A RIB in Trouble at the Capbreton Lighthouse

1. The Trouble at Capbreton Lighthouse

The video shows a Rigid Inflatable Boat near Capbreton lighthouse, France, getting into trouble by losing control and crashing before witnesses.

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have gained popularity for both recreational and professional use. They are especially popular in challenging environments like the waters near Capbreton.

These RIBs are celebrated for their durability, speed, and ability to navigate rough seas. However, as the video shows, some operators can find themselves in precarious situations.

2. Factors Affecting RIB Performance

The footage captures the moments leading up to the accident. It also highlights the importance of preparation and awareness in boating.

Factors such as wind speed, wave height, and currents can drastically affect a RIB’s handling.

It’s crucial for skippers to assess these elements before embarking on a journey.

Understanding the local environment is key.

The area around the Capbreton lighthouse is notorious for its unpredictable waves and strong currents.

3. Learning from Experienced Skippers

This makes it imperative for boaters to familiarize themselves with the region’s tide charts and weather forecasts.

Knowledge of the waters can be the difference between a safe outing and a disaster.

Additionally, it’s beneficial to observe experienced skippers. Watching how they navigate the waves offers invaluable insights.

Some boaters may utilize techniques like ‘punching through’ waves. Others might ‘surf’ down them.

These methods can drastically improve control and safety.

4. Training, Safety, and Psychological Preparedness

There are numerous resources available, including online forums and instructional materials, that can help new boaters learn these techniques.

Furthermore, the psychological aspect of boating is often overlooked. Skippers must remain calm and collected in stressful situations.

Panic can lead to poor decision-making, which can be particularly dangerous in rough water. Training sessions often include simulations of emergency scenarios to prepare boaters for real-life challenges.

In addition to practical skills, it’s essential to have the right safety gear on board. Life jackets, flares, and a functional communication device are necessary to ensure safety.

Furthermore, understanding how to use this equipment can enhance a skipper’s confidence when faced with potential trouble.

When it comes to training, I’ve shared numerous videos on effective techniques for handling waves.

These resources can be instrumental for both novice and experienced boaters looking to refine their skills.

Olivier Consorti’s OLM training sessions in his Mercury powered Ribcraft provide excellent examples of how to navigate turbulent waters. His experience and insights can serve as a foundation for skippers seeking to improve their capabilities.

Footage reveals tense moments before impact and the chaotic aftermath.

Ultimately, navigating the waters around the Capbreton lighthouse requires skill, preparation, and respect for the elements.

5. Key Takeaways for Safer Navigation

By understanding the risks and adopting effective techniques, skippers can avoid the kind of trouble depicted in the video, ensuring a safer experience for themselves and their passengers.

The video shared on the ALEX VIDÉOS CAPBRETON YouTube channel not only showcases the action but also serves as a learning tool for viewers.

Each incident can teach something new, whether it’s about the dangers of boating or the precautions that can be taken.

This emphasizes the risks of navigating turbulent waters around the Capbreton lighthouse. But trouble doesn’t need to happen.

Watch how other skippers face the waves — they read the water and choose their moment. They hold steady, waiting for the perfect time to move forward.

In this way you’re likely not to come into trouble.


You can watch the OLM training sessions by Olivier Consorti in his 200 hp Mercury powered Ribcraft.

This video was published on the ALEX VIDÉOS CAPBRETON YouTube channel.

Refreshing Navigation by OLM for Eric at Les Glénan

Navigation Training by OLM

Eric recently acquired a Merry Fisher. He proactively chose to take a training.

He did this to revisit and strengthen the fundamental techniques of navigation.

This thoughtful approach reflects his commitment to safety, confidence, and competence at sea.

A follow-up training session has already been scheduled for a later date.

This will happen once Eric has accumulated more hands-on experience with his boat.

At that point, he will be ready to take the next step in his development.

He will participate in the more advanced Stage 2 course. This course will take place in the challenging waters of the Raz de Sein, France.

Kudos to Eric for his forward-thinking mindset, willingness to question himself, and dedication to continuous improvement on his maritime journey!

This video was published on the OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée YouTube channel.

I am a big fan of the trainings provided by Olivier Consorti hence my many videos here on RIBsONLY.com: I Just Can’t Get Enough.

Advanced RIB Training – Review of 2024

Advanced RIB Training by OLM

This video is a compilation of the advanced RIB training sessions of 2024 showcasing 4 stages.

It features sea conditions ranging from 3 to 5 Beaufort in the Raz de Sein, France.

The stages are :

  1. Glénan Archipelago
  2. Raz de Sein
  3. Iroise Sea
  4. Night at the Glénan

Olivier Consorti, owner of OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée, leads these training sessions, pushing the limits of mastery of his clients.

This technical training is unique in France.

Recently, I authored a comprehensive and easy to read article that explores the core focus of these training sessions: Mastering the Art of Driving RIBs with Precision and Expertise.

I’ve uploaded additional training videos showcasing advanced navigation techniques in one of Europe’s most challenging tidal races—OLM training sessions.

This video was published on the OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée YouTube channel.

Mastering Waves of Fierce Storm Herminia 2025

Surfing on Storm Herminia

Storm Herminia raged fiercely west of the British Isles in January 2025 hitting Spain and France with full force.

Olivier Consorti, owner of “OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée” and his client started a challenging training session.

They were in the legendary waters of the Raz de Sein, France. This happened in the aftermath of the storm.

This is a place where currents, waves, and wind test even the most experienced navigators.

The goal of this training by OLM, was to learn to make the right trajectory choices based on wave reading.

It included adjusting speed and embracing the occasional saltwater shower. They also accepted the support of Randy, the local wild dolphin!

I’ve posted more training videos of advanced navigation experiences in one of the most challenging tidal races in Europe: OLM training sessions.

Recently I wrote an extensive easy-to-read article about what the focus of these training sessions is: Elevating Technical Mastery Driving RIBs

This video was published on the OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée YouTube channel.

Elevating Technical Mastery Driving RIBs

Mastering Technical Maneuvers!

When it comes to navigating Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), technical skills are everything.

Whether you’re an experienced boater or a beginner, honing your ability to maneuver the boat safely is crucial.

In this blog post, Olivier Consorti, owner of “OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée” breaks down the key targets of a technical training session.

I’ve posted many videos here of Olivier’s high-impact training sessions.

Editor’s Note

This technical training is unique in France.

The training is designed as guided learning through mistakes. It helps participants analyze their incorrect actions.

This occurs in an environment as close to reality as possible.

Accepting the physical consequences of interacting with waves is crucial and adapting to surrounding noise and shocks is important.

Adjusting driving techniques to the environment is also necessary.

There’s no shortcut. This cannot be learned from books or video tutorials.

It must be practiced in real conditions, in a suitable location, with the right equipment and a competent instructor.

Weather conditions can change throughout the day, and returning in rougher seas than at departure can be a stressful experience.

This video was published on the OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée YouTube channel.

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