Phoenica ship will be sailing under a lifted Tower Bridge

ICA 600 BC PHOENICIAN SHIP ’PHOENICIA’ SAILS INTO LONDON 2,500 YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL EXPEDITION TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE AFRICA .

Having retraced the ancient Phoenician-Cornish tin trade route, travelling from Sardinia to London,  Phoenicia is arriving at St Katharine Dock tomorrow  30TH May sailing under a lifted Tower Bridge at 9.00am and 10.15am

An expedition that has triumphed over Somali pirates, treacherous storms and technical problems to recreate one of maritime history’s greatest journeys, is to reach another goal when it sails into St Katharine Docks Wednesday 30th May.

Skippered by British adventurer, Philip Beale, Phoenicia was built in 2008 to replicate an ancient Phoenician trading vessel that allegedly achieved the first circumnavigation of Africa in 600BC. By 2010, this replica ship had travelled over 20,000 nautical miles circumnavigating  Africa. This was just the beginning of some truly incredible tales from the ocean.

The most recent journey started in Sardinia and travelling via Gibraltar, retraced the ancient Phoenician-Cornish tin trade route.  The journey has not been without its high sea adventures, which can be followed on the expedition blog www.phoenicia.or.uk

Crew member, Len Helfrich. a 73-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, explains that Phoenicia is “no pleasure cruise.” “ If the ship gets wet your bunk gets wet. There are no winches, so 30 metres of anchor chain can take up to an hour and a half to haul up and the toilet facilities are at best described as ‘rustic’ but she sort of grows on you.”

On its arrival in London Phoenicia will be spending this summer as a floating museum, moored at St Katharine Docks West Marina with its exhibition, “The Phoenicians: The Greatest Ancient Sailors.”

“We are extraordinarily excited to bring the ship to the UK this year,” commented expedition leader, Philip Beale. “Visitors to Phoenicia will have the opportunity to climb on-board and learn more about Phoenician culture as well as the expedition. The journey has been long, the challenges were great, but the rewards have proved inspiring and unforgettable.”

The Phoenicians: The Greatest Ancient Sailors exhibition will be open daily at St Katharine Docks from June 11th 2012 from 10am to 6pm and will cost just £5 per adult, £3 per child and £12 for a family ticket. Special rates are available for schools and educational organisations. Please visitwww.phoenicia.org.uk to purchase tickets or for more information.