Meet Albane, a sailing enthusiast

I discovered sailing at the age of 10, taking part in two-week summer courses every summer. It was a perfect opportunity to meet new people where my vacation home is located. Over the years, this activity became a real passion.
Around the age of 15, I was offered the chance to become a catamaran instructor during the summer. I jumped at the chance! To perfect my skills, I signed up for year-round dinghy sailing. At the same time, I took specific training courses: sailing, first aid and boating license. By the age of 18, I was ready and officially started working as an instructor.

I started out in Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal, near Granville, with the EVB (now renamed Huit Miles Nautiques Bréhal). I love the warm, peaceful setting, where I also make a lot of friends.

For sport sailing, I used to train at the Club Océan in Ouistreham, closer to home. It wasn’t easy at first, as I had no experience of dinghy sailing, but I made progress over the years. At the age of 20, I bought my own small dinghy, which I use for cruising and even fishing with friends.

I was an instructor for five summers. Four of them were at EVB, and one at La Voile de Cavalière, in the south of France. This last experience was very different, but just as enriching.

There have been many, but one in particular stands out in my memory. One year, during a week-long course, we organized a giant treasure hunt for the children. Each day, they collected clues, and on Friday, the last day of the course, they had to find the lost treasure. The kids loved it, and their parents appreciated our involvement. The “treasure” was a chest full of sweets! It remains one of the best memories of my experience as an instructor.

Yes, I do several sports at the same time. I’m trying to learn kitesurfing, I play padel outdoors when the weather permits, and I do crossfit during the week, early in the morning.

Yes, several! In sailing, I’ve joined an association to restore a houseboat. Once it’s ready, I’d like to use it for cruising or taking part in regattas. I’ve also signed up for a half-marathon in June. Two great projects that motivate me enormously!