It is late in the afternoon, later then desired as always, and we are preparing our vessel for the water. We have given up testing the sail today and settled on a motor and water test in the harbour.

Gathered at the La Ceiba Shipyards with us are several friends whos opinions of us vary from ‘crazy fools’ to ‘insperational’. Among the ranks are our constant supporters Joe and Michelle Haller, fountain of advice Tony Stone and friends Ricardo Flores and Carlos Martinez.

At the launch ramp, a few hundred meters from our work area, I am preparing the outrigger (ama and yakas) for the launch. Watching with a mixture of interest, disbelief and scorn are a group of fisherman from the other boats in the area. Their opinions that are mostly shared amongst their group in Gariffuna, but frequently peak to questions about the exact purpose of mission or the origins of our design. I can only imagin that they vaguely recognize the main hull as the type of cayuco they sailed at their home villages, and the ama as the small fishing vessel they use for lobster fishing.

With all the lashing in place, Arturo slowly backs the traller with the main hull into the water as we support the attached yakas and ama. When the boat starts to float, Dave and I climb abord. Anna ops to let us take it out first this time. Her first experience has left her with a little more caution.

The boat moves easily away from the ramp with paddles, but I am eger to try our newly repaired and mounted motor. After a few more pulls then I apprechiated, and a few jeers from the shore, it starts!

After picking up Anna, Joe and Michelle at the dock, we have a highly successful cruze around the harbour, venturing as far as the edge of the breakwater. Due to the number of passengers and the stinging rain, we decided against exiting into the waves at this point.

While we only ran the motor at low speed due to it’s recent overhaul, it performed very well. We may need to get a larger propeller, but we will do some more testing first. Stay tuned for photos of the journey!