food is not included, and anyone prone to seasickness may find the bay uncomfortable.

You do not need sailing experience. The captain and crew handle the boat while you enjoy the cockpit, foredeck, and views toward Saint-Tropez. Drinks and snacks are provided, but you should bring your own picnic items, water, towel, sunscreen, and hat. The yacht has only four seats inside, so this is best suited to people who are happy spending most of the trip outdoors.

Key points to know before you go

• LONA II is the attraction: You sail on a genuine Edwardian gaff cutter, not a modern motorboat dressed up for tourists.
• The trip is private: Your group has the yacht to itself, making conversation with Ian and Carolina easy and natural.
• Swimming comes from the boat: At anchor, you can swim or snorkel in the clear bay water without going ashore.
• Saint-Tropez is viewed from the water: The route gives you a look at the harbor area, coastline, and anchored super yachts without dealing with busy streets.
• Bring your own picnic: Snacks and drinks are included, but the main picnic food is not.
• Plan for open-air sailing: The cockpit and foredeck are the best places to sit, while the small saloon has seating for four and a toilet.

Why this classic yacht trip feels different

The French Riviera has no shortage of boat outings. Many are built around speed, loud music, or a quick ride past expensive waterfront villas. This experience takes a quieter route. The point is not simply to reach Saint-Tropez. It is to spend several hours sailing on an unusual old yacht, with time to watch the sails, feel the wind, and stop for a swim.

LONA II gives the trip its character. A gaff cutter carries a traditional sail plan, and the crew raises the sails after the safety briefing before heading out from Port Grimaud. You are not expected to work the ropes or know the difference between a boom and a bowsprit. Still, you can ask questions and learn about the yacht, sailing, and the bay as the trip unfolds.

I especially like the balance between instruction and relaxation. You can sit back with a drink, or spend time in the cockpit watching the crew manage the boat. That makes this a good choice for someone who wants a real sailing setting without signing up for a lesson.

Ian and Carolina are the people who shape the mood onboard. They are experienced sailors with a clear passion for the boat and the sea, and their warm approach is a major part of the appeal. Since the group is private, you have more room for conversation than you would on a large shared cruise.

Meeting the boat at Port Grimaud

The starting point is at 9 Rue de la Giscle, on the quayside close to the Grimaud Beach restaurant. You will meet the crew there and board LONA II for an introduction to the yacht.

Allow yourself enough time to find the quayside. Transportation to and from Port Grimaud is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. The activity is also not a transfer service between Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez. You return to Port Grimaud by boat after the four-hour outing.

The first moments onboard include a tour of the vessel and a safety briefing. This is useful rather than ceremonial. You get a sense of where to sit, how the deck is arranged, and where the toilet is located. The interior is original and has a saloon with seating for four. That small indoor space may be welcome if the weather turns cool, but the experience is clearly designed around being outside.

This is also the time to tell the crew what sort of day you want. You can ask about the sailing plan, points of interest, or the best time for swimming. French and English are spoken.

Sailing from Port Grimaud toward Saint-Tropez

Once the sails are raised, LONA II moves out into the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. The pace is part of the pleasure. A classic sailing boat gives you time to notice changes in the wind, the sound of water against the hull, and the way the coastline opens as you leave the port.

The cockpit is the most practical place to sit while underway. You are close enough to feel involved in the sailing, but you can still relax while the captain and crew take care of the boat. If you prefer sun and open views, the foredeck becomes available while the yacht is anchored.

The route toward Saint-Tropez is scenic, but this is not a sightseeing cruise with a fixed list of shore stops. Most of the interest comes from the changing views and the feel of the sailboat. You might spend part of the trip watching the coast and part simply enjoying the deck.

The bay is also known for the large private yachts that anchor there throughout the year. Passing these vessels gives you a glimpse of the Riviera’s more extravagant side. LONA II offers a nice contrast: instead of sitting inside a floating palace, you are on a traditional yacht with sails overhead and a much closer connection to the water.

You can enjoy a drink as you pass the anchored yachts. Drinks are included, along with snacks, so you do not need to go without refreshments. Just remember that the main picnic lunch is your responsibility.

Lunch and swimming from the yacht

At anchor, the trip changes from sailing excursion to relaxed water day. You can set out your picnic-style lunch, enjoy snacks and drinks, and take in the bay from the deck. Since the boat itself is the base for the stop, there is no need to find a beach, restaurant, or changing room.

The swimming opportunity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. You can enter the water directly from the yacht and swim or snorkel in the clear Mediterranean bay. The crew can point out areas of interest and help you understand the setting, while you get a view of the marine life from the water.

Bring a swimsuit and towel, even if you are not certain you will swim. The chance to take a dip may depend on your mood and the conditions, but you will be prepared. Sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water are also important because much of the experience takes place in the open sun.

The trip includes the opportunity to swim or snorkel, not a supplied snorkel kit or a guaranteed marine-life encounter. Bring your own equipment if you want to snorkel, or confirm what is available before you go. The information provided does not promise special wildlife sightings, so think of the marine life viewing as a pleasant possibility rather than the central event.

Your picnic food is not included. This is easy to manage, but it is an important planning detail. Pick up the food you want before reaching the meeting point, and remember that the activity provider supplies snacks and drinks rather than a full catered lunch.

The yacht itself, from saloon to foredeck

LONA II is not a floating hotel. The saloon seats four, and the interior has an original, traditional feel. That makes it interesting to explore, but it also tells you how to plan your time. You should expect to spend most of the trip on deck.

The cockpit is where you can feel closest to the action while sailing. It is a good place to watch the captain and crew, ask questions, and keep a steady view of the route. The foredeck is available when the boat is at anchor, giving you a sunny place to stretch out and look across the bay.

The limited indoor seating matters if your group is larger than four or if you expect to stay inside for long periods. The experience is a private group trip, but the yacht is still a classic vessel with a compact layout. Space comes with character, not with the room of a modern cruise boat.

That compact design is part of the charm for the right person. I would choose this trip for the sailing atmosphere, not for luxurious onboard facilities. If you want air-conditioning, a large shaded lounge, or lots of room to move, this is probably not the best fit.

What makes the private format valuable

A private group changes the rhythm of the outing. You do not have to follow a large crowd to the swimming area or compete for the best seat. You can talk with the crew, decide how much you want to learn about sailing, and enjoy the boat at a pace that suits your group.

The private format also helps if your party has mixed interests. One person can watch the sails, another can relax with a drink, and another can swim when the yacht anchors. There is no need for everyone to treat the trip like a formal sailing class.

The strongest value comes from the combination of three things: a distinctive classic yacht, direct access to the water, and personal time with the captain and crew. I would not judge it like a standard boat transfer. You are paying for the setting, the sailing experience, and the privacy as much as the route.

No price is provided here, so I cannot tell you if it is a bargain at a particular rate. When comparing options, check what the final price includes. This trip includes the safety briefing, yacht tour, drinks, snacks, sailing, and the chance to swim or snorkel. You still need to pay for your own transport to Port Grimaud, personal expenses, and picnic food.

Who will enjoy this four-hour outing

I would recommend this trip most strongly to:

• Couples or small groups who want a quiet day on the water
• People interested in traditional boats and sailing culture
• Visitors who like swimming from a yacht rather than visiting a crowded beach
• Anyone who wants a private experience with time to ask questions
• Families or friends who can bring their own picnic and are comfortable outdoors

You do not need previous sailing experience. That makes the trip accessible to beginners, and the crew handles the technical work. You can enjoy the motion and scenery without being asked to operate the yacht.

This is less suitable for anyone prone to seasickness. Even a calm-looking bay can feel unpleasant when you are on a small sailing boat for several hours. If you are unsure, consider your past experience on boats before booking.

It is also not ideal if you need a highly structured sightseeing program. The trip focuses on sailing, swimming, snacks, and views rather than a long list of guided stops. Saint-Tropez is part of the route, but you do not get a shore visit there.

Practical packing advice for the deck

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make an open-water afternoon comfortable:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Hat and sunscreen
• Drinking water
• Camera
• Snacks or picnic food
• Any personal snorkel equipment you want to use

Smoking is not allowed. Keep your belongings compact because the yacht has limited indoor room and you will likely move between the cockpit and foredeck.

Wear something that works in both wind and sun. The conditions on deck can feel different from those at the port, even on a warm day. A camera is worth bringing, especially for views of the yacht under sail, the bay, and the super yachts near Saint-Tropez.

The activity lasts four hours, so the timing is substantial enough to feel like a proper outing rather than a short harbor ride. Check the available starting times when booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Riviera schedule is still changing.

Should you book the LONA II sailing experience?

Book it if you want the boat itself to be the main attraction. LONA II, the private format, and the chance to swim from the deck create a more personal experience than a standard motorboat cruise. Ian and Carolina add warmth and sailing insight, while the route gives you views of Saint-Tropez without requiring a visit to its busy streets.

Think twice if you dislike boat motion, need lots of indoor space, or want a full lunch included. You should also plan your own transport to Port Grimaud and bring picnic food, water, sunscreen, and a towel.

For the right group, this is a memorable half-day on the French Riviera: traditional sails, clear water, a relaxed meal at anchor, and a close look at the bay’s glamorous yacht scene. I would choose it for atmosphere and personal attention, not for speed or luxury facilities.

FAQ

How long does the sailing experience last?

The activity lasts four hours, including sailing from Port Grimaud toward Saint-Tropez, time for swimming or snorkeling, and the return to Port Grimaud.

Where does the boat depart?

The meeting point is at 9 Rue de la Giscle, on the quayside close to the Grimaud Beach restaurant in Port Grimaud.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. Sailing knowledge is not essential. The captain and crew handle the sailing, while you can relax or ask questions about the yacht and the area.

Is lunch included?

A full picnic lunch is not included. Drinks and snacks are provided, but you should bring your own picnic food.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. When the yacht is anchored, you have the opportunity to swim or snorkel from the boat. Bring swimwear and a towel.

What languages are spoken, and is the trip private?

The tour is offered in French and English, and it operates as a private group experience.