the Olympic flame will cross the Mediterranean on a sailboat

The Belem is a majestic sailboat. Usually, the Olympic flame passes from one country to another by plane, but for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it will travel on the French boat for 12 days crossing the Mediterranean. On the sailboat, navigation is done the old-fashioned way, with traditional methods from the 19th century. In addition to professional sailors, 16 young trainees were selected across France.

The flame will stay in a spacious room, located below the main deck. To avoid fires, the flame will not shoot out of the torch, as during the relay. The fire will be contained in a lantern. The flame must never go out, but Aymeric Gibet, commander of the Belem, would like it to reach the top of the mast, located 38 meters high. This boat adventure is a first in Olympic history. The Belem will depart on Saturday April 27 at 11 a.m.