Autumn 2005.qxd

T H E K Y R E N I A S H I P -
M A R K S T H E C Y P R U S S H I P P I N G E R A
A N D G I V E S H O P E F O R T H E F U T U R E
I
n the winter of 1967, way down in the depths of the sea outside of
the town of Kyrenia, Andreas Kariolou, a Greek-Cypriot diver
accidentally discovered the "Kyrenia Ship".
The "Kyrenia" was sunk around 300 BC, during the decline of
Alexander the Great, a victim of pirates. It is the oldest and best-preserved
ship of the Classical period of Greek civilization ever to be found, as 75% of
the ship measuring 15 metres in length, was preserved under a protective
layer of sand.
The "Kyrenia" was a "shell" constructed ship with edge-to-edge
timbers held together by mortises and tenons (planking) made out of
Aleppo pine. It is estimated that it sailed on a single mast with a square sail.
When the "Kyrenia" sank it was carrying amphorae used for the
transfer of wine and for the storage of almonds. Amongst other items such
as bronze coins, domestic pottery was also found consisting of plates, bowls,
ladles, sieves, a copper cauldron, oil jugs, cups and wooden spoons possibly
belonging to the crew.
Mr. Harry Tzalas, the president of the Hellenic Institute for the
Preservation of Nautical Tradition and professors Katzev and Steffy
constructed an exact replica in Athens and launched it in Piraeus on
June 22, 1985. They called it "Kyrenia II". It became a symbol of hope and
freedom taking part in a number of events all over the world:
· In July 1986 she took part in the celebrations for the 100 years of
the Statue of Liberty in New York;
· In April 1987 she sailed from Cyprus to Greece on an experimental
voyage and survived two storms, completing her journey in 20 days;
· In February 1988 she was transported to Japan and sailed its ports
and then was exhibited in the ancient capital of Japan Nara, for the Silk
Road Celebrations. (Kyrenia III was constructed in Japan and is an
ambassador of Cyprus and Greece, being exhibited in the town of Fukuoka);
· In May 1989 she sailed in the river Elbe in Germany, celebrating
800 years of the port of Hamburg.
The value and uniqueness of "Kyrenia II" dictated the necessity for
her to be preserved as a Museum Exhibit in the Nautical Heritage Museum
in Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
On 10th November 2002, the "Kyrenia-Liberty" was launched by
the Charalambos Avgoustis Shipping Company in Limassol. She participated
as an ambassador for Cyprus in the 2004 Greece Olympic Games. Her name
portrays the hope not only for all Kyrenians, she represents the right to live
freely and to develop, including Cyprus' shipping industry.
NORD NEWS Autumn 2005 15