The Glénans: 70 years old and still timeless

Since 1947 date of its creation, the Glénans are a must to learn sailing. With 5 sites in France, several levels of practice and numerous activities, the school has established itself as a reference. Discovery of the Glénans school.

Chloé Torterat Published on October 3, 2017

Fans and volunteers

At Glénans, we promote volunteer involvement among our members. Thus, the instructors are passionate, sometimes former trainees. And this is not the case only in the field of sailing..

During the courses, we also participate in the group life, according to our desires and our know-how. It's called"tucked-in."

Today, the Glénans school receives 15 000 trainees per year, with different levels (5 levels of practice). Many still think that the Glénans are reserved for the elite of sailing... However, in 2016, 2,900 trainees entered level 1, reserved for beginners "The goal of the Glénans is first and foremost to provide sailing training for all audiences." explains the Glénans communications department.

At Glénans, we don't forget either the safety aspect... Because perhaps the founders were novices of sailing, the topo safety is systematic at the beginning of the course and certain obligatory behaviors: wearing a life jacket and adapted shoes..

A varied offer

In Glénans, there is something for everyone: from deep-sea cruising to kitesurfing, not forgetting the foil boats that land on the market. The aim is to enjoy being at sea... The fleet is varied and renewed regularly. In 2017, the school acquired two Elan E4s, as well as foil boards and dinghies.

The students have the choice between 5 bases, even if Brittany remains the nerve centre of the association.

Glénan Archipelago One hour from Concarneau, the courses are spread over 4 islands (Bananec, Drenec, Fort Cigogne and Penfret).
Paimpol Paimpol: located in the Côtes-d'Armor, Paimpol is the gateway to navigation in the English Channel.
The island of Arz : With its 3 km2 is one of the largest islands of this Gulf of Morbihan

Since the late 1960s, two bases have opened in the Mediterranean:

Marseillan the most recent of the bases
Bonifacio The most"southern" of all the Glénan bases in southern Corsica.

The Glénans also organize cruises in the West Indies and from Concarneau with itinerant boats. In 2017, it was possible to leave Paimpol for a trip in the north (Norway, Scotland...).

But beware of the prerequisites. Courses are open from level 0 to level 4 "For example, it is recommended that a beginner approach the cruise with an onsite course with day trips rather than go directly on a cruise." concludes the communication service.

Glénans key dates

1947 Helene and Philippe Viannay organize the first trips to the Glénan archipelago for former resistance fighters

1952 Launching of"Sereine", designed for the high seas. The first Glénans cruise ship will be classified as a Historic Monument in 2001. It has covered the equivalent of 6 world tours and welcomed more than 5,000 crew members. Restored in 2005,"Sereine" is still sailing today.

1953 The Caravelle is designed by Jean-Jacques Herbulot and, like the Vaurien or Glénans 5.7, is one of the school's emblematic boats. More than 3,000 units were subsequently launched.

1961 Glénans publishes the first Cours des Glénans which quickly becomes the reference nautical manual, in France and abroad. The 7th edition has sold more than 5,000 copies and the next will be distributed at the end of 2017.

1965 Opening of the first base on the continent, in Paimpol (Cotes d'Armor). Then will come the bases of Arz (Morbihan), and Marseillan (Hérault). Other sites will open (in Ireland for example) but are no longer managed by the association today.

2003 The Glénans organise the first transatlantic courses. We learn astronomical navigation, the rhythm of watches and life at sea.

2005: the 300,000 members mark is reached

2013 Kitesurfing courses welcome their first trainees. For the past two years, it has also been possible to practice kayaking and foilers, these flying boats, are now in the experimental phase.