YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–The Armenian "Cilicia" sailing ship–named and modeled after the 13th century vessels used in and around the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia–dropped its anchor in the French port city of Marseille on July 3. The crew was greeted by the warm welcomes of Armenian ambassador to France Edward Nalbandian–Marseille mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin–local senate and parliament members–and the community’s Armenia’s.
Ambassador Nalbandian spoke of Marseille’s history as "a friendly destination for Armenia’s." The vessel will continue its voyage on July 6.
Cilicia’s Seven Seas Navigation expedition began in June 2004–as it sailed through the Marmara–Aegean–Mediterranean–and Adriatic seas to arrive in Venice in September of 2004–where it stayed for the winter. The crew returned to Venice to start the second leg of the expedition–taking the ship from the historic Italian city to circle Europe and arrive in Amsterdam by September 2005.
The ship is constructed in accordance with medieval shipbuilding technologies. Carpenters and designers avoided using modern methods and conveniences. To complete the authenticity–the crew wears period uniforms–while even the ship’s menu corresponds to the times. Participants of the historical experiment are of different professions: musician–engineer–doctor–signaler–film director–and cameraman.