A Guernsey-born former sailor, carpenter, and shipowner in pursuit of new horizons. The steamship La Durande, which he built as a product of his own genius and courage, is a machine feared by all the Channel Islands, but it brought him great wealth and respect. Instead of marrying, he raised his orphan niece Déruchette, whom he loved like a sister, in a pampered way. He is a stubborn but very well-intentioned person who hates priests and believes in progress. When Clubin deliberately sinks the ship, he suffers a mental collapse; with the rescue of the engine, he returns from the brink of death. Although he insists on keeping the promise he made to Gilliatt, he has the virtue to accept the situation when he learns of his daughter's love.
Since his youth, he has traveled the world as a crew member on the ocean, working as a carpenter, sailor, and captain, coming to understand the sea and nature inside and out. He became wealthy in his 60s and built his greatest project, the ship La Durande. He dedicated his life solely to his ship and his niece Déruchette.
A muscular old sea dog in coarse sailor clothes, with a mane reminiscent of a foam-crowned lion, possessing massive, statue-like proportions, gray hair, and sturdy shoulders.
Gilliatt
He sees him as a hero of his own blood and blesses him for being the one who performed the miracle of his ship.
Déruchette
He treats her with respect and affection as though she were a delicate infant or a queen. She is the sole symbol of his happiness.
Sieur Clubin
He was deceived by his ostensibly strict and principled demeanor and trusted him unwaveringly.
Ebenezer Caudray
He harbors a preconceived aversion toward him because he is a clergyman, yet he maintains the boundaries of courtesy.