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Gommiers are the most historic form of
watercraft from Martinique, adopted by the fishermen of the island.
The names is derived from
Gommier,
the tree Gomme or rubber from which the boats are carved
Over time the gommiers were replaced by
yoles made from wood.
Click here
to learn more about gommiers and yoles!
Today, several associations contribute to
maintaining the traditional sport alive, both as a tradition and as
a sport.
Every year approximately 18 regattas for gommiers and skiffs are
organized often with large public and media attendance. The most
important regattas often have thousands of spectators (75.000 at
Schoelcher for the skiff regatta in 2004) and the entire island
focuses on the event.
The races are truly inspiring given the acrobatics of the crews
battling to harness the force of the wind.
In August there is the most important event of the
race calendar, the “Tour de la Martinique”.
To find out more visit the page
Gommiers
and Traditions
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