FRENCH LUGGER better known as CHASSE MAREE

[aukepalmhof]

A French lugger better known as “chasse-marée” is a lug rigged vessel, mostly used in Brittany.
Mainly a coaster; renowned for its privateering and smuggling activities, but initially designed to transport fish quickly to shore.
She was also used by the French custom service towards the end of the 18th century.
Large vessels crossed the Atlantic.
The type was first reported in the late 17th century, later some were converted to motor, transporting wine and wood and other produces until the mid-20th century.
A few sailing “chasse marées” were working in the 1960s.
The hull varied with locale, period and size.
Common features were bluff bows, curved stem, rounded stern, with straight vertical sternpost or a counter and raking post.
Long straight keel, generally with drag; sides vertical or tumble home to topsides.
Strong sheer forward. The smaller type had an open waist, larger were decked.
Small cabin aft and some also forward.
Largest type was three-masted, the foremost mast was stepped just abaft the stem, setting a large standing lugsail that usually extended abaft of the mainmast.
Aft raking mainmast set a narrow standing lug. Small lug or leg-of-mutton mizzen on the aft racking mast that pressed against the sternpost, sheeted to a long outrigger.
Light standing rigging of one stay and 2-3 halyards.
Deep bonnet on fore and mainsails. Topsails might set on some or each of the masts.
Jib run out on a bowsprit that was frequently half the length of the hull and could be topped up in close quarters.
Crew when a privateer up to 75 men.
Reported length 10 to 20 metres, eg 11 x 4 x 2m. (draught).

More is given on her by Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasse-mar%C3%A9e

Grenada 1989 75c sg2018, scott1730.
Djibouti 2000 135FD sg 1242, Scott?
From Aak to Zumbra, a dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.