La Cancalaise, the emblematic bisquine, was launched on April 18, 1987. As faithful replicas of La Perle, these sailboats embody the distinctive character of the traditional fishing boats of Cancale, Granville and the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Every winter, La Cancalaise returns to the workshop of the Association de la Bisquine Cancalaise (A.B.C), where she is meticulously maintained by its volunteers.
Guardian of the maritime heritage of sail fishing
Bisquines are boats from La Manche, rigged as three-masted fishing luggers with one-third sails. Their name derives from Biscaya, a province of the Basque Country renowned for the construction of sturdy fishing yachts. Fast and maneuverable, bisquines were used for three types of fishing: trawling, long lines and oyster dredging.
Their rigging was adapted to the geographical area of Mont Saint-Michel to allow easier maneuvering. They could boast up to 450 m2 of sail area spread over three decks, with the third reserved for light winds or fast returns, so as to be able to sell the harvest at the best price. An oversized bowsprit, exceeding half the length of the hull, made it possible to deploy a large jib at the bow to stabilize sailing. Featuring a hull specifically adapted to the region, these boats could run aground on a sandy beach, exploiting the bay's strong tidal range. Their pulling power, combined with a hull with a strong drift plane, made them excellent dredging sailboats.
First appearing around 1810, these boats reached their peak in the early 20th century, with 200 to 300 bisquines sailing in the bay. However, the decline of the fishing industry in the 1940s led to the gradual abandonment of sailboats by skippers. Despite this, La Cancalaise remains a proud representative of this maritime heritage.
The origins of the launch
The A.B.C., founded by enthusiasts in 1984, has set itself the ambitious goal of sailing the bisquine in an associative and educational context. Jean Le Bot, a specialist in old riggings, took the plans from the wreck of La Perle in 1958 and generously donated them to the association. A hull length of 18.10 meters was increased to 30 meters overall. The team's enthusiasm brings the project to life. Despite financial challenges, construction began in June 1985 in the port of La Houle, thanks to various donors. Local marine carpenters Charles Fresneau, Alain Leclerc and others get involved. Raymond Labbé coordinates the work.
Construction continues in public with the participation of numerous volunteers, and under the watchful eye of the "cap committee", former sailors who have sailed on bisquines. Their advice is invaluable.
La Cancalaise was launched on April 18, 1987, under the patronage of Eric Tabarly.
In the winter hold
37 years later, La Cancalaise is still with us. In 2023, she sailed a total of 133 days. In season, when she's not at sea, the yacht rests at anchor in the Port-Mer cove, north of Cancale. In winter, she is carefully laid up in the cale de l'épi. This exceptional longevity is the result of the dedication of a passionate team, led by Harry Raub, a founding member of the project. Traditional skills are passed on by former team members, who devote their Thursdays and every other Saturday to sanding, oiling, drying, renewing ropes and repairing fittings.
Every year, some 3,000 man-hours are required to preserve and maintain La Cancalaise.
Back to water
Ready to take to the sea again in April 2024, the Cancalaise will be offering, as it does every year, social outings s for schoolchildren, Ehpad residents and sick children. The program also includes outings and cruises for members, as well as commercial sailing trips.
Two nautical festivals will mark the year 2024 for La Cancalaise: Brest, from July 12 to 17, and Douarnenez, from July 18 to 21.
