A boat for transporting goods
Espérance III is a replica of the last of a family of cargo boats, commonly known as "bricks", which sailed on Lake Annecy from 1794 to 1930. A dozen of these workboats were built with two masts, and were used to transport various materials on the lake.
At the time, the only data available to the brig's builder was the payload it was to carry. Based on this data, the brig's characteristics were defined, and the brig was built without a plan, using only the knowledge of the carpenters.
This replica was inspired by Espérance II, which disappeared in 1930, measuring 16.2 m overall and capable of carrying 32 tons of cargo.
An educational and heritage initiative
Initiated in 2016, the association was launched with the help of Philippe Grandchamp, lake historian, Humbert de Rivaz, Architecte des Bâtiments de France, numerous local companies and the Fondation du Patrimoine. The project took shape in 2017, and reconstruction began in late summer 2019 on the Forges de Cran site.
Wishing to integrate an educational and ecological aspect into the work, the association wanted to open the doors of its site to schoolchildren and tourists. Unfortunately, the health situation in 2020, linked to the outbreak of Covid, limited the possibilities for interaction with the public. Nonetheless, an important collaboration with schools, from primary to BTS, has been set up.
Using locally sourced wood, the shipyard has made it a point of honor to convey ecological values. Protecting the ecosystem is a priority when sailing on a body of water reputed to be the purest urbanized lake in Europe. Esperance III has therefore been fitted with a double electric motor, so that it can be moved out of its berth.
After two years of construction, Esperance III was launched in June 2021. With an overall length of 19.90 m, she displaces nearly 29 tons with a draught of just 1.3 m.
The two masts are equal and reach a height of 12 m, while the antennas measure 18 m.
A ship with character open to the public
You can discover Lake Annecy aboard the Esperance III. The association organizes outings from April to October. Armed by a crew of 5, up to 30 passengers can take place on board for outings lasting a few hours.
For the more motivated, it's also possible to join the association as a boatman's apprentice, and learn the special handling of the double lateral sails.
