Floating book fair on board world's oldest sailing ship

CHENNAI: Doulos, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest ocean-going sailing passenger ship, is now in Chennai to host the world's largest floating book fair.

The fair, which will be inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala on board the German ship, will offer more than 6,000 educational books in English and Tamil.

Emilie Noteboom, Project Coordinator for Doulos’ visit to Chennai, told PTI that it is the ship's third visit to Chennai after visiting over 500 ports in more than 100 nations. "Run by a German Non-Profit Organisation 'Good Books for All' it seeks to bring 'Knowledge, Help and Hope' to the world," she said.

Doulos arrived at Chennai port on April 8 amidst much fanfare with the 320-member crew donning their national costumes and bearing flags, she said.

The book fair will be open to the public from April 13 to May 8, a press release said.