In a previous article, we saw that the “Bwa dressé” corresponds to a wood that allows the yole to maintain its balance. This term has a double meaning and also refers to the riders assigned to climb onto these woods. The rider and the “bwa dressé” are actually one and the same.

One for all and all for one

The yole is a team sport and, as with any team sport, the group and its composition are of utmost importance. Thus, several parameters must be taken into account by the Patron when constituting his crew: the ability to read the wind, the weight of the couriers, experience, and meteorological parameters.

For example, in a race known as a “misaine” (race with one sail), out of 14 crew members, there can be up to 9 “bwas”. Depending on their position in the yole, each has a well-defined role.

At the front of the yole, we find the first “bwa”. He has a strategic location, and his vision of the wind and the water surface is of crucial importance. He is often, if not almost permanently, positioned on his “bwa dressé”. His mission is to warn of gusts and other opposing winds. He must also inform the Patron of various threats that can hinder the yole or endanger the rest of the crew: coral barrier, fishermen’s traps, shoals, etc.

The next 5 “bwas” have the primary mission of being a counterweight to the boat’s mast. They thus have a central role in the balance of the yole. Generally, the tallest or heaviest are placed in these positions. At these posts, versatility is a real asset because it requires the necessary strength and endurance to stay on the wood during crossings but also the speed and finesse necessary during maneuvers.

To finish, the last “bwa dressés” located at the back of the yole have an adjustment mission. They must be fast and agile. Unlike the first bwa, they are rarely in the same position and must be able to move from the inside of the yole to the end of their wood quickly and agilely in order to contribute to the balance of the yole. Their work is precise work.

The bwa dressé or the man walking on water.

It is not easy to climb onto a “bwa dressé.” Imagine sitting on a long branch about 15 cm wide and 4 m long, with nearly half of it outside the boat.

Finding one’s bearings, gaining confidence, learning to move along the bwa, slipping and sliding, all while minimizing the shocks that can upset the precarious balance of the yole.

In addition to this, there are the external elements associated with all water activities that must be taken into account: the winds, the sun, the rain, the waves… Obstacles such as other yoles, buoys, etc. must not be forgotten either.

However, once the learning phase and the fear of falling into the water have passed, the sensation of the coursier on a bwa dressé is unique. Having both feet floating in the air, with a yole slicing through the waves, provides a feeling of freedom and an impressive rush of adrenaline.

The different positions of the bwa dressés

As we have often said, the yole has a precarious balance. Thus, each movement, each displacement implies a modification of the center of gravity of the boat, which has an almost immediate effect on its trim. Depending on the wind, the course or the maneuvers, the bwa dressé can find themselves in one of the positions below.

Not one higher than the other

Coordination is another important element, the weight must be distributed in a coherent way. The ballet of thebwa dressés is comparable to working on stairs. A bwa dressé should not be in a higher position than the one before it.

1st bwa on 2 feet

2nd bwa on 1 foot

3rd bwa sitting on the wood

Etc…

And of course, all of this “dance” is done with the main ally of any sailing vessel, the wind.

Never without my bwas

Finally, the bwas dressés are the essential link of the yole, whether for sailing or for maneuvers. Whether we are talking about the wood itself or the coursier, the bwa dressé will never cease to inspire the lovers of this sport, allowing men and women to walk on water and even fly above the waves.