Esterel was built to comply with the First International rule and was commissioned by the Michel brothers.
Later purchased by Patrick Williamson, owner of a shipyard at Pointe-Rouge, in 1990. She was immediately given a complete restoration that saw her return to her original splendour.
In 1992, the year she took part in the Brest rally, French yachting legend Eric Tabarly suggested that Esterel be designated a national historic monument.