Voile: the prestigious three masts "the French" in stopover in La Rochelle until August 28

New stopover of a prestigious boat in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime).The three “French» masts arrived this Sunday, July 25 with parade in the old port before moving to the trawlers basin.Guided tours, lessons and outings at sea are scheduled until August 28.

He had already stopped in La Rochelle in 2019.The three masts "the French" is back in the Chaliers basin until August 28.Objective: to discover the boat through guided tours, and to make the youngest aware of the protection of poles and the ocean.

When he arrived this Sunday, July 27, many were waiting for him, starting with the La Rochelle marina team, notably Patrice Bernier, the main port master."It is every time a pride to have a boat like this," he says."The trawler basin has absolutely not the same look.Obviously for us the goal is to have as much as possible all year round.»

47 meters for 500 tonnes

Before going to the Basin des Chaaltiers, the three masts passed the two towers for a short photo break in the heart of the old port.Premises like vacationers have had stars in the eyes. “C’est exceptionnel qu’un bateau comme celui-ci accoste dans le vieux port, c’est formidable!», s’exclame une Rochelaise qui a emmené son petit-fils voir le spectacle. Adrien est également venu avec son fils Auguste : “On l’a vu arrivé et il était très impressionné», raconte le papa. “Il pense que c’est un bateau de pirate !»

On board, no pirates...But a crew attached to the Corsaire Cité de Saint-Malo.Built in 1948 in Denmark, the ship was designed to supply and transport goods to the east coast of Greenland.

"This is a boat that has a commercial ship in the Nordic seas," explains Olivier Mesnier, captain of the ship."He served the Faroe Islands, the Shetland, Iceland ... and also Greenland.So it's a boat that was very strong.» Long de 47 mètres, “Le Français» pèse près de 500 tonnes avec sa double coque en chêne massif.

One of the last large traditions of tradition

In the 1980s, the ship even had a cinematographic career: it was rented for fifteen television and cinematographic productions like the three musketeers, Shackleton and David Copperfield.Today exploited for events, maritime events, or even race departures, the ship remains one of the last large traditions of tradition in Europe.

For Nicolas Clausier, Matelot Gabier on "the French", it is a boon to return to La Rochelle after more than a year of health crisis."It has been a long time since we had seen as many people.In recent weeks, we have been in Lorient, Brest, on a little more distant quays, there in La Rochelle it is really an exceptional port ... "

With their port stops in port, French crew members hope to raise enough funds to go to Greenland with scientists. "C’est un projet qui tient à cœur de l’armateur», précise Nicolas Clausier.

Until August 28, people who wish to participate in the three masts at sea must register for the La Rochelle tourist office.Until "French" will have one of the most famous boats in our heritage as neighbor: Belem.A nice summer stopover.The nautical parade is held this Wednesday, July 28, from 6 p.m..24 sailboats will parade one after the other.

F report.Loiseau, M.Raud, M.Baron, l.Pennes: