The iconic French sailing ship “Belem”which will carry the Olympic Flame by sea for the first time, sailed yesterday to the port of Piraeus.

The Mayor of Piraeus, Yiannis Moralis, was given a tour of the historic ship by the Ambassador of France to Greece Mrs. Laurence AUER and the captain of the ship, Aymeric Gibet, where they exchanged ceremonial gifts.

The historic three-masted ship, which moored at the Xaveri Coast, just below the Lion of Piraeus and was accompanied by the French Navy Frigate LOIRE F/S, was warmly welcomed by students from Piraeus schools, holding Greek and French flags, while the Philharmonic Orchestra Wind players of the Municipality, played well-known melodies of Piraeus.

It is recalled that, on Saturday, April 27 and after the Olympic Flame will have completed its journey throughout Greece, the French sailing ship “Belem” will depart from Piraeus, carrying the Flame to the port of Marseille, where it is expected to arrive on May 8, 2024.

The ship’s reception was also attended by the Deputy Municipal Councilor Alexandra – Gerasimoula Toumazatou, the Municipal Councilor Angelos – Ioannis Bouldoumis, the Director of the Piraeus Minors Protection Company “The Good Shepherd” Angeliki Kouzoumis, the Councilor of the Mayor of Piraeus Yiannis Vlontakis and others.

The Mayor of Piraeus, Yiannis Moralis, in his statement, emphasized:

“Yesterday we welcomed in Piraeus the historic sailing ship “Belem”, which in a few days will carry the Flame of the Olympic Games, for the first time by sea, from our city to Marseilles, a city twinned with Piraeus. It is a symbol of France’s maritime tradition, which has been designated a “Historical Monument” as it dates back to 1896, the same year the modern Olympic Games began, and remains operational to this day. It is indeed impressive. I would like to thank the Ambassador of France in Greece Mrs. Laurence AUER, the Trois-mâts Belem Foundation and the captain of the ship, Aymeric Gibet, for the hospitality and the excellent tour of the ship.