Gallop into History: Meet the Visionaries Who Brought a Horse to the Seine for Paris 2024
Galloping on the Seine: A Stunning Visual Feat
Engineering the Scene
The production team crafted a trimaran capable of mimicking the fluid motion of a horse galloping across water. This specialized vessel offered both stability and speed, essential for the delicate choreography required on the Seine.
Design Highlights
- Hydrodynamic Hulls: Three carefully shaped hulls reduced drag and allowed for swift, controlled movement.
- Strobe Lighting: Adjusted to reflect the shimmering effect of water, creating a seamless illusion.
- Safety Harnesses: Designed to securely hold the horse during maneuvers without compromising its natural gait.
Finding the Perfectly Skilled Rider
Searches extended throughout equestrian circles to locate a rider adept at balancing both agility and precision. Visionary jockey Jane Doe emerged as the ideal partner, her experience in dynamic performances aligning perfectly with the project’s demands.
Public Exhibition Details
Once trailer tests concluded, the spectacle has been scheduled for Paris beginning in October. Visitors will witness the horse’s seamless passage across the river, a testament to the blend of engineering, artistry, and equestrian expertise.
Stunning Drones and Steed: Paris 2024 Opening Highlights
Electric Trimaran Sets the Stage
A 1.80‑metre long electric trimaran stole the show during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony on 26 July. Designed by the Breton firm MMProcess at the Blam Workshop, the sleek craft carried a masked woman astride a robotic horse, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle along the Seine.
Engineering a Low-Profile Marvel
- Construction spanned one full year, demanding meticulous planning and execution.
- Initial trials took place at sea in June, near Saint‑Pierre‑Quiberon in Morbihan.
- Subsequent tests were conducted under strict secrecy in the heart of Paris during late‑night hours.
- Co‑founder Madeg Ciret‑Le Cosquer of MMPProcess highlighted the main hurdle: keeping the vessel’s draft minimal, with just 15 cm protruding above the water line.
Behind the Scenes
The project’s success hinged on advanced materials and cutting‑edge propulsion techniques, ensuring a smooth glide along the river while maintaining stability for the faux equestrian performance.
Social Media Moment
MMProcess celebrated the achievement with a post on Instagram, showcasing the finished trimaran and the awe‑inspiring opening sequence.
From creator to skilled horse rider
Illusion of a Flying Creature: MMPProcess’s Trimaran Triumph
The MMPProcess team set out to make it appear as if a mythical animal were soaring over the waves. To achieve this, they built a sleek trimaran and searched for an expert who could mount the mechanical horse with confidence.
Finding the Perfect Rider
- They considered both horse riders and professional pilots.
- Despite their efforts, no suitable candidate emerged because the required skill level was deemed too risky.
- Finally, the role fell to the instrumentally crucial engineer and trimaran co‑creator: Morgane Suquart.
In a reflective interview, Suquart said:
“I really, really enjoyed it – it was a magical moment; the pleasure was unquestionably far above any stress or fear.”
Experience the Launch
To see how the opening ceremony’s illusion came together, watch the accompanying video (link omitted).
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