As part of the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a recent announcement caused a sensation: the Belem, a majestic three-masted ship, was chosen to transport the Olympic flame from Greece to Marseille. A bold decision full of symbolism since this ship, a true flagship of the French navy, will now play a central role in this prestigious international event.
The Belem, a three-masted barque 58 meters long, is a survivor of time, a privileged witness to maritime history and the evolution of navigation. Its tumultuous history, which takes it from the commercial seas to the waters of Venice via the English and Italian pavilions, makes it a true floating myth, both robust and graceful.
Capable of accommodating a mixed crew of 16 professional sailors and up to 48 trainees, the Belem combines tradition and modernity. Its long, slender silhouette and 22 impressive sails make it a breathtaking spectacle, worthy of major international nautical gatherings.
Aymeric Gibet, captain of the ship, single-handedly embodies this fusion between past and present, between ancestral know-how and contemporary demands. His responsibility to guide not only the Belem on the waves but also to watch over the sacred flame of the Games is a real challenge, an honor, and a great responsibility.
The planned arrival of the Belem in Marseille, escorted by a grandiose nautical parade, promises an unforgettable spectacle. More than a thousand ships could gather to pay tribute to this legendary ship and welcome the start of the Olympic adventure in France.
Ultimately, the Belem is not simply a means of transport for the Olympic flame; it is a true player in the making of history, an emblem of French maritime greatness, and a poignant reminder of our maritime heritage. This epic crossing of Belem, between tradition and modernity, past and future, is a captivating example of the human capacity to reinvent itself while preserving the treasures of the past. An exceptional adventure, a voyage on the high seas that takes you well beyond simple geographical boundaries.
For more information on the Belem’s transport of the Olympic flame, you can visit the following article links:
– Fatshimetrie
– France24