SAILING VISION

Our dream is to reach more islands by using sailboats. We want to encourage our brothers and sisters in word and deed – through community development and training – reaching the most isolated people with God’s love.

For a bit of context:

What we wish to accomplish

Reach wider

Our work in the Solomon Islands is expanding, and we see a need to reach further places that seek our help. Transportation is a huge challenge in the islands, but by having our own boat we can go anywhere.

Inspire

Sailing vessels are usually associated with white people. By having Solomon Islanders as crew, we will break down barriers and show that we are not restricted by traditional thinking. Bringing hope to the islands of a future beyond what is imaginable.

Model

We want our boat ministry to be a model for what may be possible in the future. We want out boats to be affordable and sustainable for other people to also own. We want to learn how to build boats and we want to teach this skill onwards.

Our vessel

VAKA HOP'E

The Vaka Hop'e is a 38 ft Wharram Designs Tama Moana Ethnic Style Sailing Canoe. It's design originates from the Solomon Islands, and it was built in the Philippines by a professional boat builder.

This boat is a prototype and inspiration for further vessels to be one day built in the Solomon Islands.

Specs on our vessel:

Wharram Tama Moana

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
Gaff rigged Schooner
35.9 m2

Why choose these designs?

Some of the advantages of the Wharram Ethnic Designs

Simple

Being simple can also mean being safe. There are fewer parts to fail and the technology is traditional.
Relatable

The people of the Solomon Islands are used to living in simple huts. Having a simple boat just makes sense.
Sustainable

Having all the materials available locally, and no fancy hardware means less parts to fix and import.

Repairable

By having only a few materials available and enough elbow grease, you are able to repair almost everything on the boat.
Multiplicable

The designs are meant to be self-built, and we want to learn this skill and teach it to more people.
Cultural Heritage

Having roots to the culture in this quickly modernizing world is a huge benefit of choosing the ethnic design.

What we want to build:

Wharram Amatasi

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

Amatasi 27
2023
27'7" / 8.4 m
13'10" / 4.2 m
2'10" / 0.85 m
450 kg / 1.15 ton
0.45 m
Outboard 9.9 hp
2
Sprit Sail
22 m2

Timeline

Our progress

2021

We purchased a Wharram Tama Moana 38 ft sailing canoe located in the Philippines

2022

The boat is being outfitted by a boatbuilder in the Philippines to have an outboard engine and reinforced keels. Meanwhile, we are training 4 crew in Fiji, 2 from the Solomon Islands and 2 from Europe.

2023

We launch our vessel in the Philippines and sail it the first leg towards the Solomon Islands together with a crew from YWAM Ships Kona. Further training of crew in Fiji continues.

2024

The journey towards the Solomon Islands continues, along the coast of West Papua and Papua New Guinea. Vaka Hop'e arrived in Munda on May 17th and started work immediately, helping to drill water wells.