Yachting
Seaside memories naturally begin with the beach. A 140-km stretch of fine sand along more than 250 km of coastline encourages everyone to make the most of the sunshine, with ephemeral sand constructions that are destined to be swept away by the next tide, and refreshing sea bathing. With a harmonious mix of sunshine and fresh air, the Vendée coastline is the perfect country where to enjoy water sports. Sailing dinghy, windsurfing, surfing and kite-surfing, catamaran and cruiser racer, sand yacht all sail along, in line with the mood of the winds. The pleasures of the beach, and diving increase the region’s powerful relaxation potential. Solidly moored to the coastline, many schools and clubs offer nautical adventure in complete safety. The diversity and length of the Vendée’s beaches make the area ideal for sand-yachting.
A cutting-edge nautical industry
From one generation to the next, the traditional industries created in the 19th century have become cutting-edge businesses: Bénéteau-Jeanneau, Alubat, and Kirié. A strong naval tradition, associated with the organisation of prestigious races, renders the Vendée region a world leader in pleasure boats.
Marinas
Vendée has 5 yacht harbours (3,532 berths altogether) for the use of pleasure boats: Herbaudière (Noirmoutier island), Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie, Yeu island, Les Sables d’Olonne and Talmont Saint-Hilaire. It also has 4 dry harbours (833 places): Jard-sur-Mer, La Faute-sur-Mer, L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, and Noirmoutier en l’Île.
The Vendée, facing resolutely out to sea
The Vendée is the venue for the start, finish and stages of well-known sailing races: the Vendée Globe, the Figaro race, and counts many amateur regattas such as the Vendée Ports Ocean Race or Noirmoutier Bois de la Chaise regattas...
