Fi d’galarne – “flattie”- Loire barge

This Loire “flattie” was used for fishing eels and shads in 1850-1900. Possessing a flat bottom allows it to be manoeuvred with a pole in the shallow waters of the river upstream from Angers. Its original rudder, which is positioned on one of the raised sections at the end of the vessel, consists of a slanting oar on a wooden support extended by an immersed rudder blade. The rigging consists of a large square sail to enable the vessel to sail against the current even in calm winds. It can be reduced by tying the upper section to the yard.