On Thursday, December 17, the intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO officially included the traditional Yole sailboat of Martinique in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, a candidate that was fully supported by the Presidency of the French Republic and the French Ministry of Culture.
Martinique receives this honor with great enthusiasm. Karine Mousseau, Martinique’s Tourism Commissioner was moved to say: “Martinique’s traditional Yole is much more than simply a boat. It symbolizes the people of Martinique, that, united by their traditions and culture, can brave the elements. We are truly honored that UNESCO has chosen to distinguish our know-how, history and cultural heritage.”
Yole boats are constructed with painstaking detail in the grand tradition of Martinican fishing vessels initially developed by local craftsmen in the 40’s. Each vessel flies brightly colored rectangular sails over rounded canoe-like wooden hulls made from local pear trees. As distinctive in style as they are challenging to sail, quick and agile yawl boats test the mettle of even the most experienced sailors; their rounded hulls ensure an instant capsize if ever the vessels should come to a stop at sea.
The boats are the centerpiece of the Tour des Yoles Rondes, the race that is a highlight of the annual Martinican social calendar each summer for 35 years and counting. Teams representing various towns across Martinique compete alongside international competitors from neighboring islands on the route that literally circles the Island of Flowers. Akin to Carnival, supporters on land cheer on their teams with boisterous enthusiasm and bountiful parties. Similarly, the party extends to the high seas where hundreds of yachts, catamarans and other private vessels trail the racers partying along the way.
It is the island’s first UNESCO recognition, but hopefully not the last. In view of Martinique’s successful application made by its steering committee, Martinicans are confident about the two subsequent candidacies. The island is a candidate for the UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserves list and its volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique are candidates for inclusion on UNESCO’S Natural sites lists.
