From nomadic origins to the shores of the Landes
The early years of the Berque brothers were marked by travel. After their birth in Morocco, they lived in the Moroccan Atlas, then in Egypt and Lebanon. This itinerant childhood nourished their thirst for adventure and their desire to explore the world. After settling in the Landes region, they became part of the Landes surfing microcosm.
Pioneers of surfing and craftsmen of the sea
Passionate about the ocean, Emmanuel and Maximilien don't just surf the waves. They also design and build their own surfboards, becoming renowned shapers. Their creativity doesn't stop there: they imagine and build innovative boats, combining aesthetics and functionality, reflecting their unique vision of sailing.
A first Atlantic crossing on a 4m sailboat
Their thirst for adventure drives them to undertake extraordinary transatlantic crossings. In 1996, aboard the "Micromégas II", a 4-meter wooden canoe they had designed, they sailed 11,000 km from the Landes region of France to Florida, without assistance or modern equipment. But it was in 2003 that they achieved a resounding feat: crossing the Atlantic without any navigational instruments.
Aboard the "Micromégas III", a 6.50-meter outrigger pirogue, they rely solely on the stars, sun, wind and swell to guide their course. Setting out from the Canaries, they reached Guadeloupe in 27 days, demonstrating an exceptional mastery of ancestral navigation.
A life dedicated to freedom and non-conformism
Rebels at heart, the Berque brothers have always favored an existence on the bangs of social convention. Their quest for freedom led them to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, often off the beaten track. They have shared their experiences and philosophy in books such as "Les Mutins de la Mer", in which they recount their adventures and their vision of the maritime world. Their approach to navigation, stripped of all modern technology, advocates a return to the essentials and a profound communion with the natural elements.
Legacy and disappearance of the twins of the Sea
On December 7, 2024, Emmanuel Berque died at the age of 74, joining his brother Maximilien, who passed away in August 2021. Their deaths mark the end of an era of maritime exploration marked by courage, innovation and freedom. Their legacy lives on through their stories, their nautical designs and the inspiration they continue to inspire those with a passion for the sea and adventure.
The Berque brothers have left an indelible mark on the world of navigation. Their exemplary career reminds us that daring, creativity and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements, even with modest means. They embody a philosophy of life where the essential comes first, and where every voyage is a quest for self and a celebration of freedom.
