Stormvogel (Storm Bird) is the
last wooden cargo ship left from the grand days of sail when these rugged boats
served as the lifeline between the ABC Islands in the southern Caribbean. The Fundashon Patrimonio Marítimo Boneiru (Bonaire Maritime Heritage Foundation)
rescued the abandoned Stormvogel on the
nearby island of Curaçao and is preparing to bring it back home. The foundation is raising funds for the transport
of Stormvogel back to Bonaire for a
complete restoratio .
A terward
the old b at will become a maritime
heritage center, eventually a floating one, where residents and tourists will enjoy
the ABC Islands’ nautical past, and local youth will be trained in seamanship
and navigation. Perhaps most
importantly, this sailboat will become a cultural touchstone, providing an
opportunity for the community to reconnect with its colorful island past. You can help the cause by purchasing a Bring Back The Storm Bird! T-shirt. All proceeds go directly to Project
Stormvogel.
Stormvogel (Storm
Bird), a stout, 45-foot wooden sailboat, was launched from the shores of the
Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire in the early 1950s. She joined an unofficial
fleet of local cargo ships that served as the lifeline between the ABC Islands.
These boats, called balandras, were essential
for export. They hauled loads of salt, goatskins, aloe vera, and charcoal. They
also delivered scarce goods to Bonaire like clothing, fuel and canned food. But
perhaps most importantly, these reliable vessels united families and friends by
transporting people, packages and post between the islands. Stormvogel and her sister ships were essential
to Bonaire’s well-being, economy, and culture.
Today, Stormvogel
is the only remaining cargo ship left from those grand days of sail. She was the last of the sailing cargo boats
built and, through the years, survived storms and hurricanes. Now the old
cutter is facing her greatest challenge yet—decay. Project Stormvogel is an effort to save the last vestige of
this historic era. Presently, the boat has been rescued from the water and is
on dry dock in Curaçao. François van der
Hoeven from the Curaçao Maritime Archeological Foundation is preparing the boat
for transfer to Bonaire. Upon arrival, the old ship will be restored with
historic accuracy to its former sailing glory at the Navegante Boatyard in
Hato. Owner Lele Davidsson has generously offered a spot rent-free for
the first year of the restoration. A group of experienced Bonairan shipwrights, led by local boat builder Johnny
Craane, will volunteer their time and spearhead the effort. Plans are to
involve youth from public schools and groups like Jong Bonaire and Junior
Rangers so that they can learn boat building skills, teamwork and maritime
history.
Once complete, Stormvogel
will become a maritime heritage center, eventually a floating one, where school
kids, residents and tourists will learn about the nautical past of the ABC
Islands. Volunteer guides will give on-deck tours. Maritime artifacts and
multimedia displays will offer glimpses into the past below deck. But most
importantly, the boat will serve as a cultural touchstone, a chance for the
community to reconnect with this colorful era of its history. Stormvogel is the last chance to tell
this important story. Other than a
handful of historic photographs and a few aging sailors, this old boat is all
that remains. We urge you to generously support this worthwhile project.
http://www.facebook.com/StormvogelBonaire?ref=br_tf
Supporters
With out sailing merchant ships how would sailing pirates make a living
I am supporting this campaign for a dear friend, Patrick Holian, who introduced me to the unique beauty that is Bonaire.
I would like to see the local kids involved in preserving & learning about a part of their own history, with a hands-on approach. The youth of Bonaire need direction, something of value to occupy their time.
Support my pal Patrick
A lifelong sailor, I support Patrick in this noble campaign.
Always willing to support keeping a good old gal/vessel afloat, and Captain Hull-ian!!