No doubt: the COJO Paris 2024 wants to launch its torch relay on May 8 in Marseille, with a huge crowd. As proof, the appeal launched on Monday March 25 aimed not only at the public, but also at boaters and sea professionals. A platform has been designed for the latter, where they can register for free now to the maritime parade which will accompany the entry into the Old Port of Belem, the three-masted ship which will have hosted the Olympic flame during its 12-day crossing of the Mediterranean from the Greek port of Piraeus. A thousand boats are expected – the number of registrations is limited to 1.024 – to escort the Belem in the harbor of Marseille, to the entrance to the Old Port. Semi-rigid boats must have a maximum power of 250 horsepower, like motor ships, but without exceeding the size of 24 m in length. The sailboats cannot exceed 41 m, so as not to overshadow Belem and its 58 m. The arrival of the three-masted vessel in the Old Port, where it is expected to dock around 19:00 p.m., will kick off the four-month torch relay until the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on Friday July 26.
