Les Optimists

The smallest sailboats in the world, Optimists are used to teach sailing to young beginners.

For the 2022 edition of Un Été Au Havre, Lorène Dengoyan installed twenty-six sails on these boats, inspired by the International Code of Maritime Signals. In 2026, the Optimists’ sails are once again adorned with the colors of this universal language, forming and transforming messages on the surface of the water, depending on how the boats are used throughout the summer.

Together, the works Icebergs and The Optimists create a unique landscape on the Bassin du Commerce. This summer, the smallest sailboats in the world navigate among the blocks of ice from the Icebergs installation.

This work was supported by the Nautical and Sports Life Department of the City of Le Havre.