The Ocean Relay: a unique and unforgettable adventure

After its crossing of the Atlantic, the Maxi Banque Populaire XI docked in Pointe-à-Pitre after more than 7 days at sea in front of a large crowd. The Ocean Relay lived up to its ambitions, from the outpouring of joy in Brest at the start on June 7th to the memorable welcome from the Guadeloupeans.

In a festive atmosphere, the crew, who were warmly applauded, received an unforgettable and emotionally rich welcome. They contributed to bringing the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 to the West Indies while conveying a strong message about the preservation of aquatic environments. This crossing also showcased French excellence through four personalities: Marie-José Pérec, Marine Lorphelin, Alexis Michalik, and Hugo Roellinger. Alongside sailors Armel Le Cléac’h, Sébastien Josse, and media man Tanguy Conq, they helped to bring territories closer, raise awareness about ocean preservation, and promote the values of Olympism. They watched over the Olympic Flame of Paris 2024 and shared their adventure with as many people as possible, including many schoolchildren.

Following its majestic arrival in Pointe-à-Pitre, the Maxi Banque Populaire XI once again embarked with the Olympic flame of Paris 2024, heading towards Martinique: a journey of a few hours to Fort-de-France to ignite the first cauldron on the Island of Flowers. A new exceptional crew, composed of athletes from overseas who have and will continue to shine the French sport around the world by winning no less than nine Olympic medals and dozens of international titles, also boarded. On board alongside Armel Le Cléac’h and Sébastien Josse were former fencer Laura Flessel, former swimmer Coralie Balmy, the hopes Keni Piperol-Dampied (sailing) and Thomas Debierre (surfing), and Tony Estanguet, the President of the Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Paris 2024, who is also the godfather of the Maxi Banque Populaire XI.