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The restoration of the 12 MJI France 3 is more than just a shipyard project, it raises a number of questions about the preservation of nautical heritage and the transmission of know-how.
Restoring a 12 MJI, between historical fidelity and technical constraints
Built in aluminum in 1979 at the Dufour yard in La Rochelle, France 3 belongs to the 12 MJI class, known for its complex and demanding units. The restoration aims to return the boat to its original state. This involves restoring specific equipment, fittings, mast, rigging and hydraulic systems. However, some of these elements have disappeared or deteriorated.
And this is where the work becomes technical. Replicating the original requires either finding the original parts, or re-fabricating them in keeping with the characteristics of the period. This calls for highly specialized skills, often in short supply today.
Aluminum structure: an advantage but not without limits
The aluminum hull is advertised as being in good general condition. One advantage of this material is its resistance over time, particularly in the face of osmosis, which does not affect this type of construction. But a complete restoration is not limited to the hull. The on-board systems, appendages and deck components also require a complete overhaul.
And on a 12 MJI, every element has an influence on performance. Precise tuning and overall consistency are essential if you want to get back to the way things were in the first place.
Participative financing, a lever for nautical heritage
The donation campaign launched on March 24, 2026 relies on the Fondation du patrimoine. This model is based on mobilizing the public, with tax benefits to boot. This type of financing is becoming commonplace in maritime preservation. It not only directly involves enthusiasts, but also helps to supplement the often high budgets required for this type of project.
But it also poses a limit: dependence on mobilization. Without the support of the public, some projects will remain unfinished.
A project focused on navigation, not just exhibition
The stated aim is not limited to static restoration. The program includes a return to regattas, notably at events such as the Voiles de Saint Tropez and the Régates Royales de Cannes.
This implies a high level of reliability. A sailboat intended for sailing must meet today's safety and performance requirements, while respecting its original design. And for a 12 MJI, this also means joining the international circuit, where boats are maintained to the highest standards.
Transmission and training
Beyond the boat, the project has an educational dimension. The aim is to train young crew members, promote technical trades and transmit a maritime culture. This type of initiative comes at a time when certain skills are disappearing. Metalwork, classic rigging, fine-tuning - these are all skills that need to be passed on in concrete terms.
The restoration site thus becomes a learning ground, as much as a heritage project.
France 3, a witness to the French America's Cup
To this day, France 3 remains the highest-ranked French yacht in the America's Cup, with a challenger final in Newport in 1980. Financed at the time by Baron Bich, it bears witness to a period when France was seeking to establish itself in this competition dominated by other nations.
Restoring a boat doesn't just mean putting it back in the water. It brings back to light a page of French nautical history, often less visible today. And finally, this type of project reminds us of the obvious: a boat is only truly alive when it's sailing.
