Opening of the Fêtes Maritimes de Brest this Wednesday, July 13, 2016. After a walk on the docks the day before, we feel that the animation will be in full swing. The boats begin to fill the docks, the crew members call out to each other, happy to be together for this moment of communion around the old rigging. A rare moment since it takes place only every 4 years.
While the previous edition in 2012 brought together 715,000 visitors, this year the good weather and the presence of prestigious boats such as the Hermione will allow to see this score explode.
Absence of the Sedov 4 mats and arrival of the Hermione
Among the last minute announcements, the absence of the Russian boat Sedov is announced, blocked in port by a last minute engine failure. On the other hand, the Hermione is strongly expected from the opening of the Fêtes, she should pass the Brest Narrows on Wednesday at 10 am. If you are in the harbor, take advantage of her entrance since she will parade in front of all the quays before taking her place around 1 pm.
Launching of the Audiernais
Another highlight was the launching of the Audiernais in front of the Guip shipyard on Wednesday at 1 pm. After the official christening, the boat must be rigged and launched at the foot of the quay before the low tide at 2:45 pm. This gabare has been used for years to transport materials, in particular to the island of Sein. She then fished lobster before returning to the transport of sand, in the Côtes-d'Armor, then to the transport of passengers in La Rochelle, before being classified as a historical monument in 1988. The restoration lasted 3 months at the Guip shipyard.
We could note the arrival of the 2 Portuguese sisterships Créoula and Santa Maria Manuela which were moored on the Lamanage platform in the 1st basin. A port maneuver followed by the first passers-by. The Etoile and the Belle Poule will also be honored.
But it is especially tomorrow, from 10 am, that this gathering will really start. The whole team of bateaux.com is on deck to bring you the event from the inside.
