T398 - Le Renard custom

Le Renard was a famous French privateer launched in 1812 and commanded by Robert Surcouf, one of France’s most legendary naval captains. Renowned for her speed and agility, she became a symbol of French maritime prowess during the Napoleonic era.

Each model is meticulously handcrafted from scratch by master artisans using original ship plans, historical drawings, and archival photographs. Built to exact scale from premium hardwoods such as western red cedar, rosewood, and mahogany, every model is individually constructed using the traditional plank-on-frame method – mirroring the techniques used in real shipbuilding. Hundreds of hours are devoted to each piece, followed by a rigorous quality control process to ensure museum-level accuracy and finish.

This model showcases Le Renard’s elegant black hull accented with a classic yellow gun stripe, finely stitched natural-fabric sails, and an intricate web of hand-tied rigging. Authentic deck details, including cannons, fittings, and lifeboat, bring the vessel to life, while the French naval flags and solid wooden display base with nameplate complete this striking presentation.

A timeless centerpiece, this Le Renard model is perfect for home decor, offices, libraries, or as an exceptional gift for maritime enthusiasts and collectors.

History

Le Renard was a French privateer schooner launched in 1812 for the famous corsair Robert Surcouf. Built in Saint-Malo, the vessel was designed for speed and agility, enabling it to chase merchant ships and evade naval patrols. As one of Surcouf’s last commissioned ships, Le Renard symbolized the height of French privateering during the Napoleonic era.

In its brief but notable career, Le Renard captured several enemy vessels and demonstrated the effectiveness of fast, lightly armed privateers. The ship’s legacy was revived in 1991 with the construction of a full-scale replica in Saint-Malo. Today, the modern Le Renard sails as a living museum, preserving the maritime spirit and corsair history of Brittany.