A historical monument for 40 years and travelling the world's oceans for 120 years. You can discover the fascinating history and secrets of the BELEM's maritime past at Open Ship.
The BELEM was launched in 1896 in a shipyard in Nantes, which was characterised by its outstanding shipbuilding skills. In the early years, the three-master travelled across the South Atlantic between French and Latin American ports. After being sold to Demanges Frères in 1907, the sailing ship transported supplies to the Papillon penal colony in French Guyana - ten voyages took her to this remote region. A new owner continued to use the robust ship for overseas routes; the BELEM completed a total of 32 Atlantic crossings before ending commercial service in 1914. Over the following decades, the three-master sailed under various flags, sometimes as a luxurious private yacht, sometimes as a training ship for aspiring sailors or as a floating museum. The historical significance of the BELEM was demonstrated once again in 2024, when it carried the Olympic flame from Piraeus to Marseille, where the Games in Paris were about to begin.
The four lives of the Belem:
- In 1896, the BELEM begins life as a merchant sailer. By 1913, she had crossed the Atlantic to Brazil 32 times.
- In 1914, she became the luxury yacht of the Duke of Westminster. In 1921, Arthur Guinness buys her and names her Fantôme II.
- In 1951, the Cini Foundation acquires the ship for orphans and names her Giorgio Cini.
- In 1979, the Caisse d'Épargne buys the BELEM. She is given back her old name and becomes a naval school.
