The Belem is a three-masted barque 58 metres long and 8.8 metres wide and carries 22 sails, the heaviest weighing 800 kg. Her main mast measures 34 metres above sea level. Between April 26 and May 8, the ship will sail the Mediterranean to bring the flame from Greece to Marseille, the start of the Olympic torch relay on French soil.

Athens

The Belem, a 19th-century three-masted barque measuring 58 meters in length and 8.8 meters in width, has embarked on a journey to transport the Olympic flame from Greece to France. With 22 sails, the largest of which weighs 800 kg, and a main mast soaring 34 meters above sea level, the Belem is navigating the Mediterranean Sea to deliver the flame to Marseille. This marks the beginning of the Olympic torch relay on French soil, with the ship's voyage scheduled between April 26 and May 8.

During a ceremonial send-off at the port of Piraeus, the Paris Olympics' chief organizer transferred the flame to the Belem, triggering cheers and applause from those present. The event was described as historic and emotionally charged, not only for the crew members and 16 apprentice sailors aboard but also for the spectators who gathered to witness the departure. The captain mentioned the significance and pride of being tasked with the transportation of the flame, highlighting the unique responsibility bestowed upon the vessel and its crew.

As the Belem set sail, it was accompanied by a flotilla of boats, with many individuals lining the quay to observe the ship's departure towards France. The presence of the Olympic flame made the departure particularly symbolic, underscoring the unity and celebratory spirit of the Olympic Games. Over the following 11 days, the crew, under the experienced command of a captain in his eighth year at the helm, will be engaged in various tasks essential for the successful conveyance of the flame, culminating in its arrival in Marseille on May 8.



Onboard the Belem, the ship bringing the Olympic flame to France

Cheers and applause for the big send-off. After being carried to the Belem, a 19th-century boat, by the Paris Olympics' chief organiser, the flame left the port of Piraeus. It's a historic departure, taking place under the watchful eyes of crew members and 16 apprentice sailors who are touched to be guardians of the flame. It's very emotional. The whole show and ceremony is also very moving. And now the flame is finally aboard the Belem. It's been handed to us and we'll treasure it. At 10am, the ship set sail for France. All hands were on deck. Meanwhile, the captain left the boat. Belem headed away from Greece, accompanied by dozens of boats as it began its Mediterranean crossing. Many French people flocked to the quay to watch the event. It's a unique opportunity to see something wonderful because the boat is truly fantastic. Seeing the Olympic flame leaving Greece to head to France is really symbolic. On board, the first exercises came one after the other, including lifting the sail, under the supervision of the commander. Now in his eighth year at the helm, he says it's a source of great pride. I never thought that I'd be commander of the Belem, even as a kid. When they told me, I said, I don't believe it. And on top of that, transporting the flame, that's incredible. Belem will be home to the flame for the next 11 days, until its arrival in Marseille on May 8th.

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