ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE TO KILIKIA SAILING SHIP CREW

ARKA News Agency
Aug 19 2005

YEREVAN, August 19. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan sent
a message to Kilikia sailing ship’s captain and crew congratulating
them with completing another round of their tour, Presidential Press
service reports. “Overcoming a huge distance and difficulties, you
embarked on cruise under our flag and displayed firmness and strong
will. Since 2004 Kilikia has crossed many seas and reached Atlantic
Ocean, just like Armenian Kilikian state’s sailing ship made in 13th
century. We are keeping eye on each stage of the cruise and glad
that Kilikia successfully arrived in English harbor of Portsmouth,
which you will leave the next year for continuing your way. I wish
sound health and happy return to the crew”, the message said.

AYAS, club of naval researches, has constructed a copy of Armenian
Kilikian trade sailing ship of 13th century, which started a
cruise following mediaeval routs around Europe through Black Sea,
Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. The vessel was constructed
in accordance with mediaeval manuscripts and epitomes with using
mediaeval technologies. In 2004, Kilikia entered 23 ports in 12
countries of Europe and Asia. The first stage of the expedition was
completed in the 2004 fall in Venice. On May 9, 2005, the ship put
to sea again. M.V. -0–