Embark with Airlocal to discover the Yole

My name is Darvy, I am a thirty-something from Le Robert. After completing my studies in Europe, I started my professional life in mainland France. After a few years in the South, I returned to Martinique. A story similar to many other Martinicans, but I was driven by this desire to (re)discover my little rock, Martinique. It was only natural that I became interested in the Yole, which I have been practicing ever since. It is this passion that I would like to share with you, whether you are a Yole enthusiast or a complete beginner. I will serve as your guide in the world of the Yole, and together we will follow its news and updates.

Why Yole and what will I be discussing on this page ?

What Martinican has never heard of the « Tour des Yoles Rondes » ? Whether it’s for the race between the boats, or for the incredible atmosphere that surrounds this event that takes place every year during the summer holidays.

Of all the Tours I have been able to attend, the 2019 edition was a real revelation. A grandiose tour, memorable stages including the one from La Trinité to Saint-Pierre with over 5.5 hours of racing and suspense, and above all, the riders were put to the test.

This Tour and especially this stage were a turning point for me. This is how I decided to take the plunge and try this 100% Martinican sport, which has since become a true passion.

In this column, I will address a theme, an element, a maneuver, a point of regulation around the yole each week. The idea ? That you know a little more about it before the next tour and why not make you want to go further.

Let’s start today with the definition of the Yole Ronde of Martinique.

There is not just one type of yole, but several. Among the different types of boats, we can count the river yole, the bantry yole, the ness yole, to name a few.

I will talk about the most well-known yole: the Yole Ronde of Martinique. Originally, the Yole Ronde evolved from the gommier, also known as “Gomyé” in Creole. The gommier was the boat of the Carib Indians and then the fishermen of Martinique. This boat was hollowed out and carved from the tree of the same name: the Gommier.

From the Gommier to the Yole Ronde: a constant evolution

As we have mentioned, the Yole Ronde descends from the gommier. It is a boat built of solid wood, with planks fixed around a frame.

It is an atypical boat because it has neither a keel, nor a rudder, nor a centerboard. The boat is balanced by the “coursiers” placed on “Bwa dressé,” and by the “Manœuvre d’écoute” on the sail and the “Patron” at the “Godille.” It is a true team effort because it is the association and coordination of the entire crew that allows the boat to deploy its full potential.

Different types of Yole Ronde

There are several types of Yole Ronde. In this section, I will discuss the “bébé yole,” which measures 6.30 meters in length, and the most well-known of all Yole Rondes, the “grande yole,” which measures no less than 10.50 meters.

I cannot finish this article without mentioning that the Yole Ronde was inscribed in 2020 on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This inscription is a recognition of the expertise maintained for generations. It is a great victory for the defenders of this typically Martinican sport, as well as a real recognition of this heritage and tradition specific to Martinique.

Text and photos by Darvy Forestier.