Handcrafted Wooden Model - Thonier de Groix (46cm)

The Vessel

Celebrate the golden age of traditional French seafaring with our meticulously Handcrafted Wooden Model of the Thonier de Groix. Built using authentic plank-on-frame construction methods by master artisans, this premium replica honors the rugged, sea-faring workhorses of the Atlantic tuna fleets. This model features balanced proportions at 46cm long and 46cm high, beautifully showcasing the boat’s distinctive profile. It is fully equipped with its signature long outrigger poles (tangons) used to deploy fishing lines, precision-knotted rigging, and a finely detailed deck complete with wooden hatches and cargo structures. Finished with a rich, protective lacquer that highlights the natural grain of the premium timber, this model comes mounted on a sturdy wooden display baseboard with a brass nameplate. It makes a stunning, nostalgic centerpiece for home libraries, coastal-themed living areas, or seasoned maritime collectors.

Maritime History

Originating from the island of Groix in Brittany, France, the "Thonier" was a highly specialized sailing dundee developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for offshore dundee-style tuna fishing. Engineered to brave the rough, unpredictable waters of the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean, these vessels were famous for their speed, maneuverability, and robust wooden hulls. The most defining feature of the Thonier de Groix was its pair of immensely long wooden outrigger poles, which were lowered horizontally over the water when fishing to prevent lines from tangling. As steam and diesel power took over in the mid-20th century, these elegant wooden sailing fishing boats gradually disappeared from active service. Today, they are remembered as symbols of Breton courage, maritime ingenuity, and classic French naval craftsmanship.