The Armada is unveiled in Paris

On Thursday October 4, the 2008 Armada was guest of honour of the General Council at the inauguration of the Maison du Département of the Seine Maritime department in the heart of Paris. On that occasion, the president of the association, Patrick Herr, and the President of the General Council, Didier Marie, announced the programme of festivities.

Young and old alike will be able to enjoy a giant picnic organised on the banks of the Seine, a "pirate's area" and a big wheel.

The arrival of the "Tenacious" (a yacht converted to accommodate twenty or so disabled people for a channel crossing to Great Britain) and the partnership with Sail Training International (organisers of yacht races) have both been confirmed.

New for the coming year's edition, a rowing race on seagoing rowing boats from the Paris region and the Trainees operation which will enable private individuals to play at being sailors during the crossing.

For this 5th edition, the Armada intends to be as green and clean as possible, and rally its stakeholders, partners and the general public around this common cause.

Patrick Herr concluded the meeting by announcing an initial list of the ships that are expected in July and confirmed to date.