Floating ambassadors for Europe's maritime heritage
The Semaine du Golfe is much more than a simple gathering of sailboats: it's a living museum, an animated fresco of maritime heritage. Among the 1,400 boats expected, some stand out for their history, their lines or their rarity. Whether alongside the quayside or at sea, these vessels tell the story of their country's naval history, embody a particular era or expertise, and take part in Europe's biggest maritime festivals.
The HOOP, a century-old icebreaker turned floating museum
Built in 1907, the HOOP is a former ocean-going tug and icebreaker that operated in the port of Rotterdam until the 1980s. Restored between 1990 and 2000, she is now a unique floating museum of the heyday of industrial towing. Its powerful silhouette and steam engine make it a must-see attraction, often open to visitors to the port of Vannes.
Hispania IV, the royal 8MJI with an impressive track record
Among the classic yachts in the J Flotilla, Hispania IV (FRA7) is an icon. Built in 1927 in Bilbao for King Alfonso XIII of Spain, this mahogany yacht sailed under various names (Cantabria II, Attila III, Nausicaa) before becoming one of the most successful of the French 8MJI series. She took part in countless international regattas, including the World Cup and European Championships. Restored by the Guip shipyard, she combines elegance, history and performance.
Silk, the power and elegance of post-war regattas
Another remarkable 8MJI, Silk (F44). Designed by André Camatte in 1947 and built in Cannes by the Chiesa shipyard, this powerful seaworthy yacht stands out for its mahogany hull and longer, heavier frame than its competitors. She won the Régates Royales in 1949 and the MYCRA in 1951. Faithfully restored to the original plans preserved in the Musée de la Marine, Silk is an ambassador of post-war yachting.
Pen Duick, the living legacy of Éric Tabarly
It's hard to talk about emblematic boats without mentioning the Pen Duick I, II, III and V, present at the Semaine du Golfe 2025. These legendary yachts, once skippered by Éric Tabarly, still sail today at international events. Their black hulls and sleek sails embody both the performance and timeless elegance of French sailing. Don't miss their passage to Houat and Hoëdic on Thursday, May 29.
The Cheetah, local star of the Gulf of Morbihan
In the G Flotilla, the Guépard occupies a special place. This small oak-wood sailboat, often rigged in thirds, was specially designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Gulf. Its recognizable silhouette and attachment to the region make it one of the emblems of traditional local sailing. Today, it is joined by a modern version, the Gazelle, built in polyester honeycomb.
Stars of the silver screen: Étoile du Roy, Phoenix, Hydrograaf
Some units are known far beyond the maritime world:
- L'Étoile du Roy replica of an 18th-century privateer frigate, seen in The Count of Monte Cristo with Pierre Niney.
- Le Phoenix a brick-and-mortar regular in film and TV productions ( Outlander , Poldark ridley Scott films...).
- The Hydrograaf a 1910 steamship and former royal Dutch yacht, whose arrival in the port of Vannes is an event in itself (Wednesday May 28, 8pm).
A living heritage to admire... and understand
These boats are not only beautiful, they're also bearers of history, maritime identities, preservation struggles and local or national pride. Whether you're a yachtsman, a lover of beautiful hulls, a historian or simply curious, the Semaine du Golfe is a rare chance to get up close to these giants and jewels of wood, sometimes a hundred years old, still very much alive.
Embark on a maritime spectacle
Experiencing the Semaine du Golfe from land is one thing, but experiencing it from the deck of a traditional sailing yacht is another, far more immersive experience. The event offers enthusiasts the unique opportunity to board emblematic vessels, sailing alongside the historic fleet.
Among the experiences on offer, embarkations are available on exceptional vessels such as the Hydrograaf, a former Dutch steamer built in 1910, and the Pascual Flores, a Spanish schooner from 1917. The outings are scheduled for Wednesday May 28 and Friday May 30 respectively, with departures from Port-Blanc in Baden, offering cruises in the Gulf and Bay of Quiberon.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, several heritage sailing ships offer individual boarding. Boats such as the Étoile du Roy, a three-masted frigate, or the Courrier des Îles, a 15-meter cutter, welcome passengers for unforgettable days of sailing. Reservations and further information are available on the official Semaine du Golfe website
