Tortola Sloops – BVI Pride in Maritime History

Preserving BVI Heritage: The Revival of Tortola Sloops and Maritime History

Sailors in the British Virgin Islands understand the importance of locally built island sloops to BVI heritage. These sloops were the backbone of transportation and trade in the 19th century, serving as the only means of travel between the Virgin Islands for over 100 years. Today, only two Tortola sloops remain afloat, Moonbeam and Youth Instructor, but efforts are underway to revive this maritime legacy through several restoration projects.

Three Major Tortola Sloop Projects Underway

There are currently three Tortola sloop projects taking shape. The first is the construction of a 21st Century Island Sloop, Endeavor II, on Jost Van Dyke. The second project is the renovation of Vigilant, the oldest verifiable Island Sloop in the Caribbean. The third is a recently built sloop by Watson Wood on Anegada.

Cruising Tales: Landfall in the Virgin Islands

The Endeavor II Project on Jost Van Dyke

The Endeavor II project on Jost Van Dyke is a modern take on the traditional island sloop. According to Captain Kevin Grey, coordinator of the project, funding comes from a variety of sources. One key contributor is the West End Yacht Club, which has allocated entry fees from Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta since 1990. Additionally, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, led by President Dr. Michael O’Neal, has also been instrumental in raising funds and awareness.

Vigilant: The Oldest Island Sloop in the Caribbean

Vigilant, built in 1882 by Willie Penn of East End, Tortola, holds a significant place in BVI history. She was historically used to transport goods and passengers between Tortola, St. Thomas, St. John, and Jost Van Dyke. For many years, she was maintained by Osmond Davies at the HLSCC until his passing.

To raise awareness and funds for her renovation, Governor Thomas Macan, an advocate for wooden boats, organized a successful fundraiser at the Governor’s Mansion, bringing in over $8,000. Among the items auctioned were two models of sloops built by inmates at HM Prison in Balsam Ghut, a project led by Mr. Callwood of the prison.

Boat Building as a Learning Experience

The inmates at HM Prison have been involved in building models of Tortola sloops, thanks to the guidance of local boat builders like Al Frazer and Geoff Brooks from HLSCC. The prison’s boat-building program has become a valuable learning experience for inmates, who have now completed five models of island sloops. These models have been auctioned off to raise funds, with proceeds benefiting both the prisoners and the Maritime Museum at HLSCC.

BVI Sloops in the US National Park Service Festival

The importance of Tortola sloops extends beyond the BVI. Last year, HLSCC was invited to participate in the US National Park Service’s festival in St. John, held as part of Black History Month. The festival’s theme, “Boatbuilding and Maritime Heritage,” was a huge success. This year, the Youth Instructor sloop was towed over by Captain Dave Smith on Vigilant II for another appearance. The exhibition showcased models built by inmates, and it was well-received by school children from both St. John and St. Thomas.

A Maritime Legacy in the British Virgin Islands

The preservation of Vigilant, Moonbeam, and Youth Instructor represents a vital link to the BVI’s maritime history. These vessels are more than just boats; they are a testament to the rich seafaring culture of the British Virgin Islands. With ongoing restoration projects, the future looks bright for these historic sloops and their role in keeping the islands’ maritime heritage alive.

By supporting these efforts, the BVI community and its partners are ensuring that the unique history of island sloops continues to inspire future generations across the Caribbean.

Nancy Terrell has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.