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Background:
Whilst cruising in the Louisiade Archipelago in August and September 2007, SY 'Erica' and SY 'Caesura' were dismayed to see the aid organisations' investment in banana boats more often than not, lying unused. Either because the engine needed repair, the motor not having enough 'zoom' (petrol), or because of holes in the fibreglass. The islanders are generally excellent seafarers with a great understanding of the sea and seamanship, but they are not in the habit of effecting repairs.
A seafaring people
They take their large outrigger canoes many miles to trade with other islands, visit the market on Misima Island for their livelihood, or take sick people or pregnant women to hospital to either Misima or Nimoa islands. The latter types of trips are usually left until conditions become urgent and they have to sail no matter what the state of the weather. This can make such trips dangerous, very uncomfortable and often very wet as there is no shelter.
Making use of salvage
Eric had the idea to put two old banana boats together, end to end to make one larger vessel and widening the 'beam' to support two masts and a covered deck. This would provide a use for the banana boats which would be propelled by the wind, rather than zoom, albeit with a small engine for negotiating tricky harbour entrances. If there is not enough zoom for that, they still have the sails, or can paddle.
The benefits:
Increased size and space
The increased space means not only that more people can travel at once, but that more goods can be taken to market, and kept dry. At the moment when islanders stay overnight for the markets and it rains they have only a usually tattered tarpaulin for cover. Also with our idea the sick or pregnant will be more comfortable and can lie down if necessary.
Increased knowledge of repair work
The building of a new boat for the islanders is not the only benefit. We believe the instruction they will get from highly experienced boat builders will help them in several ways. They will learn how to use fibre-glassing techniques, which they can access from mainland PNG, be able to build another boat and start their own industry in boat repairs and building, using modern methods. The main idea is to keep instructions and materials as simple as possible, knowing what resources they have available. Without zoom they will still have the sails or can paddle.
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