March 2005

"Steady As She Goes"
The final lines for the JVD 32 are nearly ready for lofting and the shade is completed to build the sloop under good cover from sun and rain. A small presentation during the Music Festival drew some great comments and support.

"Conch Charters"
Thanks to the support for the Conch Charter owners, the sloop project will be getting its own web site www.sloopnews.org that will carry the latest news on the progress of the building process, pictures and all that good stuff including some merchandise to help raise funds. We are sincerely grateful for their help and for choosing our "Direct Donation System" that allows a sponsor to pay directly for something.

"Island Marine Outfitters"
$4,000 in materials for hull construction have been committed by Dennis MacDonald who has been attending meetings on Jost Van Dyke during the design and development stage. Island Marine is now the largest single supporter from the BVI's marine industry.

"Students Getting Ready to Start Work on the Sloop"
Several of Jost Van Dyke's High School students are making plans to start working on the project as soon as hull construction begins this month with the lofting process and pattern making stage. This is when the drawings are laid out in full size on the floor to begin the building of a jig. The sloop is to be built upside down in the jig or in lay terms "form" set onto a level and true frame known as a "strong back" that is now being fabricated under the new shed.

"Education Rules the Format of this Project"
Passing on the cultural heritage of the island sloops to the next generation is a worthy task. The JVD 32 Island Sloop Project is combining both the old world and the new by taking the island sloop history and moving it into the 21st Century. Skills that are being taught will give students a solid foundation to move into the modern workplace, whether it's the maritime or other area for their futures. Coordinators stress teamwork, planning and safety. Modern tools and skills for a modern world will give them an edge when it comes to working the BVI's world class charter industry or any other area they may go into. This format is what is capturing the imagination of the students and getting them to want to be involved.

"White Squall II and the JVD Primary School"
The primary school students on Jost Van Dyke are in for a very special treat this year as the legendary schooner "White Squall II" has committed to take them out during the 32nd annual "Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta" in May. The High School students working on the the sloop will be their big brothers for the day and go with them. The sloop is to be used for sailing training with the school once it is sailing in 2006.

Be sure to check back monthly for Sloop News updates!

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The JVD 32 Sloop is a project of the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society. Click Here to visit JVDPS.org