Le Défi du Traict

Discover sailing on old rigs (Bantry and Ness yawls, sail and oar boats). Half-day or full-day sailing in a family atmosphere. The programme of outings is available on our website.

Discover sailing on old rigs (Bantry and Ness yawls, sail and oar boats).
Half-day or full-day sailing in a family atmosphere.
The programme of outings is available on our website.


To sail :
You must be a member and register with the skipper in charge of the outing. The sailing programme can be consulted on the website (see the calendar on the home page).
You can also contact the secretary (ledefidutraict@yahoo.fr) who will send it to you.
The boat is moored at Merquel in Mesquer. Sailing takes place all year round in Mesquer Bay, usually on Sundays. They are open to anyone over the age of 14, whether or not they are new to the marine environment. All you need to be is a member of the association.

Historical background:
The "Le Défi du Traict" association was set up in September 1997 in response to a competition launched by the magazine Chasse Marée to build a 1796 yawl known as the "Bantry yawl".
In accordance with the founders' wishes, the yawl was built as part of a social integration programme for young people in difficulty.
The first elements of the boat's axial frame were assembled on 15 November 1999 at the l'Otarie yard in Arzal. Construction continued at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in St Nazaire and was completed on 30 June 2000. Thanks to a partnership with the Caisse d'Epargne de St Nazaire, the Yole Le Traict was able to make a big splash in Brest with a magnificent christening and a launch from the boissoires of the Belem on 13 July 2000.
Since then, the Yole has sailed with its members all year round in Mesquer and taken part in maritime events. The Association is also involved in social action thanks to its partnership with the IPFA rehabilitation organisation. Sailing trips are organised with young people in difficulty.

Events :
Participation in gatherings of old sailing ships (Semaine du Golfe, Douarnenez, etc.) and international regattas (Défi jeunes marins, Atlantic Challenge).
Organisation of the Fête de la Mer (every two years in September): a gathering of old sailing ships at the Port de Kercabellec.