A trusted partner in the restoration of the three-masted ship Le Français, WoodSpars applies its unique expertise to an ambitious maintenance program. Go behind the scenes of a shipyard where tradition meets cutting-edge technology to preserve an exceptional maritime heritage.
The three-masted barque Le Français, a jewel of France’s maritime heritage, continues to sail thanks to a rigorous maintenance schedule. With its recognized expertise in traditional rigging, WoodSpars remains a key partner in supporting the preservation of this exceptional vessel.
A Proven and Ongoing Partnership
After successfully delivering three new lower masts and a topmast between 2022 and 2023 as part of a major restoration, WoodSpars is once again mobilized to support Le Français in its ongoing maintenance program.
The shipowner, Marine Événements, and the association Grand Voilier École, operating this 47-meter three-master based in Saint-Malo, have renewed their trust in our workshop for specialized work on the rigging and spars.
A Vessel Dedicated to Education and Heritage
Le Français is more than just a witness to maritime history. Since flying the French flag in 2018, it has carried out educational missions for students and adults in training, embodying the values of preserving and passing on traditional skills.
Each year, the sailboat welcomes hundreds of trainees for sea voyages and workshops on the polar environment, paying tribute to the expedition of Commander Charcot, whose name the ship originally bore.
An Ambitious Maintenance Program: 2025-2030
Regular Technical Stops
In March 2025, Le Français completed its annual technical stop at the Port of Concarneau. These recurring 3-to-4-week intervals allow for a full vessel inspection, from hull to rigging. The Chantier du Guip, specializing in heritage boat restoration, handles waterproofing, while Piriou Naval Services ensures a complete ship audit.
A Long-Term Vision: Heritage Restoration 2028-2030
An ambitious restoration plan is underway to guarantee the longevity of this historic three-master.
Reviving Ancestral Techniques
The Chantier du Guip has revived the practice of submerging oak logs in the Penfeld River—an ancestral technique that had fallen into obscurity. Submerged since February 2025, this timber will be used to restore Le Français after 3 to 4 years of treatment in brackish water, a process that guarantees wood of exceptional quality.
WoodSpars Expertise at the Service of Heritage
Unique Capabilities in Europe
Our workshop in Locmariaquer (Morbihan) houses a 30-meter mast lathe—unique in Europe—capable of manufacturing spars up to 80 cm in diameter. This technology, combined with our mastery of hollow glued-laminated timber, allows us to meet the most exacting standards of maritime heritage.
Delivering on Promises
During the previous major restoration, WoodSpars:
- Delivered 3 new spruce lower masts (16–18 m, Ø 45–60 cm) and 1 topmast.
- Met a 3-month production deadline.
- Processed over 30 m³ of dry wood and logged 1,600 labor hours.
- Performed a complete overhaul of ironwork, tops, and oak cleats.
- Applied a full 7-coat lacquer finish in accordance with heritage standards.
Bob Escoffier, the project manager, highlighted our commitment:
"WoodSpars met its commitments and delivered fine, high-quality spars, made in France and compliant with the specifications for Le Français. Financially, the budget was competitive and strictly adhered to."
Strategic Stock for Maximum Responsiveness
To guarantee our lead times, we maintain a permanent stock of 20 to 30 m³ of planed boards and approximately 10 m³ of dry wood (spruce, Douglas fir, oak, iroko, etc.), all from FSC-certified sources.
Outlook: Supporting Le Français through 2030 and Beyond
WoodSpars will continue to assist Le Français with its maintenance program through regular interventions, the supply of replacement spars, and technical consulting to optimize the durability of the rigging.
Our commitment: combining tradition and innovation to ensure the seaworthiness and safety of this exceptional piece of maritime history.
WoodSpars : 15 Years of Excellence in Wooden Masts
Specializing exclusively in the manufacturing of masts and booms since 2017, we have produced several hundred masts for traditional and performance sailing, as well as for architectural and urban projects.
Our Areas of Expertise:
- Solid wood and glued-laminated masts and spars (up to 30 m)
- Traditional rigging for heritage vessels
- Custom round timber posts and structures
- Consulting and sizing using specialized software
Have a traditional or custom rigging project in mind?
From the restoration of heritage vessels to the creation of spars for modern sailboats, our team puts its expertise at your service to analyze your needs and propose a tailored solution.
Need more information? Looking for a quote? Let’s discuss your projects!
WOODSPARS is Acerbois-Glulam certified
Photo Credits:
Le Français @ Madamedekeravel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
LeFrancais @ Madamedekeravel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Le_Français_ @ MFonzatti – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
WoodSpars © WoodSpars
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