Revive a sailboat and explore beautiful Brittany, France

Details

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  Description

  Hello everyone,
  
  I’m Thibaud, from France. I’m currently working on renovating my liveaboard sailboat, which is on land in a shipyard near Brest, in Brittany. I live nearby in a house by the water, and I can host one volunteer.
  
  The main part of the exchange is working on the boat. We usually work in the afternoons, around 4 hours a day, but it’s quite flexible. The boat has been completely stripped out, so it’s not about small repairs but more about rebuilding and fitting things back together. The work is quite varied, from sanding and preparing surfaces to fitting parts, basic woodworking, installing elements, and figuring things out as we go. Boats, especially older ones, are quite unique, so every day tends to be a bit different. If you like hands-on projects and learning by doing, you’ll probably enjoy it.
  
  A few things upfront, just to be clear from the beginning, and because experience has shown me it’s better to say them:
  
  I’m looking for someone respectful, easygoing, and a bit curious, both about the project and the area. I’m not a sailing expert, but I know the surroundings quite well and I’m always happy to share the good spots and local tips.
  
  I’m also not looking for someone glued to their phone all day. Of course, staying in touch with friends is totally fine, but if your main activity is scrolling, this probably isn’t the right place.
  
  I work from home in the mornings, so it’s usually quiet during that time. You’re free to do whatever you like then, just be mindful that I’m working.
  
  I’m happy to welcome you into my home, but I expect a bit of common sense. It’s not an open buffet or a place where everything is just “help yourself”. Just be respectful of the space and we’ll get along well. You can join me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you like. Otherwise, you can organise yourself, there’s a very good bakery close to the house and a supermarket nearby.
  
  Because of the way the project is organised, I usually host for a maximum of two weeks. The work on the boat requires a bit of preparation on my side so that it makes sense for someone new to join and be involved. Keeping stays relatively short helps me keep things organised and make sure the experience is good for both of us.
  
  Landéda is a small coastal town, very quiet, surrounded by the sea. It’s a great place if you like nature, walking, or just being outside. Brest is not far and easy to reach by bus, and I go there from time to time if you want to come along.
  
  If you’re into surfing, we can go surfing. If you kitesurf, we can do that as well. And if you like fishing, we can give it a try too, though success depends a lot on whether the fish feel like cooperating.
  
  You don’t need experience, just a willingness to help and learn. If you’re interested in discovering Brittany and getting involved in a hands-on project, you’re very welcome.
  
  You can also practice French or English if that’s something you’re interested in.
  
  If this sounds like your kind of place, feel free to send me a message.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Self development

  

  Charity work

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Hiking

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Beyond the practical side of the project, this is also a chance to share daily life in coastal Brittany. You’ll get a feel for a quieter rhythm, close to the sea, and discover the area through local spots, walks, and activities. We will be able to share meals and conversations, and I’m always happy to exchange about different ways of living, travelling, and working, since I've been lucky enough to discover a lot of this world. You can also pick up some French if you’re interested.

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  Help

  Most of the help revolves around the ongoing rebuild of the boat’s interior and systems. It’s a project where things are done step by step, so you’d be assisting with whatever stage I’m at, whether that’s measuring, cutting, assembling parts, organising tools and materials, or supporting with installations. It’s quite practical and requires a bit of patience and care, as boats often involve working in tight spaces and adapting along the way. No specific skills are needed, but being comfortable using your hands and paying attention to detail will make the experience more enjoyable.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  You’ll be staying in the guest bedroom. The rest of the house has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including a bathroom, a welcoming living room, and a fully equipped kitchen where we can prepare meals together.

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  What else ...

  If you’re coming from abroad, getting to Brest from Paris is quite affordable with Ouigo, the low-cost, but fast, train service. I'd be happy to pick you up at the train station or provide you with detailed directions to ensure you reach my place without any hassle. As for food, I am pescatarian (but I eat mainly plant-based), but you are absolutely welcome to follow your usual diet. There is a supermarket nearby, where you can buy any other food you prefer.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

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