Kyrenia ship to set sail for Greece with copper for Olympic medals

A FULL-size replica of the ancient Cypriot vessel, the Kyrenia ship, sets sail for Athens from Limassol tomorrow, carrying copper for the bronze medals for this year’s Olympic Games.

Kyrenia-Liberty, named after the original Kyrenia ship, will leave Limassol for Paphos, and will stop at 10 Greek islands before reaching its final destination the port of Piraeus on May 14, after a 715-nautical mile journey.

“The ship will also carry symbolic presents to the host city of the Olympic Games from all the ports of call, which are organising welcoming ceremonies for Kyrenia-Liberty,” Takis Neophytou, head of the Kyrenia Chrysocava Cultural Foundation said.

He said this unique venture claimed a special place in the cultural events being organised during the Olympic Games year in Greece.

During the journey, scientists will record data to help research into navigation in ancient times.

“This is no ordinary journey for Kyrenia-Liberty. It is a journey that connects the past with the present and the future of this land, it brings Cyprus closer to Greece and carries the Olympic ideals,” said Nicos Timotheou, General Director of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA), the official sponsors of the trip, estimated to cost about £50,000.

Kyrenia-Liberty, constructed at an estimated cost of £110.000, was launched in November 2002. It is an exact replica of the early 4th century BC vessel, which measured 14.75 metres in length and 4.30 in width.

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