The Armada was founded in 1986. Its first edition was held in 1989 under the name of «Voiles de la liberté» to celebrate the bicentenary of the Revolution, under the sponsorship of Eric Tabarly. Now a regular event, this great sailing festival also welcomes warships.
The Armada, a gathering of sailing ships in Rouen since 1986, also hosts warships. Military frigates or customs patrollers are popular with the public attending this maritime festival. Report on the Plover, then on the Dutch minehunter, the "Makkum" and interview of its commander, Lieutenant Menno VISSER. Visit of the customs patrol, the Jacques Oudart Fourmentin and interview of his commander Thierry GONZALES.
Olivier de KERSAUZON is one of the sponsors of the armada of the century, he is currently the record holder of the round the world sailing. Nicknamed the admiral, he was already present for the sails of freedom in 1989 and the armada of freedom in 1994. For him the old riggings are part of the maritime culture.
Interviewed, Patrick HERR, president of the association organizing the Armada and one of the creators of this event, looks back on what started this festival of tall ships in 1986 and 1989, the very first edition.
Visit of the Druzhba, a Soviet school ship that participates in the Voiles de la Liberté, a demonstration that brings together tall ships in Rouen, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the French Revolution. Interview with the captain.
In 1989 will be held the first edition of "Les voiles en liberté" which will celebrate the bicentenary of the French Revolution. This party will bring together tall ships in Rouen. The navigator Eric TABARLY will participate. Interviewed, he explains the reasons.
Report in Rouen on the Armada, a group of sailing boats from around the world. Many spectators come to admire and visit the boats. The commentary on factual images alternates with the testimonies of visitors and the interview of Maurizio BONORA, captain of the ship "Amerigo Vespucci".