In May 1966, four yawls - Etoile, Frisson, Mouette and Odyssée - dared to challenge each other in a race around Martinique! It was the first time that these "pure Creole" boats, designed for regattas, had ventured into such a long and demanding competition: five consecutive legs on the waves of the Atlantic! This extraordinary experiment will be carried out by a handful of intrepid and determined fishermen, the kind who never back down from a challenge.
1985, creation of the Tour de Martinique des yoles rondes
In 1985, Georges Brival, a passionate Martiniquais, officially created the "Tour de Martinique des yoles rondes". At the time, he was president of the "société des yoles rondes". He had to overcome the hostility of a large proportion of the association's members, who considered his project insane! But nothing could stop him, and it was thanks to the stubbornness of many fishermen on the windward coast that the event came to fruition. A few benevolent government officials also helped organize this first Tour de Martinique, which Georges financed himself without any subsidies!
Success from the very first edition
This first edition started from the commune of Sainte-Anne. Eight competitors competed over five stages. It was an immediate success! The whole of Martinique was enthralled by the spectacle offered by these intrepid forerunners and their elegant, colorful boats. Georges Brival, the visionary, was right when he created this event, which has now become a not-to-be-missed event.
A dazzling show
Yawl regattas are truly exceptional shows. The show begins on land, well before the start of a regatta, with a magnificent exhibition of contemporary art! The boats, lined up with keels in the air, show off their sexy undergarments! The splendid works that decorate them reinforce a strong cultural identity. The sophisticated ornamentations are emblems of belonging to a Martinican society that is both profoundly Creole and cosmopolitan.
Sailors balancing on upright timbers
Soon, once their sails have been set, the yawls are held upright by the crews using upright timbers. As soon as the starting signal is given, the competitors push their boats into the water and try to get away as quickly as possible in an overexcited environment. The atmosphere is delirious, and the public is practically in a trance! It's a party, except for the racers, because a bad start to a race is often very costly.
The breeze is sometimes light off the beach, so we have to scull to find a fresh breeze and finally set sail.
A major event for the island
For a week at the beginning of August, Martinique lives and breathes the theme of the Tour des yoles. This major event resonates with all the ethnic components of its population. Through enthusiasm and emotion, this high point in the life of Martinique is the occasion for a beautiful communion between people who, only yesterday, were opposed to each other... This characteristic of the Tour no doubt contributes considerably to the success of this sumptuous nautical ballet, which has enchanted thousands of people for several decades.
The fact that the event is very tough physically, also brings a real sporting dimension that conveys strong values, conducive to self-fulfilment.
Tribute to the creator
Let's not forget to pay tribute to Georges Brival, who, despite his 93 years, still proves to be what I call a solid fellow.
