Replica of Jason's mythical ship sets sail on Saturday

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

ATHENS (AFP) — A replica of 'Argo', the mythical ship that bore Jason and the Argonauts on their heroic quest for the Golden Fleece sets sail again after six years of preparation, organisers said on Friday.

Built with Bronze Age tools to the specifications of a 14-century BC vessel of the Mycenaean era, the 28.5-metre (93-foot) wooden ship will sail from the central Greek port of Volos on Saturday.

The 50-oar ship will carry a crew from all 27 European Union member-states and sail a total distance of 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 kilometres) from Volos to Venice, project member Vangelis Constantinou told AFP.

The Argo was originally scheduled to replicate the Argonauts' legendary journey from the ancient port of Iolkos, near modern-day Volos, to the Black Sea...