The preservation of movable and immovable heritage is a major concern in the conservation of history. A country like France has an important history of navigation. The boats which took part in this history would risk to sink into oblivion without assistance of the public authorities, without structure of accompaniment, labeling and recognition.
Preserving the memory of navigation
This is the reason that led to the creation, in 1992 by Senator Louis de Catuelan and Jean-Yves Le Drian, then Secretary of State for the Sea, Maritime and River Heritage. Chaired by the navigator Gérard d'Aboville, this structure was forged around 3 essential missions:
- Inventory the exceptional boats that are not classified by the State (historical monument, UNESCO heritage...)
- To mobilize and federate the actors by mobilizing all the structures (associations, state, local authorities, patrons...) around the actions of defense of the heritage
- Award the "Bateau d'Intérêt Patrimonial" (BIP) label, which offers tax advantages to the owner of the vessel
What is the interest in labelling your boat?
A boat labeled by the structure benefits from a certain number of advantages, first and foremost the exemption of the annual fee for freezing and navigation. The boats receive a 90% discount on their pleasure craft tolls. The owners of these boats also benefit from privileged conditions of access to certain ports ( preferential rates, honorary pontoons.. )
But the interest in distinguishing one's boat with this label is not only material. It is the double recognition of the historical facts of the labeled boat. Moreover, it is the recognition of the commitment of the owner in the efforts that he has made and that he is making again to preserve this ship. Finally, more symbolically, it is the permission to send the BIP flag that is granted to the ship in question.
Strict conditions for recognition
Of course, there is no question of labelling any boat, whether it is original or reproduced. At least one of the following 3 criteria must be fulfilled in order to qualify for this title:
- Building a human testimony
witness boat of a man and/or his "work - To be a conceptual or technical testimony
boat witnessing a particular architectural concept, a remarkable technical evolution - Have been involved in a particular event
boat with an exceptional sporting record, or having practised an activity that is no longer in use or using outdated techniques
If this condition is met, an application must be submitted to the association, which will review each application.
A living label
To avoid creating a purely fiscal niche, the label is assigned for only 5 years. It is the guarantee to maintain an active heritage, made of boats maintained and kept in a state of labeling. It is therefore up to the owners to renew the request for recognition, in the same way as the initial request, at the end of each 5-year period.
Financial support
Each year, the association awards a prize for the best restoration during the Voiles Latines de Saint-Tropez. It also organizes subscriptions in favor of restoration projects proposed by associations.
The structure is justifiably proud of having been at the origin of the return of the Marité, the last terre-neuvas sailboat and the largest French wooden sailboat, under the French flag. This ship is now known by the French, because it was used as a support for the TV show Thalassa.
A communication support
In order to exist and to show the heritage, the association is present in the most important nautical events. It is an opportunity to talk about its activities, the boats that have been awarded the label and also to exhibit local boats and tell the result of the work of local associations or individual owners.
The purpose of this label is not trivial at first glance. One might think that it is just another recognition label of little interest to the public. In contrast to a dusty and encaustic good point in the past, the recognition awarded by the association encourages the holders of this recognition to navigate and present their buildings.
A particular effort is made to keep the labelled boats in navigable condition, through advice, the network of craftsmen and the exchanges offered between members. It is both on the association's website and at the events during which it is present that the Patrimoine Maritime et Fluvial association, chaired by Gérard d'Aboville, promotes its existence and that of its members. And it carries the memory of its almost 1,000 labeled boats today.
