From Port Grimaud: Half-Day Classic Yacht Sailing Experience

The most appealing part of this outing is the boat itself. LONA II is a classic Edwardian gaff cutter, not a standard excursion catamaran, so you feel the sails fill and hear the boat work as you head from Port Grimaud toward Saint-Tropez. I like the relaxed pace and the chance to swim straight from the yacht in the clear bay.

I also like that Ian and Carolina handle the sailing while still making time to explain the yacht and the area. A picnic-style lunch, drinks, and a small private group make this feel personal rather than packaged. The main consideration is the sea: if you are prone to seasickness, four hours on a sailing boat may not be your best Riviera plan.

Key points to know

• Classic LONA II: Sail on an Edwardian gaff cutter with an original interior, cockpit, foredeck, saloon, and toilet.
• Port Grimaud to Saint-Tropez: The route puts you among the Golfe’s clear water, coastal views, and anchored super yachts.
• Swim from the boat: At anchor, you can swim or snorkel and look for marine life below the surface.
• Ian and Carolina at the helm: The crew takes care of sailing and offers a friendly introduction to the boat and local points of interest.
• Private four-hour outing: You have room to relax, ask questions, and enjoy a quieter experience than a large group cruise.
• Bring your own picnic food: Drinks and snacks are included, but picnic food is not.

Setting out from Port Grimaud aboard LONA II

Your meeting point is on the quayside near the Grimaud Beach restaurant, at 9 Rue de la Giscle. This is the practical starting point for a half-day on the water, so allow time to find the quay and arrive ready to board. Transportation to Port Grimaud is not included.

You begin with a welcome aboard LONA II and a short tour of the yacht. The captain and crew then give a safety briefing before raising the sails. Sailing experience is not needed. Ian and Carolina handle the boat, while you can sit back, watch the work, or ask about the rigging and the vessel’s story.

That balance matters. You are not signing up for a sailing lesson, but you are also not being sealed away from the action. The cockpit lets you feel close to the sailing, and the crew can discuss different sailing options and points of interest as the outing unfolds.

LONA II has a very original interior. The saloon seats four people, and a toilet is located forward of it. These details are useful if you want some shelter or need a break from the sun, though the real pleasure is being outside on deck.

The route toward Saint-Tropez

Once you leave Port Grimaud, the boat heads into the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. The route is as much about the ride as the destination. You are there to watch the coastline, feel the wind, and enjoy the particular calm of a classic boat under sail.

The yacht may pass the many super yachts anchored in the bay. That contrast is part of the fun: LONA II offers an old-fashioned, hands-on sailing experience, while the water around Saint-Tropez often carries some of the world’s largest private yachts. You can enjoy the spectacle with a drink in hand without needing to join the yacht crowd.

The boat’s classic design gives the trip a different feel from a modern motorboat outing. A gaff cutter uses a traditional sail plan, and the movement is tied to wind and sail handling rather than simply the push of an engine. If you enjoy boats, this is the part worth paying attention to. If you do not, the crew makes it easy to appreciate without requiring technical knowledge.

The trip lasts four hours, which is long enough to settle into the rhythm of the sea but short enough to fit neatly into a day in the Saint-Tropez area. You will not have a long shore visit in Saint-Tropez. This is a sailing and swimming trip that takes in the bay, not a walking tour of the town.

Why the private format matters

This is a private group experience, and that changes the tone. On a large cruise, the boat itself can become the main event, with little room to ask questions or choose how you spend quiet moments. Here, you can use the cockpit, sit in the saloon, or move to the foredeck while the yacht is anchored.

The private format is especially useful if your group has mixed interests. One person can ask Ian or Carolina about the yacht, another can enjoy the views, and another can prepare for a swim. You are not tied to a loud commentary track or a fixed entertainment schedule.

The information provided does not state the maximum group size, so I would confirm the exact capacity before booking if space is important to you. The saloon itself seats four, but there is also outdoor space in the cockpit and on deck.

Swimming and snorkeling from the yacht

At anchor, the focus shifts from sailing to the water. You can swim or snorkel directly from LONA II and look at marine life below the surface. This is a simple pleasure, but it gives the half-day a useful change of pace: first you sail through the bay, then you stop long enough to enjoy it from the water.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. You should also bring water and any snacks or picnic food you want. Drinks and snacks are included, but the picnic food itself is not, so do not assume lunch will arrive as a fully prepared meal.

The description calls the meal picnic-style rather than a formal catered lunch. That suggests a casual break on deck, suited to the easy tone of the trip. If you have dietary needs or want a substantial meal, bring suitable food or ask the provider what is supplied before you go.

Swimming from a yacht requires comfort with boarding and reboarding from the water. No accessibility details are provided, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator for specific information before reserving. The boat has a toilet, but it is a compact sailing yacht, not a spacious day cruiser.

A classic boat for people who like the details

LONA II is the reason to choose this trip over a generic bay cruise. The Edwardian gaff cutter style gives the outing character, and the original interior adds a sense of connection with traditional sailing. You can see the boat as part of the experience rather than just transportation.

You do not need to know the difference between a gaff and a boom to enjoy it. Still, this trip will suit you best if you like the feel of an older vessel and enjoy learning a little as you go. The captain and crew are happy to discuss sailing, the yacht, and the surrounding area, so curious passengers have plenty to ask about.

I would not choose it solely for speed or convenience. A classic sailing boat is about motion, wind, and atmosphere. If your main goal is to cover as much coastline as possible or reach Saint-Tropez quickly, a motorboat may be more practical. If your goal is a calm few hours on the water, LONA II makes much more sense.

What the crew adds to the outing

Ian and Carolina are the named hosts for the experience. They are both experienced sailors, and their role goes beyond operating the boat. They welcome you aboard, show you around, explain safety, and help you understand what you are seeing.

That personal contact is a strong part of the value. The experience is offered in French and English, making it easier to ask questions or follow the explanations in the language you prefer. A good crew can turn a quiet stretch of sailing into something memorable without filling every moment with talk.

The tone appears friendly and relaxed rather than formal. You can learn about the history of the yacht and the area, but you are not expected to sit through a long lecture. The best use of the crew is to ask questions when you see something interesting, particularly while the boat is sailing past the anchored yachts or resting at anchor.

Comfort, timing, and what to pack

Four hours on the Mediterranean sounds easy, but sun and wind can wear you down. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Pack snacks and picnic food, since the included refreshments do not cover the picnic itself.

Smoking is not allowed. The boat has outdoor areas for enjoying the sun, along with a saloon if you want to get inside. The foredeck is available while anchored, giving you another place to stretch out and enjoy the view.

The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That warning deserves attention. Even a calm bay can feel uncomfortable when you are on a smaller sailing yacht, and the boat’s movement may be more noticeable than on a large vessel. If you are uncertain, consider taking your usual precautions and check with a medical professional about medication.

Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date. The four-hour duration makes it possible to pair the sail with other plans in the Port Grimaud or Saint-Tropez area, but allow extra time before and after for getting to the quay.

Is the experience good value?

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge the fare against a specific number. I can still explain what you are paying for. The value comes from the classic yacht, private-group setting, crew attention, drinks and snacks, and the chance to swim from the boat rather than simply look at the water from a seat.

The value is strongest for people who care about the boat and the pace. You are buying four hours of traditional sailing with Ian and Carolina, not just transport around the bay. The stop for swimming adds a practical benefit, especially on a hot Riviera day.

The value is weaker if you expect a full lunch to be included, a long visit in Saint-Tropez, or a high-speed coastal tour. Picnic food is not included, and the route is centered on sailing, views, and time at anchor. Compare the experience with your priorities before booking.

Flexible booking also helps. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful when your plans depend on weather, though you should still confirm the day’s arrangements with the provider.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, or small groups who want a calm private outing with a real sailing character. It suits anyone who likes boats, coastal views, swimming, and a personal connection with the crew.

It is also a good pick if you want to see Saint-Tropez from the water without spending a full day on a large cruise. The super yachts, open bay, and classic rig create plenty to look at, while the swim stop keeps the trip from becoming four hours of simply sitting still.

I would hesitate if you dislike boat movement, need a fully catered lunch, or want substantial time walking around Saint-Tropez. The yacht has a saloon and toilet, but it remains a compact classic sailing vessel. Think comfortable and atmospheric, not spacious and resort-like.

Should you book LONA II?

Book this experience if the idea of sailing under canvas on a classic Edwardian yacht sounds better than racing around the bay. The strongest reasons are LONA II herself, the relaxed private format, the chance to swim from the boat, and the hands-on attention from Ian and Carolina.

Bring your own picnic food, protect yourself from the sun, and be honest about seasickness. If those points work for you, this is a distinctive way to spend half a day on the French Riviera, with enough sailing, swimming, and local character to make the time feel well used.

FAQ

Where does the sailing experience start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The sailing experience lasts four hours, including the cruise toward Saint-Tropez, time at anchor, and the return to Port Grimaud.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. Sailing knowledge is not essential because the captain and crew handle the sailing.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. You have the opportunity to swim or snorkel from the yacht while it is anchored.

Is lunch included?

A picnic-style lunch is part of the planned experience, but picnic food is not included. Drinks and snacks are included, so you should bring the food you want for your picnic.

What languages are offered?

The live tour is offered in French and English.