The Belem is owned and operated by the Belem Foundation set up by the Caisses d'Epargne, BPCE Group, after they bought back the ship in 1979.

 

The basic mission of the Foundation  is to keep the three masted barque Belem as part of France's National Heritage. It is responsible for the maintenance of the  ship, listed as an Historic Monument since 1984.

Its mission is also to keep  the Belem open to the general  public, be it for  sailing or for quayside visits.

 

In the course of its  usual  activity  the Belem Foundation organizes :

- Sailing  trips in which over 1000 trainees take part every year, living according to the customs and traditions of the tall ships.

- Charters to  businesses, to local or national communities for sailing trips or quayside functions.

- Visits aboard the ship.

- Appearances in nautical events.