PRESERVING LE FRANÇAIS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Le Français will celebrate her 80th anniversary in 2028. Much of her hull and deck remain original, bearing witness to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Ring Andersen shipyard where she was built. To ensure her long-term preservation and enable her to continue fulfilling her mission, an ambitious programme has been launched to restore this unique piece of maritime heritage using traditional shipbuilding techniques.

THE CHALLENGE: PRESERVING A HERITAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Following the major restoration carried out in 2013 at the T. Nielsen & Company shipyard, representing 55,000 hours of work, the superstructure, cargo hold and saloon were fully restored. Today, the most essential parts of the ship still need to be preserved: her double solid-oak hull and deck, the final major areas of work required to secure her future.

This preservation project goes far beyond technical restoration. It is about safeguarding traditional shipwrighting skills and passing on an exceptional piece of maritime heritage. Le Français is the last wooden, double-hulled Baltic Trader still sailing in France.

PARTNERSHIP WITH CHANTIER DU GUIP

Chantier du Guip, renowned for its expertise in the restoration of traditional sailing vessels and its mastery of marine carpentry techniques, is supporting the preservation of Le Français. This partnership ensures that the restoration is carried out in keeping with traditional methods, drawing on the skills of highly qualified maritime craftspeople, including shipwrights, caulkers and timber specialists.

2013

Major restoration

55 000

hours of work

Oak trees for the hull

35 CENTURIES-OLD OAK TREES FOR THE HULL

The restoration requires 35 centuries-old oak trees, carefully selected by our marine timber specialists for their exceptional density and strength. By comparison, building a complete 50-metre schooner would require more than 400 trees.

To date, 15 of these oaks have already been selected and stored in the Penfeld River in Brest—an iconic site where timber for the ships of the French Royal Navy was once seasoned and prepared.

TIMBER SEASONING: A CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION REVIVED

Timber seasoning consists of immersing oak logs in brackish water for 18 to 24 months. This traditional technique, once widely used in naval dockyards, serves several essential purposes.

Thanks to the support of the City of Brest and the Brest Naval Command, this historic practice has been revived in the Penfeld River, where it was carried out until the 19th century.

Sap Removal

Removing the sap helps prevent corrosion of metal fastenings.

Protect against wood-boring organisms

Sap-free timber is naturally more resistant to wood-boring organisms.

Increase the timber's flexibility

Makes the timber easier to work, especially when bending it after steam treatment.

Protect against shipworms

Brackish water helps protect the timber from these destructive marine organisms.

A LIVING HERITAGE WORKSHOP OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This restoration will not take place behind closed doors. Instead, the project will become a permanent heritage workshop, welcoming visitors to:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT?

The preservation of Le Français is a project of public interest that depends on the support of everyone who is passionate about maritime heritage.

Two Ways to Support Us:

Help young people discover the sea with Grand Voilier École

Your donation enables young people to experience life aboard Le Français while also contributing to the ship’s maintenance and long-term preservation.

Become a partner of Le Français

Companies, public institutions and foundations are invited to support this ambitious maritime heritage preservation project and help safeguard Le Français for future generations.