Phoenicia

http://www.phoenicia.org.uk/

The Expedition

"Phoenicia" will attempt to re-create the Phoenicians' epic voyage around the continent of Africa in a traditionally built replica Phoenician / Mediterranean vessel.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will depart from Arwad, Syria in August 2008, sail through the Suez Canal, around the Horn of Africa and down the east coast. Negotiating the dangers of the Cape of Good Hope will be a critical point in the expedition. The voyage will continue up the west coast of Africa, through the Straights of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean to return to Syria. The circumnavigation will be followed by another voyage to bring the ship to the United Kingdom in Summer 2009; in all 17,000 miles and 10 months at sea.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition is being led by Philip Beale, whose most recent venture was to lead the 2003-04 Borobudur Ship Expedition. This involved building a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel which Philip and his multi-national crew sailed from Indonesia to West Africa.

A team of specialists have been formed to manage the planning, undertaking and post expedition arrangements of the Phoenician Ship Expedition.

There are still legs available to this 600 BC sailing expedition! The search is on for keen sailors and adventurers to take part in this ambitious project which aims to recreate the Phoenicians circumnavigation of Africa, believed to have been achieved over 2,000 years ago.

Track the Phoenicia's progress