In 2018, the round yawl became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditionally used for fishing in Martinique, yoles are maneuverable canoes with one or two sails carved from gum tree trunks. With no keel, these boats' stability is ensured by the crew, who rappel on solid wood pieces known as "bois dressés". We experienced this in Le François, Martinique, around the islet Oscar, alongside Loïc Mas, competitive yoler and owner of the Cottrell Leadermat yawl, from the Athon association.
How long have you been yawling and what do you enjoy about the sport?
I've been yawling since the age of 12 officially, but since the age of 7 with my twin brother. We built mini yawls together at the age of 8, that's how we started... What interests me about yawling is the part where you're together. You get to know each other. It teaches you to live in a community; you suffer together, you encourage each other. So, in life, it helps us to see things better and anticipate them.
Your team has won a number of competitions. Was it difficult to prepare and train for this level of sailing?
Not complicated, but if you want to reach a certain level, you have to work very hard. You have to fight harder than your rivals if you want to achieve your goals, and train twice as hard. From July 15 to July 21, there's the Tour de la Martinique des Yoles Rondes. We're getting ready, or rather, I'd say we're already ready! We also have other competitions ahead of us during the year, such as championships.
Where can you go yawling?
There are 17 teams in Martinique. 17 associations, 17 boats, plus the baby yawls. We also have several sites: at the beginning, there was only Le François, the cradle of yole, with Le Robert, Le Marin, Le Vauclin, then it was extended to La Trinité, Sainte-Anne, and Le Lamentin.
Can you describe the technical elements found on a yawl?
On this yawl, on which we've just circumnavigated the islet, the first thing you notice is the upright timbers that hold the boat in place. The crew members have to sit on them, constantly striving to maintain their balance in front of the gite. The trick lies in getting into the right position so as not to fall overboard! Cleats are used to hold these timbers in place, which are also wedged under a ledge cut into the other side of the boat. Each time you change tack, you reverse the position of the timbers.
The number of crew varies from 15 to 18, so you always need to be active on a yawl. The sails cover an area of up to 100 m2. Imagine, that's nothing like the 26 m2 we've just sailed together! The position each yachtsman takes is very important.
A yawl has no keel, ballast, centerboard or rudder. The yawl is 10.50 meters long, but comes in several sizes: 6.30-meter baby yawls and 4-meter mini yawls for beginners. Next, there's a mast and yard for the sail, and a sheet, tackle and paddle for steering.
Everyone sticks to their guns. We can reach speeds of up to 17 knots! That's why the yawl is always followed by a safety boat, to pick up those who fall overboard or if there's a problem.
