AJD association

Amis de Jeudi-Dimanche

Meaning of A.J.D

In 1951, Père Jaouen with Père Gounon were in charge of the leisure activities of teenagers living in rehabilitation centres. They would take them to the countryside (and already at that time to the Aber Wrac'h in Brittany) and they had bought a van suitable for the transportation of the kids. The registration papers for the vehicle beared the name "Aumonerie de la jeunesse délinquante" (chaplaincy for juvenile delinquency) and the acronym AJD was added onto the back license plate of the vehicle, according to the rules of the times. Nobody knew what AJD stood for; one day, someone curious asked its meaning to one of the teenagers, and although the youngster didn't have the faintest idea, he spontaneously replied : les Amis du Jeudi-Dimanche (the friends of Thursdays and Sundays). A quite logical answer, since these were the days the Pere Jaouen would take the kids out. This cute designation remained ever since.

The association

A.J.D is a "general interest" association. It was created in 1951, and its main objective is to organize training and rehabilitation periods for problem young people and also introductory courses to sailing open to all.

The training focuses mainly on learning all the sea trades and how to live a community life with others. The 3-mast schooners Bel Espoir II and Rara Avis, along with Stagadon island and AJD shipyard can accommodate hundreds of young people each year. The association employs 3 people year round, the rest of the staff being volunteers. It is operating thanks to the dedication of Pere Jaouen and some close family and friends along with the trainees staying there.

Bel Espoir II and Rara Avis

We organize transatlantic cruises on the Bel Espoir and Rara Avis departing from Brest. Generally the two boats leave Brest for Martinique in December. After staying a few months in the West Indies, the cruise resumes in April, the boats sailing to New York then crossing the ocean back to Brest. The boats are back in Europe in July.

The trainees have to take part in all the tasks required onboard. No specific sailing skills are required. The desire to go and the capacity to live in a group are the most important and crucial qualities required.

Stagadon island

The wonderful little island of Stagadon, off the Aber Wrac'h shores, opens the doors of its Breton rough paradise to groups and individuals wishing to spend some days on this secluded piece of land. Its farmhouse formely used to collect wrach, has been restored and converted in the Bel Espoir style and it can accommodate up to 20 visitors. A wide choice of sea sports are available : sailing, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing, and for those preferring the ground to the sea, gardening and growing vegetable.

A contribution towards costs is required, covering accommodation, food, boat trips to Stagadon and activities. The participants should observe the same rules of life as the ones onboard Bel Espoir II, i-e take part in the daily tasks required by a community life.

Bel espoir, Rara Avis and Stagadon are open to all: single persons, couples, families, friends, groups of young people, groups of retired people, seminars, companies, etc. Accommodation capacity 24 guests (+ crew)

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Amis de Jeudi-Dimanche Association

Association with a "general interest" certification and authorized to receive donations and legacy.
siret 775 692 130 00021