LOGBOOK OF "KYRENIA II"
In April 1987 "Kyrenia II" made the return journey from Cyprus to Greece. This voyage was considered a purely scientific - experimental one. Away from the limelight of publicity, the experts wanted to try out the ship as far as possible under the same circumstances that prevailed when the ancient ship used to sail. Thus, they left "Kyrenia II" at the mercy of weather conditions and in the hands of its crew. The results were really sensational. In unprecedented stormy weather conditions in the Aegean - when all ships were prevented from setting out! - "Kyrenia II" more than lived up to our expectations. It behaved in such a way as to be described as almost unsinkable. The extracts below, taken from the logbook that was kept by the ship's captain Glafkos Kariolou, are characteristic of its behaviour.
11 /4/87
10.00
The wind is getting stronger. Vessel's speed: 6-9.2 kn. The seizer rope is damaged, as the wooden fairlead has burst. Wave: 2.5 to 3 metres. Waves crashing everywhere. Someone must climb the mast. If we are caught in the storm the seizer will definitely break. Speedometer:148.79.
11.00
LOG:154.83. A new seizer has been prepared, with the same rope but much stronger. VHF "MC" (radio). Must come windward to shelter from waves and wind a little until work on mast has finished. By the time it comes, I tie myself, climb the mast and repair by seizer.
12.00
LOG: 164.09. The sea has turned white all over. Visibility has decreased sharply. The two ships, the "AEGEAN" and the tug-ship have approached, about 1 nautical mile away. Wind: 45-50 kn. On two occasions it has risen to 53 kn. Vessel's speed: It is incredible, constantly 9-10 kn. On two occasions the crew were cheering, when the ship reached a maximum speed of 12 kn. The speedometer indicator showed 12, which is the highest speed it can indicate and no more. There were instances when we must have exceeded 12 knots. The white mountainaous waves are approaching from the stern and are beginning to break leaving behind a sound like a train approaching on rails. It is incredible - "Kyrenia II" is lifted high up like a cork and the wave breaks under its high stern without a drop of water on deck. The vessel's rocking is slow, magnificent, like a stunningly beautiful girl who is waltzing elegantly, unaffected by the clumsy steps of her wild partner. This experience is unique and difficult to describe. It's a pity there is not a video camera to record the ship's behaviour for scrutiny after the journey. I ask Susan Katsev to take pictures non-stop while the ship is riding above the 3-4 metre foamy waves. Our voice is muffled by the wind, we can hardly hear each other and hold on to the railings on the bow or sit down to avoid being knocked down by the gale.
13.00
I'm trying to hide my fears from the crew. I'm waiting for mast or shrouds muzzle to break any moment. I have instructed the crew to stay away from the mast and I bring all of them near the after deck. If something breaks down we will tie all the rope-made fenders from the stern and use them as a floating anchor to hold the vessel against the wind from the stern. It is now certain why they used to make the stern so disproportionately high.
14.00
After making sure that the craft is a real "champ" we all began to sing. From the "AEGEAN" they are all watching in amazement the
"crazy" choir of "Kyrenia II". The tug-ship "HELLAS" is struggling to catch up with us. We are all proud and lucky to be on "Kyrenia II".
The wind continues with the same force.
Meal: Fish, onions, clove of garlic and some lentils.