Martinique’s traditional wooden boat, the yole, will be showcased at the United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice. As UNESCO’s site on Intangilble Cultural Heritage explains, “Created several centuries ago, the Martinique yole reflects the importance of traditional boats in the history of the region. A yole is a light, fast, shallow-draught boat with a tapered shape, which can sail with one or two sails. Crew members must perch off the hull on long movable poles to balance the boat, requiring great agility, physical engagement and perfect coordination.”
Noémie Dutertre (Franceinfo/Martinique la 1ère) reports on the yole’s presence, causing a sensation in the Bay of Nice, with the participation of Angélique Angarni-Filopon, Miss France 2025, as part of the crew led by Christophe Dédé. [Watch 2-minute video at Franceinfo/Martinique la 1ère.]
Dutertre writes, “Far from the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, the yole is taking a Mediterranean plunge. At the helm, Christophe Dédé, skipper of the Martinique yole, is proud to showcase this unique vessel at the United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place from June 9 to 13.”
Skipper Dédé said, “It’s a historic moment to bring the yole to this event called the UNOC. She continues to sail around the globe, she continues to show who she is and through her, she represents her Martinique, her heritage, and everything that enhances the Antilles.” [. . .]
Dédé also explained, “The yole delegation’s participation in the UNOC has two objectives [. . .]: the first is to show the world our UNESCO-listed boat, but it’s also, above all, to participate in the conference. We’re surrounded by oceans, and it is a great opportunity for us to interact with scientists, to interact with elected officials, to share our problems, and to find solutions together.”
Excerpts translated by Ivette Romero. For full article and video, in French, visit https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/martinique/video-conference-des-nations-unies-sur-l-ocean-a-nice-la-yole-ambassadrice-de-martinique-1554019.html47