Lausanne-Ouchy | La Vaudoise

"Lausanne-Ouchy, La Vaudoise," celebrates the rich history and enduring legacy of the remarkable boat La Vaudoise. Built in 1932 for Mr. Eloi Giroud de Villeneuve under the name "La Violette," La Vaudoise is the last remaining vessel of its kind designed for goods transportation on Lake Geneva. The boat was crafted at the renowned La Vaudoise shipyard in Bret-Locum, situated on the French coast of the lake. With its classic rigging known as "Meillerie," featuring two Latin sails and a jib, La Vaudoise exudes a timeless charm.

Throughout its operational years, La Vaudoise, like many other boats on Lake Geneva, played a vital role in transporting construction materials such as stones, sand, gravel, and wood. However, in 1948, these transport activities ceased. It was during this pivotal year that La Violette was acquired by La Confrérie des Pirates d'Ouchy (Brotherhood of Pirates of Ouchy) under the visionary initiative of Dr. Francis Marius Messerli. Their noble endeavor aimed to preserve the last Latin sailing boat on Lake Geneva, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Renamed La Vaudoise, the boat evokes the vibrant era when Lake Geneva thrived with bustling vessels, seamlessly blending into its scenic landscape. Today, La Vaudoise continues to grace Ouchy and Lake Geneva with its timeless presence, sailing almost daily during the summer. This cherished boat serves as a poignant reminder of our rich maritime past, thanks to the dedicated crew and the countless efforts put into its maintenance and renovations, ensuring its navigability as a living testament to our heritage.