Belem visits London for first time since Olympics

Rob Powell Tall Ships

STUNNING three masted barque Belem returned to the capital last week for the first time since the London 2012 Olympics.

The historic tall ship was used as a floating hospitality base by the French Embassy during the Games which took place seven years ago.

Built in 1896, Belem again visited West India Docks when she returned to London for last week's two day visit.

Her colourful history has seen her trading under sail between the Caribbean, South America and France, then used as a private yacht by the Duke of Westminster, before being renamed Fantôme II by Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness.

She is pictured below approaching and passing through the Thames Barrier with Canary Wharf behind.

OnTheThames.net's photo of Belem with Canary Wharf behind also appeared in the Times newspaper.
Belem arriving in London in the summer of 2012.

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