Historic tall ship Le Français returns to service after refit
Le Français is relaunched in Concarneau following its refit The 47m tall ship Le Français, built in 1948, has been refitted ahead of its 2026 working season, which includes an appearance at Le Grand Pavois La Rochelle in September.
Under an agreement with operator Marine Évènements, AkzoNobel supplied coating systems for the above- and below-waterline areas of the 78-year-old, three-masted barque. Work was carried out in St. Malo, Concarneau, La Rochelle and Brest.
The refit used an International coating system from primer through to topcoat. The products used included antifouling for the hull, high-gloss varnish for interior and exterior woodwork and a topcoat for interior and deck areas.
History of tall ship Le Français
Le Français was built in Denmark in 1948 as Kaskelot for the Royal Greenland Trading Company. The 47m vessel carries 19 sails and remains in active service as a working tall ship.
Based in St. Malo, Le Français is used for educational sailing programmes through Grand Voilier École. These programmes introduce approximately 2,600 young people to the sea each year. The vessel also supports Témoins Polaires, an organisation that raises awareness of climate change and the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.
The vessel was relaunched in Concarneau on schedule ahead of its 2026 charter and educational sailing commitments.
Emmanuel Rozo, managing director of Marine Évènements, says: “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.”
Jemma Lampkin, global commercial director for yacht coatings at AkzoNobel, adds: “Le Français is exactly the kind of project that reminds you why this work matters. This is a vessel with 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.”
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