Hello all,
We have been invited to attend a traditional boat festival in Villefranche-sur-mer on the French Riviera -3 km east of Nice. It runs from Tuesday September 15th until Sunday 20th 2026. This should be a delightful experience with beautiful traditional boats from across the Mediterranean and Atlantic from Cyprus to Ireland, rowing and sailing from Villefranche towards Monaco.
We propose bringing 2 naomhógs on the Cork Roscoff ferry on 12th September returning 22nd September. With 10 crew we estimate that this would cost circa 300eu each. Attendees would then have to budget for flights and accommodation. Guidance on accommodation including hostel option near Nice can be provided to those wishing to participate but camping will not be an option in this area.
To facilitate ferry booking could you please let me know if you are interested in attending by May 20th. A non refundable deposit of 50eu towards the 300eu transport costs will be required by the 20th.
Places will be allocated on a 'first come first served' basis with priority for drivers. In that regard we would welcome volunteer drivers for the circa 15 hours drive from Roscoff to Villefranche and back. Perhaps you would consider driving one way; this could help manage time from work and your expenses.
If more or less than the target of 10 are interested the plan will be reviewed with those interested but the decision of the organisers (Brídín and Ed) on numbers participating will be final.
See attached plan of proposed daily rows.
If interested, please contact me by email Brídín Cannon bidcan@gmail.com
a bientôt
Brídín
Sounds like a wonderful trip Brídín. I'm interested.
What a trip!
I’m interested, Brídín. Email sent.
Brídín and Ed, 'm interested. I'll send an email.
Orla
Yes please. Sounds fab 👌
Interested and would be willing to drive.
Interested and hoping
I will be able to tow,
What to tow to be decided. If oversubscribed I can bring my own boat
Jack
I have booked the ferry for car and Sooty Tern trailer, .... Same dates as for Miriam.
I sent an email to organizers, hopefully all is in order to join the fête.
Jack
Message received from Ken Seaton in response to registration of An Táin
Quote,....
Boats taking part in the Maralpines will arrive on September 15, with vessels being put into the water by crane (this service is free) or the slipway.
The event starts the next day, Wednesday 16, with races in front of Villefranche's second harbour, the Port de la Santé, and the centre of the village.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday take the Voiles Maralpines out of the Rade de Villefranche and towards neighbouring ports. Crews will be provided lunch (sandwiches, etc) on these three days.
Saturday evening has the crew dinner. Free for two people per boat only. Others must pay.
Sunday marks European Heritage Day - it is a continent-wide Doors Open Day across thousands of heritage sites. Participant boats will be invited to take visitors out to see the capabilities of our historic vessels.
There are also externally organised visits to the Port Royal de la Darse itself, which was built in the middle of the 16th century at the same time as the Citadel. The 62m dry dock dates from 1730 and was used to build galleys.
On Monday morning, boats will be reunited with their trailers either by crane or on the slipway.
There is no registration fee for boats taking part in the Voiles Maralpines.
If associations/groups want to take a stand to present their country: €50 / stand for the 5 days.
..... End of quote
