Since September 26, 2020, the Belem Foundation has reopened the famous three-masted ship to visitors in Cannes. It’s an opportunity for boat enthusiasts to take a guided tour aboard a true floating museum. Return in pictures to the deck of one of the oldest sailing ships in Europe.
Launched 124 years ago, the Belem, as imposing as it seems, is still seaworthy despite its age.
Anchored at Port Pierre-Canto in Cannes, near the harbor master’s office, the Belem stands out from the other boats there. As the last of the great French commercial sailing ships of the 19th century still in operation, it alone traces history.
58 meters long, 48 meters of waterline, made of riveted and welded steel, 22 sails, capable of reaching 17 km/h and equipped with two diesel engines (575 horsepower each at a nominal speed of 2500 revolutions per minute), the Belem shines on the seas.
With such structure and popularity, the sailboat is certainly a photo target for tourists and passersby.
Once aboard, one could imagine being in the 19th century, especially with the ship’s decor and all its components. For example, the lifeboats.
Different rooms are indicated by signs when passing through the corridors at port and starboard. Once again, the structure and decor take you back two centuries.
There must be a splendid view from the top of this dizzying mast. 34 meters above sea level to be exact.
The helm, 124 years old. Thanks to this sun-shaped instrument, the captain, Aymeric Gibet (40 years old), is the sole master on board. Thus, he decides the course.
On the upper deck is the communication room. It is in this cabin that the sailboat can intercept messages or calls.
The bow of the boat, not to be confused with the stern (the rear). Here, one finds the three sails called “jibs.” The Grand (53 meters), the Faux (31 meters) and the Small jib (36 meters).
The bell, one of the oldest features of the ship. With the ship’s name engraved on it, it serves as an alarm in case of special situations at sea.
From the upper deck, visitors have the wind in their face. The Belem already seems large when admired from the outside, but one feels it even more once on board.
Here is the main cabin. For anyone requesting a visit for media, a primary, middle, or high school class, the commander invites the responsible parties to fill out an information form.
In the ship’s central cabin is a replica web known in the South of France. Originally from Nice, the internet logo of the French Riviera capital (#ILoveNice) was taken and reformulated to create a #ILoveBelem displayed right next to the Belem’s registration plate.
