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On August 10, 2025, the quays and bay of La Flotte on the island of Ré will become the scene of a day dedicated to traditional sailing, with the presence of a fleet of vintage boats from the "pertuis" and beyond. The event, dubbed "Les Rendez-vous de l'île de Ré", is part of a drive to promote local maritime heritage.
Programmed stranding: direct transmission to the public
In the early hours of the morning, a number of traditional sailing boats will voluntarily run aground on the foreshore of Plage de la Clavette. This manoeuvre, made possible by the topography and tidal conditions, allows visitors to get up close and personal. They can observe the living works, talk to the captains, and discover the techniques of naval carpentry.
Ancient rigging: between safeguarding and putting to use
Several of the ships on display are classified as historical monuments. Their participation testifies to a desire to put this heritage to sea, rather than confine it to a static exhibition. The "Olaf d'Olonne" drakkar, a 25 m replica, will illustrate this lively approach to nautical heritage.
From the Charente channels to La Flotte: a territorial network
The sailboats come from all along the Charente coast, including the Pertuis d'Antioche, Maumusson and Breton. This concentration in La Flotte underlines the interconnection between the ports and those involved in maritime memory, notably through associations such as "Flottille en Pertuis" and "Patrimoine Navigant en Charente-Maritime".
Historical replicas: mediation under sail
The arrival of a drakkar, even a replica, is not a matter of folklore, but of education. The aim is to make a page of European maritime history tangible. Navigation in the bay, sails hoisted in public, become tools for popularization.
Festivities and ports: a showcase for heritage
The day concludes with a gathering in the harbor, where the yachts are decked out and lit up. In the evening, sea shanties, an oyster bar and fireworks provide the perfect backdrop. The layout of the harbour and the technical organization will help to make this event a model of coastal enhancement.
Organized by La Flotte town council and its associative and institutional partners, this event helps to anchor traditional yachting in the summer calendar of the Pertuis.
