Watersport· Martinique· Windward Islands
Yole Ronde Traditional Sailing (Le François / Le Robert)
14° 28.2′ N · 60° 52.2′ W · approximate
Martinique's yole ronde is a slender, rudderless racing boat flying a huge square sail. It is steered with an oar while crews hike out on wooden poles, and the sport is a living part of island heritage.
Practical
Coordinates are approximate, at Le Marin, where the yoles launch from the town beach and Alizés Yoles offers try-outs. The marina directory lists Alizés Yoles ('discover the traditional yole'). Wavetrain describes the boats as tremendously over-canvassed, with sprit-sails on rough-hewn spars, steered with an oar and with crew hiking on poles. Give racing and training yoles plenty of room; they cannot manoeuvre quickly. The big event is the Tour des Yoles Rondes (see separate entry).
Best for
Trying, or watching, a uniquely Martinican sport
Nearby
- Le Marin Covered MarketRight here
- Le Marin Pharmacy and Medical ServicesRight here
- Le Marin Waterfront Restaurants (Sucré Salé and others)Right here
- Zanzibar Restaurant (Le Marin beachfront)Right here
- Le Marin Chandleries and Sail Lofts0.1 NM away
- Mango Bay (Le Marin marina)0.1 NM away
- Marin Plongée (Le Marin marina)0.1 NM away
- Le Marin Charter Bases0.2 NM away