More than 1300 boats in 17 ports
It's become a tradition. Every two years, hundreds of boats meet for the week of the ascent in the ports of the Gulf of Morbihan. Gulf Week 2017, the 9th edition of the event, still attracts as many boaters and lovers of maritime heritage. 1346 boats were already registered in mid-April. Divided into 10 flotillas, they will criss-cross the small sea (Mor Bihan) between two calls in one of the 17 partner ports. The programme allows each crew to discover a new port each evening. As for the spectators, in the same port, they will appreciate a different flotilla every day. It is this model that creates the originality and charm of the Gulf Week in the landscape of maritime gatherings.
Varied fleets
The registered boats are divided into 9 fleets:
- Sea Yawls
- Sail-Rowing
- Small traditional yachts
- Classic yachting (over 8 m)
- Yachting in the 60s and 70s
- Workboats
- Small classics (under 8 m)
- Classic Motorboating
- Europe Village
Spectators will be able to appreciate beautiful anonymous boats alongside emblematic sailing ships such as Pen Duick back in the Gulf, or the tuna sailing ship Biche, the schooner Recouvrance or the privateer cutter Le Renard.
50 years of the SNSM
Gulf Week will also be an opportunity for the SNSM to celebrate its 50th anniversary through exhibitions ashore and the presence on the water of modern and historic lifeboats. The SNSM will be at the head of the parade and will also perform manoeuvring demonstrations.
Europe Village
Instead of an invited country as in previous editions, the Gulf Week organizes a Europe Village on the quays of the port of Vannes . There will be a presentation of the maritime heritage of emblematic coastlines such as the Basque Country, Dalmatia (Croatia), the Netherlands or Lake Maggiore in Italy, among others. Boats from these regions will sail in a dedicated flotilla.
Program
Monday, May 22, 2017: Opening parade at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan.
Tuesday 23rd May 2017: Arz Island Day, with a stopover of all the flotillas at Pen Raz and on-shore activities
Wednesday 24th May to Friday 26th May 2017: Flotilla Days. Each squadron follows its own program with a different stopover each evening.
Saturday, May 27, 2017: Grande Parade, at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan, broadcast live on France 3
Sunday 28 May 2017: Activities in the port of Vannes and boat launching
