THE SAILBOAT PROJECT

Hope to the isolated

Vision

YWAM Solomons has a vision to use sailboats to reach the most isolated places with practical aid through community development and Bible engagement.

The first step

As a first step, we want to buy a sailboat as an inspiration to the vision, learning how to sail and maintain a sailboat, and as a prototype to what is possible and practical to use and to build.

You can help us!

We are dependent on donations for this project to become a reality. Do you want to encourage the work of YWAM Solomon Islands and be a part of this vision?

THE VESSEL

The vessel is from James Wharram Designs and is a 38 foot sailing catamaran. It is a very simple boat built by epoxy, wood and rope, which will make it easier to maintain and repair in the islands. The design itself actually originates from the Solomon Islands, which we think will appeal to the people in the islands we will visit.

Model:
Build:
Length:
Beam:
Beam each hull:
Weight Dry/Laden:
Draft Dry/Laden:
Propulsion:
Berths:
Rig:
Sail area:

Wharram Tama Moana
2011
37'9" / 11.5 m
14'11" / 4.55 m
3'7" / 1.1 m
1.6 ton / 3.1 ton
0.45 m / 0.60 m
Outboard 9.9 hp
4
Gaffed rigged Schooner
35.9 m2

VAKA HOP'E

The name

The name of our vessel means the ship of hope. The word Vaka is well known across the Pacific and means ship. Traditionally a Vaka was a sailing canoe, just like ours. Hop’e is a word from the Rovianna language in the Solomon Islands which means hope. It is significant because before the Bible was translated, this word did not excist. But with the introduction of Christianity, hope was introduced. Our desire is to introduce hope across the Solomon Islands with our Vaka Hop’e.

Why this sailboat?

From the Solomon Islands

The design is from the Solomon Islands and its original purpose was to give back to the Solomon Islanders.
Simple design

A simple design which is also safe. James Wharram has a lot of experience with Ploynesian style vessels with great success.
Recognizable

The sailing canoe has been around for thousands of years, and by using such a vessel we fit better into the villages.

Sustainable

We don't have to import parts for maintenance since this boat has no fancy hardware, and we can maintain it by simple materials.
Easy to fix

The boat is made by wood, epoxy and rope. By having these materials available we can fix everything on the boat.
Multipliable

The boat is ment to be self built and has great instructions for the build. Our goal is to learn this art and teach it to others.

Progress

Phase 1: Buying the boat

February - September 2021

Going from a dream to reality took some time, but by God’s grace we were able to fundraise and build our faith enough to undertake this project.

We were able to comission the same boat builder who built our boat to reinforce the keels and fit an outboard motor to our boat.

Phase 2: Outfitting remotely

September 2021 - December 2022

Phase 3: Shakedown sail

January - April 2023

With a team from YWAM Ships Kona, we sailed the boat 500 nautical miles to the southern end of the Philippines.

With a mixed crew of Solomon Islanders and westerners we sailed the Vaka Hop’e all the way to the Solomon Islands in 2024.

Phase 4: Sailing to Solomon Islands

January - May 2024

Phase 5: Use the boat

May - August 2024

The goal is to use the boat in water well drilling and any other need to get islanders excited about sailing and the vision.

In August, we will take the boat out of the water for some much needed repair and maintenance. We will then store the boat in a container until the cyclone season is over.