Founex Nautical Club: sailing for children

Sailing for Children, on the Shores of Lake Geneva

Want to see your children set sail safely? The Founex Nautical Club, located at the port of the municipality by Lake Geneva, offers summer camps that introduce sailing in small groups. Here, they learn to hold a tiller, read the wind, and maneuver, all in a camp-like atmosphere by the water. Groups are formed by age and skill level, and supervision is provided by certified instructors. It's the perfect opportunity to turn a week of vacation into a nautical adventure.

What Your Children Will Discover

Depending on their age, children sail on suitable boats: the Optimist for the youngest, then the RS Feva and the Laser for teenagers. They learn the basics of navigation, maritime vocabulary, knots, and above all, the joy of gliding on the lake by their own means. Beyond technique, it's autonomy, teamwork, and self-confidence that are built over the days.

What Happens There and the Atmosphere on Site

Days are organized around sailing, interspersed with breaks, swimming, and time on land to understand the weather and prepare equipment. Sails are hoisted in the morning, lunch is by the water, and they head back out on the lake in the afternoon. The atmosphere is friendly and sporty, punctuated by the wind and bursts of laughter. Children return tired, delighted, and often hooked on sailing.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: from 6 years; Little Sailors 6-8 years (Optimist), Children 8-12 years, Teens 13-18 years (RS Feva, Laser).
• Duration: week-long camps, from Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30.
• Price: indicative rate around CHF 620 per week (2026), to be confirmed on the official website.
• Reservation: online registration required, limited spots per group.
• Prerequisites: knowing how to swim is mandatory to participate.
• Transport: Founex port, accessible by car or regional transport.
• What to Bring: sunscreen, cap, attached sunglasses, clothes that can get wet, closed shoes, and a change of clothes.
• Ideal Season: summer (camps in July and August).

Parent Tips

• Register early: spots by age group fill up quickly for July and August.
• Bring a waterproof bag for a change of clothes and snacks for the day.
• A wetsuit or lycra protects against sun and cold water, especially in the first few days.
• Check your child's swimming level before registration, as it is a condition for access.
• Inquire about pricing and any possible aids or discounts directly with the club.

Useful Information

• Address: Port de Founex, CP 29, 1297 Founex.
• Official Website: https://cnfounex.ch/
• Hours: summer camps from Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30.
• Access: Founex port, by car or regional transport; check parking and connections on site.

Why We Recommend It

Because learning to sail on Lake Geneva, guided by certified instructors, is a memorable experience for a child. Age and skill-based groups ensure appropriate learning, and the setting of the Founex port, between Coppet and Nyon, provides an ideal playground to enjoy the joys of sailing with confidence.

In a Nutshell

Summer sailing camps for ages 6 to 18 on Lake Geneva, by age group and supervised by certified instructors. Swimming ability required; online registration.