Le Peuple de la mer

In a quiet French port just before the war, young Urbain Coët slips out at dawn, drawn by the promise of a newly finished barque that his father‑in‑law’s workshop has crafted. A sudden flare of light and the crack of splintered wood turn his simple walk into a tense midnight watch, as he scrambles to extinguish a hidden blaze and keep the vessel safe. The night stretches long, his senses sharpened by the smell of burning timber and the echo of distant waves.

When daylight breaks, Urbain discovers the massive twenty‑seven‑foot boat, its sturdy hull rising like a giant oak trunk from the workshop’s dust. Three generations of builders—grandfather, father, and grandson—celebrate the achievement with quiet pride, their seasoned hands still stained with sawdust. Their camaraderie hints at the hard work and looming storms ahead, setting the stage for a tale of craftsmanship, loyalty, and the sea’s restless call.