St Katharine Docks is delighted to announce that a replica Phoenician vessel from 600BC will be spending this summer moored at the West Marina with its exhibition, The Phoenicians: The Greatest Ancient Sailors. From June 2nd, Phoenicia will be transformed into a floating museum featuring ancient artifacts from the Phoenician era.

Prestbury’s Ben Walford said: “St Katharine Docks is thrilled to be welcoming Phoenicia to hold its summer exhibition here following a voyage from the Mediterranean to London. The vessel has been stunningly recreated using traditional material and methods, which will complement the beautiful environment of our historic Docks.”

Skippered by British adventurer, Philip Beale, Phoenicia was built in 2008 to replicate an ancient Phoenician trading vessel that successfully achieved the first circumnavigation of Africa in 600BC. The reconstructed ship completed the same 20,000 mile voyage in 2010 and its exhibition will include information and exhibits from the 2008-2010 expedition and objects of historical interest from the ancient Mediterranean civilization.

“We are very excited to bring the ship to the UK this year and to have the prestigious St Katharine Docks as our base,” commented expedition leader, Philip Beale. “Visitors to the Docks will have the opportunity to climb on-board for a tour of the vessel and learn more about Phoenician culture as well as the recent expedition that triumphed over Somalian pirates, treacherous storms and mechanical problems to recreate one of mankind’s greatest journeys.”

The Phoenicians: The Greatest Ancient Sailors exhibition will be open daily from June 2nd 2012 from 10am to 6pm and will cost just £5 per adult, £3 per child and £12 for a family ticket. Special rates are available for schools and educational organisations. Please visit www.phoenicia.org.uk/discovering-visit-Phoenicia.htm to purchase tickets or for more information.

The first 50 guests to visit the Phoenicia on Saturday June 2nd 2012 will be offered a free guided tour* of this unique historic vessel. The complimentary tour will be led by Exhibition Leader and Captain of Phoenicia, Philip Beale, who has recently completed a 20,000 mile voyage to circumnavigate Africa.

*Due to limited numbers aboard at any time, tour time slots may need to be allocated.

For more information on this exhibition or any other events at St Katharine Docks, go to www.skdocks.co.uk. Alternatively, keep up to date with the latest news on the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/stkats.