The Goélette Alliance - an exceptional sailboat - Capacity: 30 people - Vessel of Heritage Interest
Boarding a traditional tall ship means sailing on an exceptional vessel and discovering seafaring of days gone by. It is also a rare opportunity to discover the landscapes of the Mediterranean coast, the Calanques from Marseille to Cassis, and the beauty of the Frioul Islands and the Bay of Marseille.
The Founders
"Nothing is more effective than a captain who knows where he is going, with his whole crew behind him." Patrick Louis Richard
Attillo, captain
Aboard the Goélette Alliance since 2015
"This sailboat represents, to me, far more than just a means of sailing - it is a meeting place for people from all walks of life."
Alexis, captain
Aboard the Goélette Alliance since 2012
"Being captain aboard the Goélette Alliance is, for me, a chance to keep living my passion, and also to share it with the passengers."
The Crew
Her Story
LECLERC DE HAUTECLOQUE is a former tuna boat built of oak in the purest tradition at the Faou shipyard, in the Bay of Brest, in 1949 for Monsieur Garnier, whose christening name was Leclerc de Hautecloque, with Les Sables-d'Olonne as her home port.
In summer, she fishes for albacore tuna using trolling lines with outriggers off the Azores and in winter flatfish by dredge.
Jacques Vidil acquired her in Nantes in 1981, at the age of 25.
Renamed ALLIANCE, she was rigged as a gaff-rigged schooner and took as her home port Vieux-Port de Marseille.
After three years of hard work, the first cruises began in July 1984.
June 86 : First Mediterranean cruise for the Club Thalassa, on FR3.
October 87 : Alliance wins the "Phocea" Cup in her category in Marseille.
June 88 : A filmmaker and a team of German wreck hunters film, aboardALLIANCE a a television documentary about the Rommel's treasure.
May 89 : FR3 films aboard ALLIANCE a feature film, "CONRAD", based on the life of Joseph Conrad.
July 90 : ALLIANCE takes aboard a group of musicians and produces concerts in Toulon, Cogolin, Antibes and Cap d'Ail as part of ARTS AU SOLEIL, organised by the French Ministry of Culture.
September 94 : ALLIANCE takes part in the Nioulargue in Saint-Tropez.
September 95 : ALLIANCE takes part in the Régates Royales de Cannes.
July 96 : Femme Actuelle organises a scientific expedition aboard ALLIANCE to study the behaviour of cetaceans.
January 98 : Jacques Vidil registers as a sole trader under the trading name Goélette ALLIANCE. ALLIANCE launches a website linked to the City of Marseille's website.
January 2000 : The company is converted into a S.A.S, Jacques Vidil & Associés, with the aim of chartering, operating, managing and maintaining commercial vessels.
It specialises in cruises aboard traditional sailing vessels in the Mediterranean, between Marseille and Italy.
September 2000 : The Marseille Bar Association charters the schooner for the Juris'Cup.
June 2002 : The German television makes a short film about the Count of Monte Cristo.
July 2007 : Henri Salvador records his last music video on board, “Dans mon île”.
September 2008 : The Juris'Cup books Alliance for its VIPs.
June 2009 : The schooner takes part in the Voiles du Vieux-Port.
June 2011 : The French Shipowners' Association (Armateurs de France) books Alliance.
September 2013 : Intercontinental Hôtel Dieu books Alliance for its VIP clients.
Alexis Leroy is hired as skipper aboard Alliance.
March 2014 : First hull refit at the port of Corbières in Marseille.
September 2015 : Attilio Schieppati begins his service on board.
June 2016 : Alexis and Attilio take on independent management of the vessel.
January 2017 : Creation of the new company Voiles Tradition Marseille.
June 2017 : Alliance offers individuals the chance to discover traditional sailing with the new offer: “Shared Cruises”.
January 2018 : The goélette Alliance switches to the French International flag, RIF, and once again offers its cruises to the Italian islands.
Technical specifications
| Type | Wooden gaff-rigged schooner |
| Overall length | 27 metres |
| Beam | 6 metres |
| Draught | 2.60 metres |
| Displacement | 60 Tonnes |
| Deck | Teak and Douglas fir |
| Hull | Oak and iroko |
| Engine | BAUDOIN 240hp diesel |
| Cruising speed | 9 knots |
| Sail area | 350 m² |
Our partners
Eco Nautisme Marseille
🌿Eco Calanques is a Marseille-based company offering hybrid and electric boat cruises to discover the calanques of Marseille and Cassis. It places great emphasis on environmental respect and raising awareness of the preservation of the Calanques National Park.
🚤 Activities offered
🔹 Sea outings
Shared cruises : discover the calanques on a half-day or full-day trip.
Private hire : bespoke events for individuals and businesses.
🔹 Private events
Birthdays : celebrations at sea with customisable options.
Weddings : ceremonies and receptions on board.
Evening events : sunset cocktails in the calanques.
🔹 Corporate events
Seminars : work meetings in an unusual setting.
Team building : activities to strengthen team cohesion.
Product launches : marketing events at sea
⚓ Eco-responsible fleet
Eco Calanques has hybrid and electric boats, limiting CO₂ emissions and noise pollution. As well as a classic, traditional wooden sailboat, Bruine Beer ( www.bruine-beer.com )
🌍 Environmental commitment
The company is committed to minimising its ecological impact by using clean technologies and raising passengers' awareness of marine ecosystem protection. Educational sessions are offered during outings to provide information on local wildlife, plant life and best practice at sea
The Marseille region, rich in exceptional landscapes and natural sites, is the ideal place for a getaway at sea. Whether for a day or a longer stay, renting a sailboat with a skipper guarantees a unique and memorable experience. Discover the benefits of sailboat rental in Marseille, as well as the must-do activities to include in your personalised cruise.
The benefits of a sailboat cruise with a skipper
To make the most of the treasures of the Mediterranean coast, nothing beats a sailboat excursion. Schooner sailing in Marseille stands out through its many bespoke services:
- Full support: the skipper, an experienced professional, handles the sailboat's navigation throughout your cruise, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- A tailor-made itinerary: the skipper knows the region perfectly and will be able to advise you on the best sites to visit, based on your preferences and the length of your stay.
- Safety expertise: the skipper is trained to ensure your safety on board the sailboat and during the various stopovers.
- Friendly guidance: the skipper is also there to share their passion for sailing and the Marseille region with you, making your cruise even more enriching.
Must-see spots on a sailboat cruise departing from Marseille
During your time at sea, several remarkable sites await you. Here are a few suggestions to make your sailboat cruise departing from Marseille rich in discoveries:
The Calanques National Park
Located between Marseille and Cassis, this natural park is a true jewel of the Mediterranean. Its steep cliffs, turquoise-water coves and diverse wildlife and plant life make the calanques an ideal stopover on your sailboat cruise. Among the most famous, don't miss the chance to explore the calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou and En-Vau.
The Frioul Islands
Made up of four islands, the Frioul archipelago lies just a few kilometres from Marseille. During your sailboat cruise, stop off on one of these islands and enjoy the crystal-clear beaches. Be sure to also discover the Île d'If and its famous castle, immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in his novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”.
The Côte Bleue
Stretching from Marseille to Martigues, the Côte Bleue is a true paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Its wild coves, sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages are well worth the detour. Stop off at Carry-le-Rouet or Sausset-les-Pins for a relaxing swim in the heart of an unspoilt setting.
Activities on board during your sailboat rental in Marseille
In addition to the wonderful sites to discover, sailboat rental with a skipper also allows you to enjoy numerous activities at sea:
- Swimming and snorkelling: enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to cool off and observe marine wildlife with a mask and snorkel.
- Fishing: try your hand at sea fishing under the expert guidance of your skipper, and enjoy your catch of the day at a friendly barbecue on board the sailboat.
- Relaxation: let yourself be lulled by the sun and the gentle lapping of the waves on the sailboat's deck, and admire the exceptional views offered by the Mediterranean coast.
- Introduction to sailing: if you'd like to learn more about sailing, your skipper will be delighted to share their knowledge with you and introduce you to the manoeuvres.
In conclusion, renting a sailboat with a skipper in Marseille is the ideal way to discover the wonders of the Mediterranean coast. Whether for a day or a longer stay, this unique experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.