Phoenicia awaits weather window

Cape of Good Hope next for 'ancient' voyagers

British adventurer Philip Beale and the crew of the Phoenicia are awaiting the next 'weather window' before heading to the Cape of Good Hope.

Beale, along with an international crew of 16, is on a far-from-normal voyage. They’re on a mission to give weight to the theory that the Phoenicians rounded the continent two millennia before European explorer Bartholomew Dias by replicating it themselves.

The Phoenicians are believed to be one of, if not the first ‘global’ civilisation. From as early as 1200 BC they established settlements on the coast of Syria, Lebanon and Palestine which spread throughout the Mediterranean and lasted nearly one thousand years.

The ship itself is based on a 6th century BC Phoenician cargo vessel which was built using traditional Phoenician construction methods and materials, and contains minimal modern luxuries.

Last week, after battling the elements, the Phoenicia was welcomed to South Africa by a convoy of 21 local yachts before expedition leader Beale and his crew were greeted by journalists, local supporters, port officials and the staff and members of the Zululand Yacht Club.

“We had an amazing experience as we sailed into Richards Bay and are most grateful to all the team at the Zululand Yacht Club who showed us one of the warmest welcomes we have received during the whole 18 months of the expedition so far,” said Beale, who set off from Syria back in the summer of 2008.

Following a week in Richards Bay, the Phoenicia set sail for Durban.

The Phoenicia will attempt to navigate the Cape of Good Hope on the next step of its incredible voyage. You can find out more and track their voyage on www.phoenicia.org.uk