A SAILING expedition that set out to circumnavigate the shores of Africa in a replica 2,500-year-old ship has come to a temporary halt before even reaching the open sea, writes Martin Hesp.

Organisers of the Dorset-based Phoenicia Expedition have announced they will put a six-month break in the voyage in order to meet the crucial "weather windows" that will allow the crew to leave the Gulf of Aden and round the Cape of Good Hope.

"We are bitterly disappointed that we will have to break from this expedition," commented expedition leader Philip Beale, speaking in Yemen yesterday. "Given the delays during the first stage of the voyage, we cannot now sail out of the Gulf of Aden.

"So, just like the Phoenicians, we will have to secure the ship and wait for the prevailing winds in August."

The expedition, which set sail in Syria four months ago, is recreating the very first circumnavigation of Africa. In their replica 600 BC wooden ship, the crew have sailed along the Mediterranean coast and down the Red Sea.

To find out more about the voyage visit www.phoenicia.org.uk