Stopover in Sète 2024: immersion in the heart of the construction of a Japanese boat by eight young people from the local Mission

Since March 18, young "marine carpenters" are supervised by a specialist in Japanese boats. The end of the construction site which is taking place at Escale in Sète is scheduled for this Friday, March 29.

"It reassures me in the idea of ​​becoming a cabinetmaker!" With a smile on my face, Vanessa Billet , 22 years old, is delighted to have been chosen by the MLIJBT (Local Youth Integration Mission of the Thau Basin) for this Japanese boat construction project on Escale in Sète.

Currently unemployed, the young person is even more certain of continuing her studies in this field after these two weeks of meticulous work. "There are eight from the local mission on this site and we think that it could give rise to vocations. In any case, we hope so!”, adds Yamina Chihib, director of the MLIJBT and initiator of the project.

Also read: Stopover in Sète 2024: the "little brother" of the Sétois festival will take place in Port-Vendres, from April 12 to 14

Among the other apprentices, Corentin, 21 years old, found himself designing the oars of the 5 m long boat with tools that he absolutely did not know how to use: "I had no experience in woodworking. I won't make it my job, but it's good experience to take to find a job in the future."

End of construction Friday

To be able to finish the Japanese boat by this Friday, the young people are supervised by a big name in the field: Douglas Brooks. The American, who does not speak French and author of five books on these traditional wooden boats, spends half his time building them. With his expert eyes, he is pleased with the quality of the work of these students. "They are very involved. It’s great! It's a little longer than expected, but it'll do, he reassures.

On Wednesday, during our visit to the site, the team which cut, saw, sanded and fitted the wood, moved forward in good humor under the gaze of many curious people. "After having assembled two wooden planks to form the bottom of the boat, we are busy nailing the sides now", says Vanessa Billet who specifies that "the language barrier is not too much of a problem".

Also read: Stopover in Sète 2024: discover the detailed plan of the festival to find all the sailboats, villages and toilets

That left the addition of the reinforcement bars in the middle of the boat, as well as the finishing details. Contrary to what some passers-by think and hope, the boat will not be painted nor will it receive chemicals to enhance it. "We built it respecting traditions, so when we're finished, we'll leave it as is. She will be beautiful", assures Douglas Brooks. If construction ends this Friday, the boat will not go into the water until Monday for the last day of stopover in Sète.

Also read: The Escale à Sète 2024 boats: the traditional boats, the most numerous at the festival