Le Boat launched Hire a Captain This program is designed for guests who would like more hands-on training prior to a hands-on boating experience.
The program enables tourists sailing on the Canal du Midi in southern France to hire a professional captain who will accompany them on the first day of their cruise and help steer the boat.
Le Boat’s captains will provide guests with up to seven hours of hands-on instruction in boat handling, navigation techniques and passing the locks for $199 per day. Trained captains come on board with their own lunch and refreshments, and the company disembarks them at a suitable location at the end of the day. Le Boat also assumes responsibility for any accidental damage that occurs while the captain is on board.
Response to Feedback
The company said it created the program after hearing feedback from guests who felt learning how to sail their own boat was difficult and wanted more comprehensive training.
Lisa McLean, long-haul marketing manager for Le Boat, said: “Many of our North American guests have expressed a desire to hire a captain, as the idea of sailing a boat for the first time can be daunting. In response to this feedback, our Captain Rental Program is designed to enhance the boating experience and provide unparalleled support to our valued guests.”
The scheme applies only to Canal du Midi cruises departing from 2025 and only from Le Boat’s bases in Castelnaudary, Carcassonne (Trebes), Homps and Port Cassafieres.
Le Boat said if the project on the Canal du Midi is successful, it plans to expand the project to other destinations in Europe or Canada.
