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UEL graduate gets ship-shape for 600 BC sailing expedition

Wednesday 16 July 2008

University of East London (UEL) graduate John Bainbridge has been selected as a member of the multinational crew for an ambitious attempt to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa by the Phoenicians in 600 BC.

John (22), of Stratford, recently completed his BA (Hons) degree in International Development with NGO Management at UEL’s Docklands campus.

On July 27, he will travel to the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, where the ‘Phoenicia’, a 70ft replica vessel, is currently being constructed using traditional Phoenician methods and materials.

John and the rest of the crew, led by Dorset based adventurer Philip Beale, will sail the ship through the Suez Canal, down the east coast of Africa and around the dangerous Cape of Good Hope.

Their voyage will continue up the west coast of Africa, before returning to the Mediterranean to complete the circumnavigation in May 2009. In total, the Phoenicia will sail 17,000 miles over 12 months at sea, and John will be on board the whole time. The expedition aims to prove that the Phoenicians - arguably the first ‘global’ civilisation - were capable of circumnavigating the continent.

John said: “I’m really excited and looking forward to the expedition, if also a little apprehensive; I'm the youngest member of the crew, have little experience of sailing, and no one's been on a boat like this for well over two thousand years!

"It's a massive challenge, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being involved in such a prestigious venture offers an unrivalled chance for personal development, and I owe my place largely to my UEL degree. I really can’t think of a more productive or fulfilling way to spend my first year after uni!”

Using skills and experience developed through his degree and extensive voluntary work with UEL based charity Childreach International, John will coordinate the expedition's attempts to help provide clean drinking water for African communities.

The projects, supported by Global Water Fund, are part of the Phoenicia's humanitarian programme, which will be undertaken by crew members during their visits to African ports.

For further information about the expedition, visit www.phoenicia.org.uk.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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