At the end of the transatlantic voyage—which took place from May 18 to August 30, 2008, to participate in the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city of Quebec—the three-masted ship Belem concludes its sailing season in the Mediterranean.
Thus, at the invitation of the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes, the oldest and most prestigious large French sailing ship will take part in one of the highlights of this Mediterranean season: the revival of the Nice Regattas, which will bring together twenty-three traditional sailboats from September 18 to 20 for races in the magnificent maritime area of the Bay of Angels. This return of Nice to the forefront of yachting news on the French Riviera will allow the Belem to reconnect with its own history, from the time when it sailed under the British flag. Indeed, from 1914 to 1939, it was one of the gems of the Royal Yacht Squadron, owned by the Duke of Westminster and then Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness.
Open to the public
Present alongside the fleet of traditional sailboats, the Belem will be open to visits by schoolchildren and the public: these visits will be exceptionally free, thanks to the support of the General Council, thus facilitating access to the historical monument that is the Belem during this weekend of the European Heritage Days.
The ship will also embark the lucky winners of a contest organized by the General Council for a sea outing on Saturday, September 20.
Find the detailed program at www.regatesdenice.fr.
End of the sailing season: courses and stopovers
The Belem will end its sailing season in mid-October in Toulon, on the occasion of the Biomarine Forum. For all those whom the visit to the Belem inspires with a desire to take to the sea, there are still a few spots available for the last course of the season, a round trip from Toulon to Toulon from October 9 to 12. More information and online registration at www.fondationbelem.com.
