Biche, the last Dundee-rigged
tuna boat in Groix

Biche is the last Dundee-rigged tuna boat of the Atlantic, a fishing boat built by the hundreds up until the eve of the Second World War.

Its image remains associated with the golden days of sail fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, from the Sables d’Olonne and the island of Yeu to Etel, Groix, Concarneau or Douarnenez.

After the fierce storm hit France in 1930, the structure and forms of Dundees had reached their balance. A large number of navigators and artists were struck by the harmony of their well-distributed sail plans and their elegant and robust hulls.

Biche was built in the Sables d’Olonne in 1934 by the Chauffeteau shipyard and registered to its boss Ange Stéphan from the island of Groix. Ange was nicknamed “Ange-Biche”.

80 years after its launch, Biche underwent a complete restoration from 2009 to 2012: the hull was renovated by the Chantiers du Guip, the rigging was redesigned by the association Les Amis du Biche after a lot of research, not to forget the sails were tailored by the Maison Burgaud under the supervision of the naval architect François Vivier.

Back on the sea on June 22, 2012, Biche can now navigate in full safety for trips of one to several days. It can accommodate 16 people for a several-day long trip, 30 for a day trip and 70 for a quay-side celebration (including crew).

Today Biche is powered by two 90-horsepower Perkins engines. Its facilities include a functional kitchen, two toilets, one shower, and 16 very comfortable bunks. Its water capacity is 1400 liters, its diesel fuel capacity is 1400 liters as well. All of these facilities allow the greatest number of people to navigate on the last Dundee-rigged tuna boat of the Atlantic Ocean in optimal comfort and safety.

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Biche today