The lobster bocqs are efficient boats, capable of navigating effectively against the wind and current in the Bréhat archipelago. They were specifically designed for fishing crustaceans using traps.
These boats replaced the old sloops starting in 1880 for voyages to destinations such as Sein and Le Conquet, among others.
Around 1890, the discovery of lobsters at the Roches Douvres allowed lobster fishermen to specialize in this type of fishing, an activity that lasted until the Second World War.
These vessels were both seaworthy and skilful. They also had to be fast enough to cover the 40 nautical miles (round trip) that separated them daily from the Dover Rocks.
Other fishing techniques were also practiced, such as longlines or ray nets.
Some of these boats ended their careers as seaweed gatherers at Armor Pleubian.
Today, only Enez Koalen remains of these magnificent sailing ships…
Since then, Enez Koalen has been revealing its magnificent silhouette in the Bréhat archipelago, the Trieux estuary, and at the maritime festivals of Brest–Douarnenez and the Gulf of Morbihan.
Carefully maintained each year, it brings joy to young and old sailors alike every season, and this will continue for many years to come!
Enez Koalen : combining the aesthetics of the past
with today’s comfort and safety.