In Fécamp, 13 children set sail with “Hissons les Voiles”
On September 23, 2026, 13 children aged 8 to 10, supported by the Les Z'Harengs du Cœur association, enjoyed a day discovering Fécamp’s maritime heritage aboard Tante Fine.
This “Hissons les Voiles” outing, organized by Fécamp Vieux Gréements and supported by OLVEA Foundation, gave them the opportunity not only to head out to sea, but above all to take an active part in life on board: discovering sailors’ skills, learning safety rules, helping with maneuvers and hoisting the sails together.
An unusual experience for these children, made possible by the commitment of two Fécamp-based associations that believe discovery, knowledge-sharing and experiences enjoyed together can open up new horizons.
Setting sail, but above all becoming part of the adventure
On board Tante Fine, the children are not simply passengers.
Before setting sail, they learn the essential safety rules that will allow them to take part in the navigation. Then come the explanations, their first sailing terms and the maneuvers.
They listen. They observe. They ask lots of questions. And then, they give it a try.
The children are invited, in particular, to hoist the sails alongside the crew. A moment that perfectly captures the spirit of the day: learning by doing, building confidence and understanding that, on a boat, everyone can contribute and find their place.
Perhaps the most memorable part of the day was their curiosity, their enthusiasm and their eagerness to understand, which could be seen in their eyes.
Stepping aboard a traditional sailing vessel and heading out to sea is no ordinary experience, whatever your age or background.
With “Hissons les Voiles”, sailing becomes a wonderful opportunity for discovery, sharing and learning together.
Two Fécamp-based associations coming together for children
Behind this day is, above all, the meeting of two associations deeply involved in local life.
Fécamp Vieux Gréements keeps Fécamp’s maritime heritage alive and passes it on to new generations, notably by giving different audiences the opportunity to discover sailing. Through “Hissons les Voiles”, this mission takes on an additional dimension: the sea becomes a way to learn differently, discover and share.
For this day, the association chose to work with Les Z'Harengs du Cœur, a Fécamp-based association founded in 2022. Its work notably involves organizing events and raising funds to support people in need.
For these children, the objective goes far beyond a simple day out.
It is about giving them the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, discover what surrounds them and, for one day, step outside their everyday lives.
And this adventure takes on a special meaning in Fécamp: living by the sea does not necessarily mean having already had the opportunity to set sail. This day gave them a different way to discover a heritage that is nevertheless an integral part of their town’s identity.
When philanthropy becomes something tangible
OLVEA Foundation chose to support the “Hissons les Voiles” project led by Fécamp Vieux Gréements. This donation made it possible to organize the day with Les Harengs du Cœur.
This support reflects OLVEA Foundation’s mission: to support projects serving the public interest, particularly in the areas where the OLVEA Group operates, with especially strong historical roots in Fécamp and the surrounding area.
But behind the word “philanthropy”, it can sometimes be difficult to picture what such support really means.
That day, however, it had very real faces.
Thirteen children on a boat. A sail hoisted together. Questions asked to the sailors. Curiosity, enthusiasm and the pride of taking part.
That is also what philanthropy can make possible.
Helping local initiatives thrive
Through this day, the strength and diversity of Fécamp’s network of local associations also shines through.
Volunteers and professionals develop projects, bring people together, share their knowledge and give their time to help others discover, learn or simply enjoy a new experience.
These initiatives exist because people get involved. And to continue growing, they also need partners, volunteers and sponsors willing to support them.
The nonprofit community thrives on these connections and commitments. Whether by giving time, sharing skills or providing financial support for a project, every contribution can help a local initiative go a little further. And perhaps help new adventures like this one come to life.
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