Originally, the caïque is a boat made of special wood from the Middle-East. Light, narrow, and with a shallow draught, this rowing or sailing boat was generally used for fishing, but was also used as a liaison boat, according to the ship owners. These days, their modern versions are bigger and are equipped with an engine.
When equipped with sails, two families of caïques can be distinguished: "schooner" caiques whose use is limited to coastal navigation and deep-sea fishing, and "ketch" caïques enabling more flexible sailing.
Advantageous for its traditional side, this type of boat brings its share of magic to the world of pleasure boating. Outfitted to offer all the comforts of coastal cruising, these vessels are particularly prized for their beautiful wooden structures and time-honoured charisma.
Choosing caïque rental for a marine excursion adds a historical dimension to your pleasure boating experience. Sailing on this rustic but very charming boat is a pleasure for the whole family. Although it also remains an attractive option for couples looking for a romantic getaway on the water.
The caïque of yesterday and today
In addition to allowing you to enjoy a relaxing and entertaining cruise, rental of a caïque opens up a chapter in history. Some writings state that the construction of the caïque dates back 2,500 years. It was made in the coastal town of Bodrum, in southwestern Turkey, before becoming the main boat for sponge divers and fishermen along the Aegean coast. Handcrafted by master craftsmen, the caïque is made of regional wood such as mulberry, chestnut and pine. Some caïques were even made with exotic wood such as teak, iroko and mahogany.
The name "caïque" also defined these fishing boats sailing off the coast of Haute-Normandie until the 1960s. Built in Fécamp, this sailing boat had a particular feature. Launched from pebble beaches, this traditional sailing boat was effectively hauled up using a vertical axis winch or capstan. This type of boat also has a particularly rounded bow profile, which makes it a unique boat on the Normandy coast. The Vierge de Lourdes of Fécamp, a caïque from Yport that came out of the Jouan Fiquet shipyard in 1949, is a beautiful example of the traditional caïques that used to sail along the Normandy coast not so long ago.
These, caïque rental is offered by builders who use new technologies, such as wood-epoxy, while remaining faithful to traditional construction methods. Described as a narrow and light boat, the caïque is a shallow draught boat with a curved keel. Having evolved over the centuries, the caïque has been embellished, since the end of the 19th century, with a hull with two pointed ends, two square sails carried by a main mast and a large sprit sail accompanied by its balestron.
An out-of-the-ordinary cruise
Rental of a caïque promises wonderful adventures off the Turkish, Greek, Thai or Italian coasts. This one conveys an entire history that adds a poetic note to your cruise. The caïque also has other undeniable advantages thanks to its large volumes and its ample surfaces. Easy to fit out, the caïque can also be modified as desired and remains a very well-equipped vessel.
By renting a caique, which is perfectly suited for motorised or sailing boat navigation, you will benefit from a maximum cruising speed of 12 knots. With a length that varies between 14 and 15 metres, this boat can accommodate 2 to 12 cabins, all air-conditioned and equipped with a bathroom and a private toilet. Despite their simplicity compared to the big luxury yachts, caïques are very comfortable and pleasant.
Renting a caïque also offers other possibilities. You can take full advantage of the vast space offered by the deck, enjoy a small aperitif in its airy lounge on the back deck, and surrender to sweet idleness in its various relaxation areas on the front deck. And if moments of relaxation and fun await you on-board, these are no less pleasant at anchor. The caïque will ultimately enable you to reach small isolated coves, thanks to its large size, and to anchor close to the shore.
