Martin Lange
modified to
2:16 p.m., April 27, 2024
The Olympic flame, handed over to France, left Greece this Saturday morning aboard the Belem. In 12 days, she will arrive in the Old Port of Marseille. In addition to Tony Estanguet, president of the organizing committee for the Olympic Games, and a crew of sailors, 16 young French people are part of the trip. Europe 1 was able to speak with them.
The Belem cast off and left Greece, with the Olympic flame on board. It was presented Friday to the president of the organizing committee of the Olympic Games, Tony Estanguet. The famous three masts will take her to Marseille on May 8. On board, there are also young people who make up a good part of the crew.
On board, Sixteen young people aged 17 to 24, from the four corners of the country. These scouts were selected by the Savings Bank, the patron of Belem. Most of them new to sailing, they spent an introductory day on the old rigging. A revelation for Hugo: “Arriving on the Belem for the first time, I was amazed by the beauty of the boat. It remains an immense privilege to go back on board to transport this flame and bring it back to France. It’s crazy “, rejoices the teenager.
Arrival in Marseille in 12 days
To handle this giant of the seas, 58 meters long and made up of 22 sails, they will be helped by the crew made up of 16 sailors under the command of Captain Aymeric Gibet. This joyful troupe will spend 12 days in the Mediterranean before arriving in Marseille, for the highlight of the show. “To see all the boats, all the sea enthusiasts who will welcome us, cheer us with the foghorns and all possible means who will accompany us in the port. I think it will be very very strong. I will come back still at home since I’m from the Var, I will have family and I will be happy to be able to make them proud”, smiles Manon, 24 years old.
The flame will then begin its tour of France, but it will set sail again on June 7 aboard the trimaran Armel Le Cléac’h, this time heading to the Antilles.