Replacing outboards with sails in the Marshall islands

[rob denney]

I am half way through a 10 week stint in Majuro, Marshall Islands, as part of this project:
https://mcst-rmiusp.org/images/Projects/TLCSeaT_HEL_TechnicalAndOperationalOptionsCatalog.pdf The relevant part starts on page 102, Chapter 4.
We have built and sailed the first mini cargo proa http://harryproa.com/?p=315 and nearly finished a 6m/20' stitch and glue catamaran. I've also been sailing on local canoes which dispelled some of my preconceptions about them.
The Marshalls is a great place. Warm and windy, local food is great, the people are easy to get along with and it is a fun project.
Details, pics and videos at Mini Cargo Ferry Prototype – HARRYPROA http://harryproa.com/?p=3155

 

[Star-Lord]

? Looks fun ?

 

[Stingo]

But didn't the septics do far too many nuclear explosion tests there?

Lobster thermodore should probably be avoided?

 

[rob denney]

Huge fun.
The American nuclear tests did some serious damage and the residents of Bikini Atoll (500 miles away) were rehoused near here. But the local seafood is (apparently) fine. Certainly tastes good. One of the trainees has gone home to Aur (check it out and see why sea travel is so important here) for the weekend, will be bringing back some lobster and coconut crabs for a BBQ on Thursday when a bunch of VIP's will see the boats. The BBQ is at the house of the leader of the ex Bikini atoll people, who also runs WAM (Canoes of the Marshall Islands - Waan Aelõñ in Majel) and has done a huge amount to keep traditional skills alive. However, he is a total realist: keen to build transport boats with low cost carbon rigs which don't fall down when caught aback and other 'modern' conveniences.
Today is a public holiday for Nuclear Rememberance day.

 

[davidej]

What a terrible job you must have -still someone has to do it!

Where do I apply?

 

[rob denney]

What a terrible job you must have -still someone has to do it!

Where do I apply?

Funny you should ask. When I return to Aus, I intend to build a stripped down prototype of Cargo Ferry – HARRYPROA and sail it (hopefully via NZ for the AC) through the Pacific showing how a sailing cargo/ferry can improve life for remote villagers. Anybody who wants to help with the build, or the sailing, is welcome .

 

[rob denney]

Job is done, I left early while I still could. Got some video before I left.

The boat sails well, top speed 11 knots, self steers on any course between tight and broad reach, requires the paddle beyond these. After I left, they took it out in 25+, hit 14 knots with 4 people on board. Next test is in open water, then it starts hauling copra.

 

[rob denney]

Been a while, but I spent Covid building the 24m prototype which is now almost ready to launch in Fiji. see
General information cargo proa Cargo Ferry – Harryproa
Cargo proa build blog Cargo Ferry Prototype – Harryproa

 

[Wansworth]

Keep up the important work?