A Gathering of Maritime Legends in Arcachon

The Arcachon Nautical Salon 2025 promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing not only modern nautical innovations but also paying tribute to France’s rich maritime history. Several iconic vessels will be present, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Le Belem: An Emblem of the Sea Returns

Among the stars of this year’s salon, Le Belem holds a special place. This three-masted barque, originally built in 1896, will return to the Ifremer quay to the delight of visitors. Symbolically, it carried the lantern used to transport the Olympic flame from Greece to France in 2024, marking its connection to recent history.

Classified as a historical monument in 1984, Le Belem is a floating museum, recreating life aboard a 19th-century sailing ship. Visitors can explore its living and navigation spaces, delve into its rich history spanning over a century, and interact with its crew to better understand the specifics of its square-rigged sails.

La Belle Poule: An Ambassador of the French Navy

Another prominent figure, La Belle Poule, a 37.5-meter training schooner, will proudly represent the French Navy. Built in 1932 at the Normandy Naval Shipyards, this “Icelandic schooner” was once used for cod fishing. However, it is its role during World War II, within the Free French Naval Forces, that gives it a unique status.

With its 450 square meters of sail area, La Belle Poule is now a true floating ambassador of maritime heritage and a symbol of transmission for young sailors. Its presence in Arcachon will be an opportunity to pay tribute to this shining testament to naval history.

Le Lys Noir: A Return to Roots in Arcachon

Built at the very beginning of the 20th century in the Arcachon Barrière shipyards, Le Lys Noir will return to its native land for the first time since its conception 111 years ago. This elegant sailboat, now in the hands of Yoann Pageaud, is a true Proustian madeleine for lovers of local naval heritage.

Its presence will recall the golden age of shipbuilding in Arcachon and La Teste-de-Buch, where generations of artisans shaped boats that have become legendary. A return full of emotion and history.

The Pen Duick Fleet: Éric Tabarly’s Jewels

Finally, visitors will have the privilege of admiring the four Pen Duicks of Éric Tabarly, historical monuments since 2024. These exceptional boats – Pen Duick, Pen Duick II, Pen Duick III, and Pen Duick V – embody the nautical genius of the famous navigator and the evolution of maritime design.

Ranging from 10 to 17 meters, each Pen Duick tells a page of the Tabarly legend, a man whose name remains forever linked to the history of offshore racing. Their presence in Arcachon promises to be one of the highlights of this anniversary edition.

A Salon Worthy of Maritime Heritage

With these heritage ships, the Arcachon Nautical Salon 2025 will not only be a showcase of contemporary yachting but also a true tribute to French maritime history. Whether anchored in the collective memory like Le Belem and La Belle Poule, or forever associated with legendary names such as Tabarly, these boats will resonate with echoes of the past on the quays of Arcachon.

Le Belem, the majestic three-masted ship, will be moored at the Ifremer quay, while La Belle Poule, Le Lys Noir, and the four Pen Duicks will find their place at the end of the marina. To accommodate these icons in the best conditions, the salon will benefit from new facilities: pontoons widened to three meters and new walkways installed at pontoons P and R. An unmissable event for sailing and history enthusiasts.

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