…what’s in a name… and fine lines
A traditional boat of the type that has disappeared from the Greek seas this past 80 years is preparing for its maiden voyage.
Named Medon-Pleioni, it has been constructed at the boat building yard Neososikos in Glyfa, Halkida.
The project is the initiative of the “Proteas” Non-profit Organisation for the Preservation of Traditional Shipbuilding & Heritage, and of the sailing enthusiast and primary consultant from the municipality of Vari, Voula and Vouliagmeni (southeast coast of Attica), Dimosthenis Dogas.
During construction
On Saturday 7th October 2017, at 6pm at the Ulen Pier, in front of Chalkis railway station, the launch ceremony comprised the Christening, greetings, concert with the Chanides group of folk dancers and the serving of exceptional seafood dishes.
Research, design and construction of the vessel was by Nikolaos Vlavianos, who declared:
“It is for us a truly great and historic responsibility. Bearing this in mind, we began the construction of a boat with sakoleva sails from a sailboat plan from 1835 with traditional methods and practices to the slightest detail. It is the first of its kind to be built in about 80 years. ”
Almost ready
The sakoleva is a type of square sail, much favoured in Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean ports.
In March 2015 at the shipyard, while the Medon-Pleioni was still under construction, an International Seminar of Ancient and Traditional Shipbuilding organised by NTUA (National technical University of Athens) was held at the site when Mr Vlavianos and Mr Dogas were speakers.
…and ready for launching
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With Thanks to Chryssa Delaporta and Demitris Sacharides for their valuable support with info, texts and photos!
1 comment
As an avid reader of Wooden Boat Magazine, involved in the classic and traditional boat associations in Sydney Australia including as a Governor of the Sydney Maritime Museum and obviously of Greek heritage I was thrilled to hear that tradional boat building is alive and well in Greece and that there is an Organisation for the preservation of Traditional Ship Building and Heritage.
Keep up the good work.
John A. Diacopoulos