Learn to sail the traditional Martinique yole
School’s not out for those wanting to learn how to operate a distinctively Martinique boat that evokes widespread pride on the tropical island.
Tourism authorities noted that courses are available for visitors wanting to learn how to sail the Martinique yole, described as a light, fast, shallow-draught boat with a tapered shape, and which can have one or two sails, and became popular with local fishermen long ago.
Yole crew members perch off the hull on long movable poles to balance their boat, something UNESCO states requires “great agility, physical engagement and perfect coordination.”
The Martinique yole – which doesn’t have a keel or rudder – was used by fishers and is ideal for the specific conditions along the island’s coasts. But during the 1950s and 1960s, other types of boats made of composites and equipped with motors gradually supplanted the traditional yole. Faced with the threat of disappearance of the boats, which reflected the history and society of the island, a movement to safeguard them developed. Safeguarding initiatives originated with races organized by the fishers and the safeguarding program has gradually expanded, and is now supported by a broad range of longstanding associations and partnerships. The main objectives of the safeguarding program are to preserve the know-how of local boat builders; transmit know-how on sailing; strengthen the ties between yole practitioners and the local community; and create a federation capable of organizing major events.
Yoles were gradually replaced by motorized vessels in the 1950s and 1960s, but locals worked to ensure they remained part of Martinique’s marine landscape, proud of watercraft that are synonymous with the island. For instance, summer sees the annual Tour des Yoles, a multi-day race that circumvents Martinique and is hugely popular with locals.
Yoles even caught the attention of UNESCO, which in 2020 placed them on its Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
Martinique tourism authorities are now promoting the watercraft to those vacationing on the Caribbean island.
Mathieu Meril of Martinique destination management company Coeur des Iles says his company will cater to those wanting to learn how to sail a yole, with instruction given by veteran yole sailers.
“It’s a hands-on experience,” he says of the classes, while reassuring would-be students that they’re capable of operating one of the boats. “It looks more difficult than it is.”
Yole sails may be 17 square meters, with the “steady winds” found off Martinique shores making local waters a great place for wind-powered boats, he added.
Claudie Ampigny of Martinique’s Le Panoramic hotel notes that her property can arrange for guests to go on a yole day excursion, an outing she promises will be “lots of fun.
“It’s something typical of our island,” she continues. “You will never find it anywhere else.” Meanwhile, Meril says those who are intrigued by yoles will only be able to board one in Martinique.
“Kayaking you can do in Alaska, ” he says. “If you want to ride a yole, you can only do it in Martinique.”
