Dinghies and small dayboats were obtained and experienced coaches hired to supervise the students on and off the water. Today, Viannay's social experiment is one of the biggest sailing schools in the world. Although Viannay died in 1986, Les Glenans remains true to its founding principles and is a non-profit venture with few full time employees, leaving the brunt of work to a large group of volunteers. Classes are offered for beginner, advanced and expert levels. Choosing from different bases, aspiring sailors spend a week or two at Les Glenans, staying in tents, an ancient fortress or the farm buildings adjoining an old lighthouse.
Students learn the art of sailing individually while being part of the collective.
They choose the typeof boat they will use and the pace and intensity of their own tutorial. They can also choose the island base for the course. Ile de Penfret, for example, is chosen by the young and footloose youth. Up to 200 teens from 14 to 18 try their skills in the shallow waters between the islands on sailboards, Lasers, 420s or Hobie Cats. Ile Drenec, Iles de Bananec and Fort Cigogne host groups frpom 18 to 80, where small day-cruisers are at the disposal of the guests nearly 24 hours a day.