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In the world of competitive sailing, few French boats have left a lasting mark at the highest level. FRANCE 3 is one of those boats whose achievements go far beyond the sporting arena. Today's award formalizes this special status.
Official heritage recognition
The sailboat FRANCE 3 has just been awarded the "FRANCE 3" label Boat of Heritage Interest "The label is awarded by Patrimoine Maritime et Fluvial, an organization chaired by Gérard d'Aboville. The label recognizes ships of historical, technical or architectural interest to France's maritime heritage.
Built in the 12-meter International Gauge class, FRANCE 3 has distinguished itself during French America's Cup campaigns. She is best known for her runner-up finish to the Challengers in Newport in 1980, a result that remains, in 2025, the best ever achieved by a French challenge in the event.
A yacht emblematic of French challenges
The label also highlights the role played by its successive owners, Baron Marcel Bich and Yves Rousset-Rouard, who were involved in the 1980 and 1983 America's Cup races. FRANCE 3 embodies a period when France was trying to assert itself against the great nations of international sailing.
In addition to its success, this label recognizes a boat that has witnessed a sporting and human adventure, now recognized as an integral part of France's maritime heritage. This distinction places FRANCE 3 firmly in the history of the great French racing yachts.
