Sailing aboard a traditional tall ship such as Le Français means discovering a unique world where every crew member has a specific and essential role. From the captain to the deckhands, the bosun and the chief engineer, everyone contributes to keeping this historic vessel sailing. Discover how a professional crew is organised aboard a traditional sailing ship.
Command
The Captain: master of the ship
The captain has ultimate responsibility for the ship and everyone on board. He determines the course, oversees manoeuvres and takes command in emergency situations. On a sail-training vessel, the captain also shares a passion for traditional seamanship and helps pass it on to new generations.
Two captains alternate throughout the year to ensure the command of Le Français.
The Chief Officer: the Captain’s right hand
The Chief Officer coordinates manoeuvres, oversees the condition of the rigging and trains trainees in traditional sailing skills. In the captain’s absence, the Chief Officer assumes command of the ship.
Experience, leadership and availability make this role one of the pillars of the permanent crew.
On deck
The bosun: keeper of the deck
The bosun supervises the maintenance of the ship, oversees the sails and rigging, trains trainees in ropework and traditional seamanship, and helps maintain the cohesion of the crew.
It is one of the key positions aboard a traditional sailing vessel.
The deckhands: masters of the rigging
Deckhands climb the rigging to handle the square sails, work aloft on the yards and preserve the traditional skills of square-rig sailing.
With 895 m² (9,634 sq ft) of sail spread across 18 sails, Le Français relies on their agility, confidence and technical expertise every time she puts to sea.
Engineering & Technical Operations
The Chief Engineer: Guardian of the Ship’s Machinery
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the ship’s 500 hp main engine, hydraulic systems, electrical production and all onboard safety systems.
Although often working behind the scenes, the Chief Engineer plays an essential role in ensuring the technical reliability of the vessel.
The technical superintendent: keeping the ship ready
The Technical Superintendent oversees maintenance projects, supplies and regulatory compliance.
He coordinates technical work, manages resources and helps ensure the long-term preservation of the ship.
Life on board
The Cook: at the heart of life on board
The cook prepares three meals a day for up to 110 people, manages provisions and gives priority to fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Every meal contributes to the spirit of the crew and life on board.
The watch system
On a traditional tall ship, the crew is organised into watches to ensure that the vessel is always staffed and operational.
The watch schedule on Le Français:
Day watches (3 hours)
- 08:00 – 11:00
- 11:00 – 14:00
- 14:00 – 17:00
- 17:00 – 20:00
Night watches (4 hours)
- 20:00 – 00:00
- 00:00 – 04:00
- 04:00 – 08:00
Each watch includes:
- A watch leader
- Professional crew members
- Trainees
- Trainees: Fully-Fledged Crew Members
On board Le Français, trainees become active members of the crew. They take part in watches, learn sailing manoeuvres, contribute to daily life on board and experience the responsibilities of traditional navigation firsthand.
This immersive approach lies at the heart of the ship’s educational mission: the best way to learn is by doing.
Hierarchy & Safety
A clear chain of command ensures the safe operation of the ship.
Captain – Final decision-maker
Chief Officer – Coordination and execution
Bosun & Chief Engineer – Responsible for their respective areas
Professional Crew – Supervision and training
Trainees – Learning through participation
Sailing aboard Le Français means discovering that a traditional tall ship is much more than a vessel-it is a human ecosystem where every role matters. For trainees, it is also an opportunity to experience values that have shaped life at sea for centuries: responsibility, teamwork, discipline and humility. On a traditional sailing ship, there are no passengers – only crew members working together to keep the ship moving forward.