The History of the Tour des Yoles: A Martiniquan Tradition Rooted in the Sea

It’s impossible to talk about summer in Martinique without mentioning the Tour des Yoles Rondes — a one-of-a-kind event that sets both the coasts and hearts ablaze. But do you know the origins of this tradition that is at once sporting, cultural, and deeply tied to Martiniquan identity?

Origins: The Birth of the Yole Ronde

It all began in the 1940s, in the town of Le François, when a local boat builder came up with a new type of vessel. By combining traditional construction techniques from the gommier (a boat carved from the trunk of the gommier tree) and the flat-bottomed yole, he created the yole ronde: a light, fast, and highly maneuverable boat capable of sailing in open sea.

At the time, the yole was not yet a symbol of celebration. It was first and foremost a tool for deep-sea fishing. The sails? They were made from repurposed jute sacks used for transporting sugarcane. Friendly races would spontaneously break out between fishermen on their way back to shore — a playful competition where the loser would owe everyone a drink.

From Improvised Races to “Kous Cannot Arété”

This maritime folklore inspired Georges Brival, a publicist, who had the brilliant idea of organizing formal races between identical yoles. These events, known as “Kous Canot Arrêté”, were an instant success and quickly became highlights of the patronal festivals in Le Robert, Le François, and Le Vauclin.

The first official yole competition was held in 1960, and the enthusiasm it sparked made it clear that this sport deserved a stage of its own.

In 1972, the Société des Yoles Rondes et Gommiers was created, with Brival as president, to carry on and formalize this cherished tradition.

The Tour des Yoles: A Bold Idea That Became a Symbol

Back in 1966, a small group of enthusiasts launched a daring challenge: to sail around Martinique in yoles rondes. Four boats set off, divided across five stages. The following year, the event was held again over four stages, but the 1968 edition was cancelled due to difficult sailing conditions.

Then came 1985, when Georges Brival revived the Tour des Yoles with a strategic twist: introducing advertising on the sails. This allowed yole associations to gain financial support and helped professionalize the event.

That first sponsored edition was won by Désiré Lamon, sailing on the MONOPRIX yole.

A True Martiniquan Institution

In 1989, Alain Dédé succeeded Brival as president, and in 2010, the organization evolved into the Fédération des Yoles Rondes de Martinique, definitively parting ways with the gommier tradition. In 2019, Alain Richard took over the leadership.

Except for a two-year pause during the pandemic, the Tour des Yoles has been held every summer since 1985. It has become the unmissable event of July and August: thousands of spectators follow the stages by sea on support boats or from the shores along Martinique’s coast.

More Than a Race: A Living Heritage

The Tour des Yoles is a major public celebration, a tribute to Martiniquan identity, and an expression of local craftsmanship. It blends adrenaline, strategy, tradition, and solidarity. Every yole is the result of teamwork — from its handmade construction to the intense training of its crew.

For locals, it’s a source of immense pride. For visitors, it’s a unique experience to witness at least once in a lifetime. Whether you’re watching from the beach or aboard a catamaran, one thing is certain — you’ll feel the emotion of the Tour des Yoles.