Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS May 7th:
Arrival of le Biche - Celebrating Galway and Lorient’s enduring maritime relationship

The high seas, whiskey, and 230-year-old maritime links to be celebrated in May

Galway and Lorient’s enduring maritime relationship, stretching back almost two and a half centuries, will be celebrated when the historic Breton sailing vessel, le Biche, sails into Galway Harbour.

Le Biche, a beautifully restored traditional wooden sailing boat, will arrive in Galway on Saturday 10th May at 2pm, accompanied by a flotilla of Galway Hookers and other local sailing boats.

The ship’s arrival will begin a week of maritime events, sailing trips, and adventures, providing an incredible opportunity for the public to connect with traditional sailing culture.

Built in 1934, le Biche is one of the last remaining Dundee-rigged tuna fishing boats which once sailed in their hundreds on the Bay of Biscay. Its arrival will also be a reminder of the enduring maritime links between Galway and Lorient, which began in 1794 with trade in tobacco.

Le Biche will be in Galway from May 10th to May 17th, offering a rare opportunity for the public to experience the thrill of traditional sailing on Galway Bay, on-board visits, and a day trip to the Aran Islands.

“Being able to welcome le Biche in Galway is a wonderful way to mark the 50th Anniversary since the last 5 decades of twinning have been marked by different maritime connections and exchanges,” says Catherine Gagneux, French Honorary Consul - Galway, and head of the Galway-Lorient Twinning committee. “We will certainly hope to continue those connections in the years to come.”

A unique cargo
The arrival of le Biche is part of Brittany Fest Galway 2025, which is this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Galway-Lorient Town Twinning. To celebrate that Golden Anniversary, le Biche will carry a unique, specially created, cargo, drawing on Breton and West of Ireland brewing and distilling traditions.

Galway MICIL Whiskey and Lorient Biere de Groix have partnered their flavours into some special brews. MICIL Whiskey will travel in a beer flavour barril on board le Biche and be sea aged during the trip. Biere de Groix will add MICIL Whiskey to their beer, producing a special edition - a treat then for both whiskey and craft beer connoisseurs.

Experience le Biche
The public is invited to experience le Biche when docked in Galway Harbour, especially during the free public visits on 12th, 13th, 15th,16th and 17th May from 10m to 3pm.