Paris 2024: The Belem, carrying the Olympic flame, on its way to France
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00:00 Cheers and applause for the big send-off.
00:08 After being carried to the Baleme, a 19th century boat, by the Paris Olympics chief
00:13 organiser, the flame left the port of Piraeus.
00:18 It's a historic departure, taking place under the watchful eyes of crew members and 16 apprentice
00:24 sailors who are touched to be guardians of the flame.
00:28 It's very emotional.
00:30 The whole show and ceremony is also very moving.
00:35 And now the flame is finally aboard the Baleme.
00:40 It's been handed to us and we'll treasure it.
00:43 At 10am, the ship set sail for France.
00:47 All hands were on deck.
00:48 Meanwhile, the captain left the boat.
00:52 Baleme headed away from Greece, accompanied by dozens of boats as it began its Mediterranean
00:57 crossing.
00:59 Many French people flocked to the quay to watch the event.
01:03 It's a unique opportunity to see something wonderful because the boat is truly fantastic.
01:09 Seeing the Olympic flame leaving Greece to head to France is really symbolic.
01:14 On board, the first exercises came one after the other, including lifting the sail, under
01:19 the supervision of the commander.
01:21 Now in his eighth year at the helm, he says it's a source of great pride.
01:25 "I never thought that I'd be commander of the Baleme even as a kid.
01:28 When they told me, I said, 'I don't believe it.'
01:31 And on top of that, transporting the flame, that's incredible."
01:35 Baleme will be home to the flame for the next 11 days until its arrival in Marseille on
01:39 May 8th.
01:40 [BLANK_AUDIO]