Galway Bay Sailing Club

Celebrating 50 years of Maritime History

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the twinning of Galway and Lorient, two coastal cities deeply connected by their rich maritime heritage. To celebrate this special occasion, the historic French wooden sailing vessel, Le Biche, will be making a visit to Galway, offering an incredible opportunity for the public to connect with traditional sailing culture.

Le Biche will be in Galway from May 9th to May 20th,, offering a rare opportunity for the public to step back in time and experience the thrill of traditional sailing on Galway Bay.

The event is been organised by the official Galway - Lorient twining committee as part of a wider set of celebrations to celebrate this special 50th anniversary.

Le Biche - A Floating Piece of History

Le Biche is a beautifully restored traditional wooden sailing boat and a symbol of France’s proud maritime tradition. Built in 1934, she is one of the last remaining Dundee-rigged tuna fishing boats from the Bay of Biscay. Lovingly maintained to preserve her historical significance, a fishing boat once built in the hundreds during the golden days of sail fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, they were once a common sight from the Sables d’Olonne to Concarneau and the island of Yeu, Etel and Ille de Groix.

A Celebration of Galway & Lorient’s Shared Heritage

This event is not just about the boat—it is a celebration of the longstanding friendship between Galway and Lorient, two cities united by their deep maritime traditions, love of sailing, and commitment to preserving their coastal legacies. We invite everyone to join us in welcoming Le Biche to Galway, celebrating 50 years of twinning, and embracing the maritime spirit that continues to unite these two great cities.

Step Aboard Le Biche: A Journey to the Past

Le Biche will be in Galway from May 14th to May 20th, docking at the city’s harbor. During her visit, she will offer exclusive sailing experiences on Galway Bay, allowing passengers to reconnect with the maritime traditions of old while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. This is your chance to sail as generations before us did—powered by the wind, guided by the stars, and immersed in the timeless beauty of the sea.

Departure / Return is set by the tides which govern by the opening and closing of the socks gates.

All persons must be on board by 7 :30 am on the 16th.

Returning between 7pm and 9pm.

All events are scheduled weather permits

General Itinerary

• Welcome
• Safety Briefing and Orientation
• Departure
• Sail on Galway Bay
• Get Hands On
• Traditional Breton Picnic
• History of Le Biche
• Return

Click on the Register button at the top of the page to Book

Places can be booked Individually below

For Groups or Corporate. or if you need any further information email Catherine at galwaylorienttwinning@gmail.com

The Galway-Lorient Twinning Committee would like to thank the Galway Bay Sailing Club (GBSC) for kindly allowing the use of their website and booking system to help coordinate this unique sailing experience.

The GBSC is acting solely as a booking facilitator and accepts no responsibility or liability for the organisation, safety, or delivery of the events being offered.

All activities aboard Le Biche are conducted under the vessel’s own commercial license and insurance.