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 |
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.
The design is from the Solomon Islands and its original purpose was to give back to the Solomon Islanders.
A simple design which is also safe. James Wharram has a lot of experience with Ploynesian style vessels with great success.
The sailing canoe has been around for thousands of years, and by using such a vessel we fit better into the villages.
We don't have to import parts for maintenance since this boat has no fancy hardware, and we can maintain it by simple materials.
The boat is made by wood, epoxy and rope. By having these materials available we can fix everything on the boat.
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.
Since the beginnings of our negotiations in February, the seller has agreed to lower the price from $32,000 to $20,000 USD, for our organization only. They wish that the boat will return to the Solomon Islands and they have faith in our project.
YWAM Solomons is paying 10,000 USD, and YWAM Solomons Support Norway will be responsible for the remaining 10,000 USD for the full sum of the purchase.
The boat has a basic kit currently, consisting of two Rocna anchors, a sea anchor and a simple tender. But it has no engine and no electronics.
Before the boat is sailed to the Solomon Islands we must equip it with safety gear and make it ship shape. Andy Smith’s boatyard will take care of many of these task.
The plan per today is to sail the vessel from the Philippines to the Solomons with an all YWAM Crew. Two crew will be locals from YWAM Solomons, while the captain and first mate will be westerners.
We have a yearly weather window from November to March where the winds are in our favor. We plan to set sail in December 2023 and spend 3 months sailing to the Solomon Islands.