Our aim is to bring the Sainte-Denise-Louise dundee back to life by building an authentic sailing replica. She will take her place in the harbour again and join educational, cultural, tourist and commemorative events. The project is part of the wider effort to promote local maritime heritage.
Our goal is to christen the Sainte-Denise-Louise II at the next gathering of the Little Ships of Dunkirk in 2030.
The Despierres – Bois & Océan yard, based in La Rochelle, is the project’s main technical partner. Labelled Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (a living-heritage company), it specialises in building and restoring wooden boats. The construction site will be set up in Dunkirk.
The budget is 2.8 million euros including tax for the construction phase.
From 2031, the Sainte-Denise-Louise is meant to take the public to sea, following the example of La Granvillaise, which has shown that such a project can work.
The Sainte-Denise-Louise will earn a regular income from day sails on remembrance routes, from maritime festivals and from private events. The Dunkirk Urban Community’s boating tourism department has confirmed that this operation can break even — a key reason for the support of the City of Dunkirk and the Dunkirk Urban Community.
