Built to the plans of the schooner "Iris", designed by the engineer Hubert in 1817, she was originally used to transmit messages or urgent letters, thanks to her speed. Its use was later extended to protecting and monitoring trade on the African and West Indian coasts.
A boat born from the initiative of an entire town, department or region
La Recouvrance was born of the initiative, and financial participation, of the people of Brest, the city of Brest, the department, the region and a few private companies, on the occasion of the national "Bateaux des Côtes de France" competition. In 1990, an association was founded, to widespread acclaim.
The Chantier de l'anse du Guip de l'île aux Moines inherited the project and began building the topsail schooner in 1991, moving to the Quai Malbert in Brest.
La Recouvrance takes to the waves for the Brest 92 rally, admired by thousands of spectators. It would take another six years to complete the construction, with the fitting-out completed in 1996 and the interior outfitting in the spring of 1998. Additional work was carried out by DCN's specialized workshops to make a number of improvements.
Nevertheless, the 150-ton schooner set sail for the first time in May 1993. Her two masts, her presence, her size, her figurehead with a woman's head and her finely decorated transom, make her a recognizable sailboat, even in the open sea.
The Recouvrance, copied from its original model, has had a few adjustments made to it, notably the bowsprit, made synthetically unlike its wooden original, which was quite heavy.
At the time, this almost 42-meter-long ship was home to a crew of between 50 and 60 men. It owes its name to one of Brest's best-known districts, where women came to pray to Notre-Dame for the protection of sailors, sons and husbands, who had gone to sea.
The legendary old rig has ten sails and is the largest Breton boat in the traditional fleet among the region's series of seven old rigs.
Today, five full-time crew members keep the yacht sailing. The captain, first mate, three crew members and a cook also rely on the support of amateur sailors to help them maneuver. Unlike traditional ships with winches, here you have to pull the ropes at arm's length to handle the sails. And there's a lot of rope, because you don't want to get the 4 kilometers of rope tangled up!
Inside, everything is white and gold, luxurious and providing the necessary comfort for passengers. A beautiful galley prepares tasty dishes to keep sailors' bodies warm, while a large table with comfortable benches welcomes passengers to warm up or the entire crew for meals. Last but not least, a cabin area accommodates 12 passengers in comfortable beds, not to mention showers to revitalize you after a day at sea sailing under the wind and spray.
An emblematic boat, present at every major event in the nautical world
La Recouvrance, owned by the city of Brest, is the city's ambassador and symbol. This emblematic boat takes part in major nautical events, heritage boat gatherings and major races.
At every Brest maritime festival, the Brest ship is part of the show, including Brest 92, Brest 96, Brest 2000, Brest 2004, Brest 2008 and Tonnerre de Brest 2012, where we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Recouvrance. Naturally, she was at Brest 2016.
She also took part in events in Douarnenez and Rouen, in 1999 and 2003 for the Armada. From 2010 to 2013 she also made several appearances. In 2011, she won the Schooner Challenge against the Belle-Poule, a French Navy vessel. Finally, in 2013, among other events, she took part in the Voiles de Saint-Tropez from late September to early October.
Come aboard the Recouvrance for a unique voyage
Each year, a program of cruises is offered in the Iroise, Atlantic Channel and North Sea. Whether it's a day cruise or a longer trip, the schooner invites you to discover the expeditions of yesteryear, with all the comforts of today (shower, wc, sound system...). Twelve berths are available for voyages to far-flung destinations.
By taking part in one of our cruises, you'll have the chance to relive the life of a sailor, while taking part in the maneuvers. It's also an opportunity to try your hand at navigation, by taking the helm, hoisting the sails, tugging on the halyards or tacking the sheets, or simply to enjoy the moment in the company of the crew, listening to one of the sailors playing guitar.
