The Ship’s Log | 10 June 2024
Captain Antonis Logotrivis’ “Taxiarchis” is one of the 17 wooden fishing boats rescued by the Greek state, as evidence of the work and effort of Greek fishermen.
Shortly before the end of 2018 and specifically on New Year’s Eve, the “Taxiarchis”, a “trechantiri” traditional fishing vessel built in Skiathos at the beginning of the 20th century, was transferred from Neos Marmaras, Halkidiki, to the entrance of the fish market of Nea Michaniona, where it dropped anchor for the last time.
90-year-old Mr Antonis had initiated years ago the procedures for the retirement of the fishing vessel, by cutting and burning it. “However, recent developments have changed our plans. I am pleased and proud that ultimately, delays and delays led not only to the salvation of the “Taxiarchis”, but also to its exhibition as an important work of traditional shipbuilding art, which is so deeply connected with the history and cultural identity of modern Hellenism”.
However, the captain was left with the regret that he didn’t get to say goodbye to his boat. “Unfortunately we learned afterwards, and even by accident, that the “Taxiarchis” was transferred. We were not informed about his transfer and I was very sad that I didn’t get to say my last goodbye to him here in its homeland,” he says.
“Taxiarchis” was built on Greek soil in 1952 from pine wood. “I bought it for 35,000 drachmas in 1953 and named it after the patron saint of Marmaras in Halkidiki, where I have lived all my life”, explains Mr Antonis.
“I lived through many storms with my boat Taxiarchis and it always made me look good. I took care of it like my own eyes and always chose the best equipment. I had put a brand new engine on him, which was the best. The Mercedes-like type with 150 horsepower.
Every Clean Monday I loaded as many villagers as I wanted on my boat and we visited all the festivals in the area”, the elderly captain recalls.
In the years that have passed, there have been many who wanted to buy it, but he never thought of parting with his kaiki boat….
The first type of boat built by the Greeks was the trechantiri. It is a one- or two-quarter sailing boat and is the predominantly boat in Hydra. Due to the difficulty of its construction, it was built by special shipwrights.
From the 17th century until today, its form has not been seriously altered. With its great width and length, the shape of its bow and stern, as well as the shape of its hull formed by the crooked wood, it is one of the most seaworthy Greek yachts.
The most important change that the trawler has undergone later, gradually since about 1920, is the abolition of sails as a means of propulsion and their replacement with inboard diesel engines.
In 1821, the trechantiri was used as post office in the Hydra’s war fleet. After 1900 they were used as sponging agents. They travelled in the Mediterranean and the Aegean, promoting trade and sponge fishing. In the post-war years trechantiri was used for passenger transport.
Source: Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA)
