The Olympic Torch sets sail for an exceptional crossing aboard Maxi Banque Populaire XI

On Friday 7 June, a unique chapter of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay began, with the Ocean Relay. Thanks to Banque Populaire, one of the sponsors of the Olympic Torch Relay, the Olympic Torch takes on a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

The crossing will be undertaken aboard Maxi Banque Populaire XI, the famous Ultim class trimaran skippered by Armel Le Cléac’h – a major figure in ocean yacht racing and the quickest sailor to complete a tour of the world in a monohull boat.

Alongside him during the crossing will be another yachtsman, Sébastien Josse, who is also a major figure in sailing, as well as a legendary crew made up of personalities who embody French success and know-how.

Marie-José Pérec, the only Frenchwoman to become a triple Olympic champion in athletics, Marine Lorphelin, an Olympic Torch Relay ambassador, Alexis Michalik, a star of French theatre and Hugo Roellinger, a chef with two Michelin stars, set sail this evening with a mixture of excitement and emotion alongside the two yachtsmen.

The imposing maxi-trimaran left Brest, with the Olympic Torch carefully preserved in a lantern on board, heading to the West Indies to experience a historical adventure.

By transporting the Flame to France’s overseas territories, the Ocean Relay is enabling French people all over the world to take part in this great popular festival and celebrate the Games.

The Ultim boat is expected to arrive on 15 June in Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe before heading to Martinique on 16 June with a new crew on board, made up of overseas sportspeople, to celebrate the success of the overseas French sportspeople of the past, present and future.

At the same time as the great crossing undertaken by Maxi Banque Populaire XI to the West Indies, the Olympic Torch, transported in lanterns, will successively illuminate French Guyana on 9 June, La Réunion on 12 June and French Polynesia on 13 June.

Follow the Olympic Torch Relay here.