Port Elizabeth welcomes the Phoenician Ship

Yesterday 24 February 2010 I had the privilege to join the Rescue 6 Team from the NSRI Port Elizabeth and escort the Phoenician Ship into the Port Elizabeth harbor. The aim of the Ship builder Khalid Hammoud and the Phoenician crew; Attempt to re-create the Phoenicians’ epic voyage around the continent of Africa in a traditionally built replica Phoenician / Mediterranean vessel.

I found myself drooling at the authenticity of the ship and how it was built. From the rigging right through to the rudder, everything was done the old fashion way.

Phoenicia is a bold and ambitious expedition which seeks to rediscover and document the secrets of ancient Phoenician mariners. It will re-create one of mankind’s greatest exploratory voyages in the history of seafaring by bravely attempting to sail the reconstructed Phoenician/Mediterranean vessel around Africa and ultimately back to the United Kingdom.

The project aims in brief:

• To build the first reconstruction of a large Phoenician/Mediterranean vessel and attempt to re-create the first circumnavigation of ancient Africa.
• To publicise the maritime skills and achievements of the Phoenicians through a wide range of media and to assist in the preservation of an ancient cultural heritage.
• To test, from an exercise in experimental archaeology, the performance characteristics of the Phoenician/Mediterranean ship under sail.
• To document the practical issues experienced in building and sailing a ship of this type.
• To provide a number of young adults with the opportunity to participate in a once in a lifetime adventure and international community project.
• To conclude the expedition by sailing the ship to the UK and exhibiting the vessel in one of the country’s leading museums.

For more information on the ship and it’s epic voyage visit: The Phoenician Ship Expedition

A big thank you:

• To Alan from MyPE for th photographs.
• To Barnacle Bay Rides for taking everyone out on their boat.
• And last but not least NSRI Rescue 6 for taking myself and Sandy McCowen (eTV) out.