A large-scale sailing boat for the Naval School
On May 12, 2022, the Ministry of the Armed Forces launched a call for tenders for the acquisition of a "large-scale sailing ship for the Naval Academy." It will have to measure between 19 and 33 meters in length. The administration has announced an estimated budget of 400,000 euros excluding tax.
This used boat will have 4 main missions:
- the embarkation of students in coastal and offshore navigation training. The sailboat will also serve as a support for exchange projects with other naval schools (Europe, American continent)
- the influence and representation of the Naval School during nautical events (gatherings, semi-offshore and offshore regattas);
- vIP boarding, organization of leadership courses and business seminars in connection with the Naval School's projects;
- partnerships with associations promoting maritime development and social ties (e.g.: Grand Voilier École association).
A boat that is easy to operate
If the Navy has famous school ships through the schooners Belle-Poule and Etoile or the Mutin, the Ecole Navale usually races on more modest sailing ships. It has just parted with the famous 12 MJI France 3, which it had not been able to maintain for many years and which should be renovated in Concarneau . The specifications of the call show that the institution wishes to find an emblematic boat for the image of the school, but easier to maintain than those of the Navy or the former France 3.
He specifies that no major work should be necessary, as the boat is ready for offshore sailing. Maneuverable by 3 to 5 people, it must be able to accommodate 20 to 30 people during the day and 12 to 25 for night sailing. The sailboat will be made of composite, steel or aluminum and not wood. "The type of rigging is irrelevant, but it must be of sufficiently high performance for participation in regattas", the document also states, drawing up a sketch of a boat that differs significantly from the Navy's school sailboats.
In any case, enthusiasts will be looking forward to seeing it on regattas and nautical gatherings. The candidates to the market have until June 13, 2022 to present their file.
