The Étoile du Roy, a replica of an 18th century privateer frigate, arrived this Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in the marina of Lorient. Guest of Lorient Océans, a maritime festival which runs until Sunday, the three-masted ship is, with Santa Maria Manuela, one of the two flagship ships of this third edition. Situated in the outer port, the frigate stands out with its mermaid-shaped figurehead (Violette de La Hisse) and its large 35 m high mast. On the poop, where (hydraulic) steering wheels and modern navigation instruments coexist, the view of the city with six ports immediately takes on another dimension. More magical. It’s true, the ship is a dream. “It attracts a lot of people, it’s a bit reminiscent of a pirate ship with its cannons,” smiles Romain Bartolini, the captain.
Cinema decor
Built in 1996 for the needs of the British television series “Hornblower”, the Étoile du Roy, now owned by Bretagne Marine Croisière, continues to serve as a set for the cinema. The most attentive saw her in “Napoleon” by Ridley Scott. “It was he who decided to have it repainted all black.” Romain Bartolini has not forgotten the filming in Malta. A Mediterranean archipelago where the frigate was recently for “The Count of Monte Cristo”, which comes out this Friday with Pierre Niney in the role of Edmond Dantès. The ship “participates in two films per year on average”. The rest of the time, it is at anchor in Saint-Malo or lets itself be discovered during maritime meetings.
Under the quarterdeck, the officers’ wardroom is revealed. “The most beautiful room, the only one that is so bright with its windows.” An 18th century atmosphere has been recreated there. It was the officers’ living space. Nothing to do with the steerage where, over almost 150 m², tables and hammocks stretch out. “It’s the former place where sailors lived.” The replica is only sailing with around ten sailors. “Up to 250 people in the past.” Part of the steerage is configured as a living space, the other half details daily life, the handling of cannons, medicine on board. Below deck, the old hold accommodates machines (two 450 horsepower engines) and cabins.
It still has more charm, I compare it to a collector’s car.
18 km of cordage
The forecastle has become a workplace, particularly during docking and sail maneuvers. The frigate has twelve of them and “around 18 km of rope”. The time to send all this takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The Étoile du Roy can travel at up to 12 knots. ” It is magic. It’s a pleasure and a little pride because we are bringing maritime heritage to life. There was real know-how. It still has more charm, I compare it to a collector’s car.”
Practical
Visit from 10 a.m., this Thursday, June 27, at the marina. The Étoile du Roy will reach the Quai du Why Pas in the evening.
