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An incredible 135-day peace voyage from Cozumel to Greece and back, visiting 12 ports in the U.S. and Europe, comes to a close today. The Zamná will be welcomed home to Cozumel this afternoon after a journey of some 12,800 miles (20,600 km). The essence of the dream voyage was 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. |
In August, the magnificent wooden trimaran set sail from Cozumel on a 5 month sea voyage to Greece and back.
The idea was dreamed up by Vital Alsar Ramírez, a wise and much-honored Spanish sailor of 75 years living in Veracruz, México.
In November, Juan Pablo Tec Chim, the Mayan messenger, thanked the crowd for their support in the Greek port of El Pireo, before the crew started its journey back to Cozumel under the watchful eye of Captain Alsar
"We will not allow any more marginalization due to differences in race, language, thought, disabilities, religion or social status", Tec Chim said, "love, which is so missing in the world, should be transmitted so there are no conflicts between human beings."
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 Veracruz.
Egyptian, Greek and Mexican influences are visible in the design and the windows are decorated with images that mimic Mayan art.
Cozumel was declared as "Island of Peace" earlier this year due to its freedom from conflict since ancient Mayan times.
Because of this honor, the island became a partner in Alsar's maritime project, now known as "The Child, the Sea and Peace".
The message of peace can even be found in the fabric of the boat's canvas and timbers, from a white dove on the prow to the word "peace" written on the sails in 24 languages.
For more information visit the Zamná website.
Related News:
"Cozumel Peace Voyage Heads Home" - Nov 21, 2009.
"Peace Voyage Sets Sail From Cozumel" - Sep 07, 2009.
"Cozumel Kid's Voyage Of Peace" - Aug 10, 2009.
"Cozumel 'Island Of Peace'" - Jul 07, 2009.
