Club Nautique Morgien: sailing for children in Morges

Learning to Sail at the Foot of the Château de Morges

On the Place de la Navigation, right next to the Château de Morges, the Club Nautique Morgien (CNM) brings together all generations around the same passion: sailing and racing. Its sailing school welcomes juniors all year round, with a fleet designed to grow with the child and modern infrastructure suitable for dinghies as well as wingfoils. For a family from Morges or just passing through, it is the ideal gateway to Lake Geneva: one learns to read the wind where sailboats are part of the landscape.

What Your Children Will Discover

Every age has its boat. The youngest can board an Optimist starting at age 6, sailing solo in their little sailboat: a huge pride for them, safely near the shore. From age 9, they move on to the RS Feva, which is sailed by two — perfect for learning coordination and teamwork. From age 14, teenagers take the helm of an ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7), the dinghy of racers. Over the sessions, they learn to rig, maneuver, read the water, and gain autonomy that extends well beyond the confines of the boat.

What Happens There and the Atmosphere on Site

The sailing school operates at the rhythm of the seasons. In spring and autumn, dinghy courses are held in half-day sessions (10am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4pm). In July, it's time for holiday programs: the "La vie du Lac" camp occupies full days (9:30am-4:30pm) with a schedule tailored to age, while summer half-day courses (five sessions of two hours) are suitable for families who want to keep their afternoons free. Intensive dinghy camps complement the offerings in spring and autumn. The atmosphere is that of a real club: you meet weekend racers, store your boat together, and discuss the weather.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: from 6 years (Optimist); RS Feva from 9 years; ILCA 4 from 14 years. Summer camps for juniors aged 6 to 18.
• Duration: half-days for courses (2.5 hours); full days for the "La vie du Lac" camp.
• Reservation and Pricing: registration with the sailing school; prices are not published on the consulted pages, please check the official website or call.
• Prerequisites: being comfortable in the water is essential in sailing; check the exact conditions (swimming, equipment) at registration.
• Transport: the Place de la Navigation is located by the lake, about ten minutes on foot from the Morges CFF train station.
• What to Bring: clothes that can get wet, sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses with a strap, closed shoes, and a complete change of clothes.
• Ideal Season: from spring to autumn; the sailing school is open from March to October (and in winter on reduced hours for the secretariat).

Parents' Tips

• Register early for July camps: age groups are limited.
• For a first experience, the summer half-day option is less tiring than a full camp.
• A lycra or a small wetsuit protects from the sun and the coolness of the water, especially at the beginning of the season.
• Bring a waterproof bag for a change of clothes and snacks.
• Enjoy the course to stroll in the nearby Parc de l'Indépendance: the playground and the view of the lake make the wait pleasant.

Useful Information

• Address: Place de la Navigation 1, 1110 Morges.
• Official Website: https://cnmorges.ch
• Contact Sailing School: [email protected] · 021 811 55 24.
• Secretariat Hours of the School: March to October, Tuesday-Friday 10am-8pm; November to February, Tuesday-Friday 1pm-6pm.
• Access: on foot from the Morges CFF train station (about ten minutes), by the lake next to the château.

Why We Recommend It

Because learning to sail in a real racing club, at the foot of a 13th-century château, has a charm that few activities can offer. The progression through boats — Optimist, RS Feva, then ILCA 4 — allows children to grow in the activity year after year, and the holiday programs adapt to the rhythm of each family. A wonderful school of autonomy, weather awareness, and patience, just ten minutes from the train station.

In Two Words

The CNM sailing school introduces children from age 6 on Lake Geneva, with year-round courses and summer camps for ages 6-18. Registrations and prices on the official website.