Sailcoop scales up.
After eight-passenger sailing vessels and the catamaran serving the Glénan archipelago, the cooperative is now preparing the launch of a true sailing ferry between the mainland and Corsica.
Provisionally named Corsica Favorite, the vessel will be able to accommodate 80 passengers in Pullman seats. The crossing will last about twelve hours and will include two meals.
Its entry into service is planned between April and October 2028, with a target of 5,000 travelers during this first season. Sales should begin by the end of summer 2027. The average ticket price is estimated at 230 euros, with introductory fares around 180 euros depending on the season and the direction of travel.
The project represents an investment between 5.5 and 6 million euros. It should be financed for one third by Sailcoop’s own funds and for two thirds by bank debt.
After eight-passenger sailing vessels and the catamaran serving the Glénan archipelago, the cooperative is now preparing the launch of a true sailing ferry between the mainland and Corsica.
Provisionally named Corsica Favorite, the vessel will be able to accommodate 80 passengers in Pullman seats. The crossing will last about twelve hours and will include two meals.
Its entry into service is planned between April and October 2028, with a target of 5,000 travelers during this first season. Sales should begin by the end of summer 2027. The average ticket price is estimated at 230 euros, with introductory fares around 180 euros depending on the season and the direction of travel.
The project represents an investment between 5.5 and 6 million euros. It should be financed for one third by Sailcoop’s own funds and for two thirds by bank debt.
A first participation as an exhibitor at IFTM
This future link will be the main topic presented by Sailcoop at IFTM. The cooperative will participate for the first time in the fair as an exhibitor, at the heart of the Village of Sustainable Initiatives.
One of Sailcoop’s objectives will be to reach out to new tour operators and receptive agencies.
The cooperative already works with Voyageurs du Monde and Terres d’Aventure, but hopes to increase the volumes distributed by tourism professionals.
One of Sailcoop’s objectives will be to reach out to new tour operators and receptive agencies.
The cooperative already works with Voyageurs du Monde and Terres d’Aventure, but hopes to increase the volumes distributed by tourism professionals.
90% of travelers heading to Corsica arrive by train
Sailcoop has been operating since 2022 the first link between Saint-Raphaël and Calvi. Two 50-foot sailboats, about 15 meters long, are provided by their owners.
Each boat accommodates eight passengers, supervised by two skippers. A double cabin and two meals are included in the price. Departures usually occur between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., with arrival the following morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., after roughly fifteen hours of navigation.
According to Yann Royer, 90% of travelers using this link reach the departure or arrival ports by train. The future ferry must maintain this largely decarbonized travel logic while multiplying the capacity offered by ten.
The 2027 season will still be covered by the two current sailboats. Sailcoop is also recruiting a person responsible for business development in the South. For the arrival of Corsica Favorite, five sailors and one steward will also need to join the crew.
Each boat accommodates eight passengers, supervised by two skippers. A double cabin and two meals are included in the price. Departures usually occur between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., with arrival the following morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., after roughly fifteen hours of navigation.
According to Yann Royer, 90% of travelers using this link reach the departure or arrival ports by train. The future ferry must maintain this largely decarbonized travel logic while multiplying the capacity offered by ten.
The 2027 season will still be covered by the two current sailboats. Sailcoop is also recruiting a person responsible for business development in the South. For the arrival of Corsica Favorite, five sailors and one steward will also need to join the crew.
21,000 passengers expected on the Glénan connection
In short distances, Sailcoop operates a wind-powered shuttle between Concarneau and the Glénan archipelago.
The link is expected to carry 21,000 passengers in 2026, up from 18,000 in 2025, a rise of nearly 17%.
The service is provided by a 61-foot catamaran capable of carrying 80 people. Three rotations are offered each day. Travelers reach the archipelago after about an hour and a half of navigation, spend four hours on site, then return on a subsequent rotation.
The link is expected to carry 21,000 passengers in 2026, up from 18,000 in 2025, a rise of nearly 17%.
The service is provided by a 61-foot catamaran capable of carrying 80 people. Three rotations are offered each day. Travelers reach the archipelago after about an hour and a half of navigation, spend four hours on site, then return on a subsequent rotation.
From sail cargo to the United States
The cooperative is also looking at long-distance travel. Since 2025 it has been marketing spots aboard the Neoliner Origin, a sailing cargo operated by Neoline between Saint-Nazaire and Baltimore, with a stopover at Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
The ship hosts twelve passengers for a fourteen-day crossing, priced between 3,200 and 3,500 euros. This offer, however, requires some flexibility: loading and unloading operations can delay the voyage by one to three days.
Sailcoop also plans to open in the fall new offers to Brazil and Madagascar, aboard other sailing cargo ships.
Founded in 2021 and based in Vannes, the cooperative company today brings together 3,600 members. It employs seven people on the ground and up to 18 sailors in season.
The ship hosts twelve passengers for a fourteen-day crossing, priced between 3,200 and 3,500 euros. This offer, however, requires some flexibility: loading and unloading operations can delay the voyage by one to three days.
Sailcoop also plans to open in the fall new offers to Brazil and Madagascar, aboard other sailing cargo ships.
Founded in 2021 and based in Vannes, the cooperative company today brings together 3,600 members. It employs seven people on the ground and up to 18 sailors in season.
Published by Anaïs Borios 
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