Wooden clapboard boats are emblematic of the Boulonnais region and, more generally, of northern Europe. Jérôme Ramet paints a maritime picture of this adventure: "The know-how behind these boats is a legacy of the Vikings' settlement on our coasts. In Etaples, it is perpetuated in the municipal shipyard." Jérôme Ramet, who works for the town of Etaples and is in charge of this atypical shipyard, has been helping to pass on this heritage since 1998, producing boats from 3.5 meters to 11 meters in length. The shipyard relies on a number of partners, including the Fédération régionale pour la culture et le patrimoine maritime (FRCPM), sailing schools and even the Caisse des Allocations Familiales. It has also benefited from the support of naval architect François Vivier.
Yawls and a Flobart under construction
The carpenter says: "Since 2022, we've also been building two yawls, based on old-fashioned shapes, which are suitable for racing." One was completed in 2023, the other is in progress.
The Pas-de-Calais shipyard is also working on two European projects: a replica of a wooden trawler from the 1970s, and a Flobart beaching boat from the 1900s. Jérôme Ramet continues: "These are demonstration boats with cutaway elements, which will be on display to visitors at the shipyard. Flobarts come in a variety of forms in the region: chunky and sturdy near Berck, because they're better suited to the beach and the rollers, and a little flatter and lighter near Etaples, which lies at the bottom of the estuary."
Site and museum
These calls for projects will join Marianne all alone a clamshell boat which took part in Brest 92, finishing first in its category. The yard can count on the help of an apprentice, and occasionally on young people from sailing schools. "For a long time, we benefited from the advice of old hands. Even so, we had to do a lot of re-learning and training on the job, particularly in Douarnenez." The structure has evolved since the 90s: launched on the site of the original Caloin-Leprêtre building site as an association, with the support of the Conseil Général at the time, it evolved in 2005 to become municipal. European support has breathed new life into this original adventure.
