The 78-year-old heritage tall ship Le Français has been relaunched after an extensive restoration programme ahead of a new season of charter voyages, sail training and educational work.
The 47-metre, three-masted barque, which carries 19 sails, returned to the water at Concarneau after work carried out across four French maritime centres — St Malo, Concarneau, La Rochelle and Brest. This historic tall ship is now preparing for a busy 2026 programme, including an appearance at Le Grand Pavois La Rochelle in September.
From Greenland Trader to Heritage Tall Ship
Built in Denmark in 1948 as Kaskelot for the Royal Greenland Trading Company, the ship has survived almost eight decades of Atlantic service and is today a rare example of a large traditional sailing vessel remaining in active service.
Based in St Malo and operated by Marine Évènements, Le Français now combines her maritime heritage with sail training, education and environmental work.
Refit from the keel up – The 47-metre heritage tall ship Le Français ashore during the extensive four-port restoration programme that prepared the 1948-built vessel for her 2026 season. Photo: Akzo Nobel N.V.
Around 2,600 young people are introduced to the sea aboard the vessel each year through Grand Voilier École's educational sailing programmes. She also supports the work of Témoins Polaires, which seeks to raise awareness of climate change and the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.
Extensive Four-Port Refit
The restoration involved extensive surface preparation and work above and below the waterline, with particular attention paid to protecting the vessel while retaining a finish appropriate to her heritage.
Marine Évènements selected AkzoNobel under an exclusive agreement to provide its International marine coating system and technical support for the project. The work included new hull antifouling, restoration and varnishing of interior and exterior woodwork, and new coatings for deck and interior areas.
Emmanuel Rozo, Directeur Général of Marine Évènements, said the vessel's significance was an important consideration during the project. “We needed a partner who could match the ambition of this project, not just in the quality of their products, but in their understanding of what Le Français represents.”
Back to Sea for 2026
After completing the work, Le Français relaunched successfully at Concarneau on schedule. She will return to her charter and educational sailing commitments before making a high-profile appearance at Le Grand Pavois La Rochelle in September.
Jemma Lampkin, Global Commercial Director Yacht at AkzoNobel, said the vessel had both a “remarkable history and an equally important future”. “We are proud that our products and our people played a role in preparing her for the seasons ahead. Thanks to this partnership, she is ready to inspire a new generation of sailors and adventurers.”
