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A message of peace to the world left Cozumel on its 4½ month sea voyage to Greece and back, via 15 ports in North America, Europe and Africa, at the end of last month. The magnificent wooden trimaran, Zamná, set sail from Cozumel and made its first stop in Miami. Florida's sunshine city met the vessel with roaring fanfare as part of the Festival México-Miami, which marks the anniversaries of Mexico's revolution and independence. |
Today, the Zamná is at sea close to New York, where the crew will deliver its message of peace and take part in events to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11.
After a few days preparation in New York, the Zamná is programmed to start her Atlantic crossing on September 12, her first stop in Europe will be in Salinas, Spain, followed by Santander, birthplace of the project's visionary architect, Vital Alsar.
Alsar, a wise and much-honored Spanish sailor of 75 years, brought his dream to realization at his adopted home in Veracruz, México.
The essence of the dream voyage is beautiful in its simplicity: to take a child from the Mayan homelands of Mexico half-way across the world to meet his kindred in Greece, cradle of another of the world's great civilizations.
Cozumel was declared as "Island of Peace" earlier this year due to its freedom from conflict since ancient Mayan times.
Because of this honor, presented by the International Committee for the Banner of Peace, a non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations, the island became a partner in Alsar's maritime project, now known as "The Child, the Sea and Peace".
The ship is a unique handcrafted wooden masterpiece, 110 feet (33.5m) long and boasting three masts, she was built by a team of 40 skilled ship makers in the Mexican state of Veracruz.
Egyptian, Greek and Mexican influences are visible in the design and the windows are decorated with images that mimic Mayan art.
The message of peace can even be found in the fabric of the boat's canvas and timbers.
On the prow is a white dove and the word "peace" is written on the sails in 24 languages.
For more information visit the Zamná website.
Related News:
"Cozumel Kid's Voyage Of Peace" - Aug 10, 2009.
"Cozumel "Island Of Peace"" - Jul 07, 2009.
