The history of Le Français: 80 Years under sail

Originally built in Denmark under the name Kaskelot and later renamed Le Français in tribute to Jean-Baptiste Charcot, this three-masted barque is a living witness to nearly 80 years of maritime history.

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Her voyages through the decades

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The birth of a Baltic Trader

Built for the Ice

Built in Denmark in 1948, Kaskelot – meaning sperm whale in Danish – was designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic. Her double hull, crafted from solid oak and engineered to resist drifting ice, made her an exceptionally strong and reliable vessel. Commissioned by the Kongelige Grønlandske Handel (Royal Greenland Trading Department), she supplied remote settlements along the coast of Greenland, supporting trade and life in the Arctic region.

FROM 1968 TO THE 1980s

A new silhouette for new purposes

Adapting the Ship while preserving her heritage

From 1968 through the 1980s, the ship changed owners several times and sailed under different names, including Arctic Explorer, Santa Maria and Ana Marie Grenius. She continued transporting cargo to remote settlements before serving as a support vessel for the Faroese fishing fleet.

During the 1980s, Kaskelot underwent a major transformation. She was re-rigged as a three-masted barque, adopting the elegant silhouette of the great exploration sailing ships. This significant technical evolution allowed the vessel to take on new roles while remaining true to her original character and design. She also reclaimed her historic name, Kaskelot, and continued her journey under her new rig.

A technical rebirth

A necessary restoration

In 2013, after more than fifty years at sea, Kaskelot underwent a major restoration in Gloucester, Wales. More than 55,000 hours of work brought the ship back to life. Her rigging was restored, a new 150-year-old Douglas fir mast was stepped, the onboard facilities were modernised, and a 500 hp Mitsubishi engine was installed. Naval architects, shipwrights, riggers and marine engineers combined their expertise to carry out a faithful restoration, certified by Bureau Veritas, preserving the vessel’s character while ensuring her future at sea.

A new name, a new mission

Le Français

In 2018, the ship arrived in Saint-Malo and flew the French flag for the first time. She was then renamed Le Français, in tribute to Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous polar exploration vessel, which was built in the very same port.

This change of name marked a symbolic turning point. Le Français embarked on a new mission—one dedicated to sharing maritime heritage, inspiring future generations, and serving the public interest.

A living maritime heritage

Sailing towards the future

Today, Le Français is a historic sailing ship committed to serving the public interest and operating within France’s social and solidarity economy. Each year, she welcomes thousands of people on board through educational, social and environmental programmes.

As she approaches her 80th anniversary, an ambitious hull restoration project is preparing Le Français for the future, ensuring the preservation of this exceptional maritime heritage and enabling her mission to continue for generations to come.