The Maxi trimaran Banque Populaire XI will bring the Olympic flame across the Atlantic next summer as part of the torch relay en route to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Skipper Armel Le Cléac’h will lead a legendary crew for the historic voyage from 7 June 2024 from Brest to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and then Fort-de-France in Martinique.
It will mark the first time in the Games’ history in the modern era that the Olympic flame crosses the ocean by sail — carried by the winds aboard one of the fastest sailboats in the world, the Maxi Banque Populaire XI.
The boat’s title sponsor Banque Populaire is also official sponsor of the Olympic torch relay and a premium partner of Paris 2024.
Tony Estanguet, president of the organising committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games said: “The Olympic torch relay will be an event in its own right. For 12 weeks, the flame will help unite as many people as possible, promote our territories and generate enthusiasm until the Olympic fortnight.
“The Maxi Banque Populaire XI will participate in this great popular celebration by allowing residents of Brest, Guadeloupe and Martiniquais, as well as all French people, to experience it intensely.
“It is a source of pride to be able to bring the Olympic flame solely by the force of the wind to the other side of the ocean. As sponsor of this boat, I am happy that he can take part in this adventure which will remain etched in history.»
Le Cléac’h added: “I am very proud to participate in this historic event. We are very happy to meet all those who have the same passion for the sea as us, in Brittany and the West Indies and who have been experiencing great offshore racing moments for years.
“It is an honour and a great responsibility to take part in this celebration and to lead the Olympic Flame across the Atlantic, and a joy to share these emotions with all French people.”