Flotillas organized for a clear view of the floating heritage
Each edition of the Semaine du Golfe showcases an incredible diversity of vintage yachts, grouped into 13 thematic flotillas designated by a letter. This classification by size, use, era or propulsion method makes it easier to observe and understand the units. Breton luggers, Nordic yawls, cabin ketches and regatta sloops all cross the water in a precise ballet. Thanks to this organization, the public can more easily identify the types of boats, their era, their original vocation and their contemporary transformation.
Flotilla A âeuros Sailboats, the humble witnesses of the coastline
These small flat-bottomed sailboats, less than 5 metres long and powered by oars or lateen sails, are the simplest and most rustic of craft:
- Types : Seil, Aber, Aven, Ilur, Doryplume, Moorskoul, Doris.
Once used for utilitarian purposes (fishing, transporting equipment), these boats are now popular for coastal cruising and friendly regattas.
Flotilla B âeuros Yawls, the elegance of collective rowing
The B Flotilla includes sea yawls long, light boats propelled by oars, sometimes with small rigging.
- Types : Bantry yawl, Ness yawl, Morbihan yawl, Odet yawl, Aboville yawl, whaling boats, Irish curraghs.
Deriving from a variety of European traditions, these boats were historically linked to ship servicing, fishing or salvage.
C âeuros flotilla Workboats, robust and historic
These tall ships bear witness to the Atlantic coast's maritime past, from coastal trading to deep-sea fishing.
- Types : Sinagos, misainiers, chaloupes au tiers, lougres, sloups, cotres, dundees auriques.
Restored or rebuilt, these vessels still proudly sail at gatherings, passing on ancient know-how.
D âeuros Flotilla Small open yachts
Cabinless 5 to 6-meter units, perfect for beginners or day cruisers.
- Types : Canots au tiers, misainiers, old marconi or houari dinghies, olonnois, dayboats.
These boats remain popular for their simplicity and lightness, in the spirit of traditional sailing.
E âeuros flotilla Small touring yachts
Designed for light coastal cruising, these boats offer a minimum of autonomy while maintaining classic lines.
- Examples: Cornish Shrimpers, Drascombe Coasters, Swallow Boats, Bayraiders, Skellig 2.2.
Equipped with a small cabin, they allow two people to travel on the water with shelter and sleeping accommodation.
Flotilla F âeuros Popular sailboats of the 60s and 70s
Symbolizing the democratization of yachting in France, these sailboats have left their mark on the modern history of boating.
- Types : Muscadet, Armagnac, Cognac, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Mousquetaire, Nicholson 32, Elizabethan 29, Centurion, Romanée, Rêve d'Antilles.
These sturdy units, often made of polyester, have taken generations of families to the coasts of Brittany and beyond.
G âeuros flotilla Cheetahs and Gazelles, local icons
- Guépard: small, traditional Gulf sailboat, built of oak and designed for shallow waters.
- Gazelle: modern version in polyester honeycomb, more recent but faithful to the original design.
These boats are a symbol of local maritime culture, and are very much in evidence at gatherings in the Gulf.
Flotilla H âeuros The little open classics
Iconic small dinghies, often designed before the 80s, for light regattas or sport sailing.
- Examples : Morgann, Tofinou, Billie Charlotte, Flying Dutchman, Snipe, Caneton, 505.
Their elegant silhouette and speed make them collectors' items as well as competitive ones.
Flotilla I âeuros Small, livable classics
Sailboats less than 8 meters long, but with a cabin and a real sailing program.
- Types : Belugas, Corsairs, Loctudy, Folkboats, DC20, Micro-Challenger.
Widely represented in retro regattas and classic gatherings, these yachts left their mark on post-war yachting.
J âeuros Flotilla Classic yachts
Majestic vessels, often over 8 metres long, with sleek lines and traditional rigging.
- Typologies : auric or marconi yachts, international class yachts, regatta keelboats, R.O.R.C. racing-cruising yachts.
These yachts embody the timeless elegance and performance of the great regattas of the 20th century.
K âeuros flotilla Classic motorboating
The other face of floating heritage: classic motorboats, lovingly restored.
- Examples : Runabouts, Chris-Craft, Rivas, cabin-cruisers, vintage cruisers.
Their flowing lines and varnished wood appeal to photographers and vintage design enthusiasts alike.
L âeuros flotilla Dragon Boats and Pink Ladies
These rowing boats are piloted by all-female crews, often made up of women who have battled breast cancer.
Their bright colors and infectious energy symbolize solidarity, commitment and resilience.
