Test-drive your future boat
Why are our boats unique? Les Ateliers de La Gazelle Des Sables only builds boats that are simple, easy to live with, without sacrificing the pleasure at the helm, for beginners and champions alike, and also… they are certainly the safest boats in the world in this category. To understand this, come and experience it with us by testing your future boat. Trials are free of charge and take place mainly on Fridays.
>> I want to book a test drive
It’s free and all year round
Whether you’re still hesitating or simply curious, don’t hesitate: come aboard with our naval architect for a trial run aboard our small transportable boats: a unique moment of discovery right in the heart of Angers, at Lac de Maine.
Choose the boat that appeals to you from our :
. Gazelles des Sables mini sailboats, with or without electric motors
. small sailboats Gazelles des Iles,
. dinghy sensations with La Gazelle Breizh
and the small sail-oar Lascar du Toul’Ru
…and the adventure begins!
Tell us what you want
Trials are mainly held on Fridays at Lac de Maine in Angers (49). When we travel to Sète, Cap d’Agde, Golfe du Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, we can also organize this exchange: let us know what you would like.
Directly accessible from the freeway, the Lac de Maine – Angers boasts a watersports area where windsurfers, catamarans and small sailboats meet.
Wherever you are, Lac de Maine is always within easy reach:
- 1.30 hours from Paris Montparnasse train station
- 3 hours from Paris
- 2 hours from La Rochelle, Vannes, Rennes
- 1 hour from Nantes, Les Sables d’Olonne, Tours
- 10 minutes from downtown Angers
A complete demonstration of our small boats, which can be transported in 2 hours.
Patrick, designer and naval architect of our small transportable sailboats, takes you through life with your future boat from start to finish:
On land: set sails in 7 minutes solo, masting, launching, then dismasting, stowing, using the trailer, re-trimming… you’ll become an expert in less than 2 hours!
On the water, you’ll learn how to operate the boat’s engine and controls, so that you’ll be immediately autonomous at the helm. Then it’s time to enjoy your first gybes and tacks.
+ More sails ? more power … With one or two, three or four sails, … Patrick adjusts the sails to suit your sailing pleasure!
Then back on land: in no time at all, your future small sailboat is out of the water, back on its road trailer or cart. Ballast empties automatically in a matter of moments.
How are our little boats born?
Ideally located just 20 minutes from Angers, between the freeways to Paris, Nantes and Les Sables d’Olonne, L’Atelier des Gazelles invites you to find out how our boats are made.
Our naval and technological expertise combines the construction of our small transportable boats with an environmental approach focused on sustainable development: our bucolic setting in the heart of the Layon vineyards has plenty of surprises in store for an unusual company visit. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Testimonial
” The wind wasn’t with us, but I could appreciate the way he (or rather “she” since she’s a gazelle, a good way to make up with the English:) behaved upwind, which was quite convincing. Moreover, this boat is a marvel of intelligence and experience-based design.
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the workshops, which convinced us of your expertise and professionalism. Impressive, BRAVO.”
How do I get to the trial?
From Paris: from the A11, take exit n°15 Angers-Centre, then exit Lac de Maine-Centre commercial.
From Nantes: from the A11, take exit n°18 Angers-Centre, then exit Lac de Maine-Centre commercial.
From Les Sables d’Olonne/La Rochelle: from the A87, direction Nantes, then from the A11, take exit n°15 Angers-Centre, then exit Lac de Maine-Centre commercial.
Follow the Parc de Loisirs du Lac de Maine signs.
How to get to the Gazelle des Sables workshops?
From Paris: from A83, exit 24 Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, then follow signs for Chaudefonds-sur-Layon.
From Nantes: from the A11, take exit n°19 Chalonnes, then follow signs for Chalonnes and Chaudefonds-sur-Layon.
From Les Sables d’Olonne/La Rochelle: from A83, exit n°25 Chemillé, then follow signs for Chalonnes and Chaudefonds-sur-Layon.
To book your test drive :
+33(0)661 38 17 80 or contact@LaGazelleDesSables.com