Italian Tall Ship Drops Anchor in Marseille After Malta Voyage

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the historic Italian sailing vessel, the STS Aegir, cast its anchor in the bustling port of Marseille, France, marking the end of a 1,200 nautical mile journey that began in the fortified city of Valletta, Malta. The sight of the three-masted barque, its sails furled and its wooden hull glistening under the streetlights, was a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of traditional sailing.

Valletta to Marseille: A Voyage Through History

The STS Aegir‘s voyage from Malta to France was more than just a sea journey; it was a journey through history. Built in 1989, the vessel is a replica of a 19th-century Norwegian coastal cargo ship, designed to navigate the challenging waters of the North Sea. Its crew, a multinational mix of sailors, navigated the Mediterranean using traditional methods, relying on celestial navigation and the art of reading the sea.

Setting sail from the Grand Harbour in Valletta, the ship passed the historic Fort St. Angelo and the Three Cities, a stark contrast to the modern cruise liners that usually frequent these waters. The crew waved goodbye to the iconic Maltese skyline, with its honey-coloured limestone buildings and the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, as they headed towards the open sea.

Malta’s Maritime Heritage

Malta, an archipelago of seven islands, has a rich maritime heritage that dates back to the Phoenicians. Today, the country’s love affair with the sea is evident in its vibrant maritime festivals, such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Birgufest, which celebrates the historic maritime city of Birgu. The arrival of the STS Aegir was a timely reminder of this heritage, and a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and adventure.

The Maltese government, recognizing this heritage, has been actively promoting traditional sailing. The Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu, for instance, houses a collection of traditional Maltese boats, including the iconic dghajsa, a small wooden boat used for fishing and transportation.

Sustainable Sailing: A Modern Challenge

The voyage of the STS Aegir also highlighted the modern challenge of sustainable sailing. The ship’s crew relied on wind power, using the ship’s sails to navigate the Mediterranean. This was a stark contrast to the modern cruise industry, which has been criticized for its environmental impact, with some ships burning up to 150 tons of fuel a day.

In response to this challenge, the European Union has proposed new regulations to reduce the environmental impact of the cruise industry. Malta, as a major cruise hub, is at the forefront of these discussions. The arrival of the STS Aegir was a timely reminder of the potential of sustainable sailing, and a call to action for the cruise industry to adopt greener practices.

As the STS Aegir prepared to set sail from Marseille, its crew looked back at their journey with a sense of accomplishment. Their voyage from Malta to France was more than just a journey across the sea; it was a journey through history, a celebration of Malta’s maritime heritage, and a call to action for sustainable sailing.