Ma Préférée is so much more than a boat
The Gulf of Morbihan would not be this enchanting "Little Sea" without the dark silhouettes and ochre (or blue) sails of its Sinagots. Among them, there is one that bears a name full of tenderness: "Ma Préférée". Today, we invite you to meet this wooden giant and the association that brings it back to life: Les Vieilles Voiles de Rhuys (VVR).
A Sinagot in the heart of the Presqu'île.
The Ma Préférée sinagot is a typical fishing boat that was used in the Gulf of Morbihan until the mid-20th century. Today, only 6 boats of this type remain seaworthy; among them is the "Ma Préférée" sinagot, which was built in 1981 by the Guip shipyard for the Éclaireurs de France. It is a replica of the eponymous sinagot built in 1933 by the Querrien shipyard. In 2002, it became the property of the association "Les Voiles du Passage", based in La Trinité-sur-Mer. In 2019, it was purchased by "Les Vieilles Voiles de Rhuys".
In Sarzeau and around the Presqu'île de Rhuys, these golden-handed volunteers restore and sail a fleet of historic boats (the Guépard, the plate, etc.), thus preserving a maritime heritage that we have a duty to pass on.
The funding challenge: The time for Crowd-Marketing.
Maintaining a century-old boat is a constant financial battle. Wood warps, steel wears out, and sails deteriorate. Traditionally, these associations rely on subsidies and membership fees. But today, a new model is emerging: Crowd-Marketing (or community marketing).
The principle is simple: use the appeal of a project — such as that of our Le Sinagot knife — to raise awareness within a community and generate funds.
We have decided to link the fate of our knife to that of these boats:
By purchasing a Le Sinagot knife, you are not just acquiring a beautiful object. You are participating in an ecosystem that highlights the work of the VVR. Part of our mission is to raise awareness of these guardians of heritage and direct visitors' interest toward the restoration of Ma Préférée.
Why support local workgroups?
The Gulf needs these volunteers. Restoring a boat means:
- Preserving trades: Marine carpenters, riggers, sailmakers...
- Passing on skills: Teaching the younger generation how to sail "the old-fashioned way".
- Promoting the region: What could be more beautiful than a Sinagot with all its sails out to catch eyes and hearts?
How to help?
The Vieilles Voiles de Rhuys association is a driving force behind our local identity. You can support them directly by becoming a member or by making a donation toward the restoration of their fleet.
[The link idea for your readers]: While awaiting the official launch of our knife in March, we invite you to discover the volunteers' monumental work on their official website: www.vieillesvoilesderhuys.org
A final word:
Le Sinagot (the knife) and Ma Préférée (the boat) share the same DNA: respect for the past and the desire to endure.