A traditional boat of the type that disappeared from the Greek seas 80 years ago, is now preparing for her maiden voyage. The vessel, named Medon-Pleioni, 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.
On 7 October 2017, the launch ceremony of the Medon-Pleioni comprised the christening, greetings, and a concert performed by the Chanides group of folk dancers.
Research, design and construction of the heritage vessel was by Nikolaos Vlavianos. He said, “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.”
The sakoleva is a type of square sail, much favoured in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean ports.