Description

The France II was a French sailing ship and the second one of that name. She was the second largest commercial merchant sailing ship ever built. This model ship is entirely  handmade by skilled and experienced craftsmen, using the plank on frame construction method. This France II model ships are build according to scale through original plans, drawings and paintings as well as actual photographs ensures the highest possible accuracy.

France II – the second largest commercial merchant sailing ship ever built. Built in 1911 at the yards (“Chantiers et Ateliers de la Gironde”) located on the banks of the river Garonne in Bordeaux to the plans of chief designer Gustave Leverne (1861–1940) for the nickel ore trade and was owned by the “Société Anonyme des Navires Mixtes (Prentout-Leblond, Leroux & Cie.)”.

The vessel had some wooden components built in, including wooden deck covering, a beautiful lounge equipped with a piano and precious furniture, seven luxury passenger cabins, a library, a darkroom, and seawater therapy equipment. She could take passengers in luxury accommodation in addition to carrying cargo, making her one of the most elegant sailing cargo carriers.

She was the largest sailing ship ever built around the time of construction and was destined for the nickel ore trade. Her crew consisted of: captain; second captain; a naval officer (vice-captain); first, second and third mates; and 40 seamen, which increased to 45 in 1919. France II was one of the most elegant sailing cargo carriers, offering passengers luxury accommodation alongside the standard on board storage capacity. The ship featured seven luxury passenger cabins, a library, a darkroom and even seawater therapy treatment.