Sarteneja launches largest wood sailboat

A group of 25 people from Minnesota gathered in the local fishing village of Sarteneja, Belize last Friday to step back in time for a traditional boat launch.

The owners of Blue Tang Inn, San Pedro (Curt Fisher, Bruce Paradis) wanted a traditional sailboat for their guests that modeled the typical fishing boats in Belize. After some inquiry, they learned that the fishing village of Sarteneja was the place to have a boat built. They connected with the well-known father and son boat builders, Leonardo and Beto Munos.

The 40 foot boat is made out of hardwoods found in Belize, including Santa Maria, Bullet and Mahogany. The traditional style and quality craftsmanship was maintained. Owner’s son, Derek Fisher worked closely with Leonardo and Beto to add a diesel inboard engine, bathroom and plumbing fixtures and modern window hardware and lighting. The boat has a very unique style with its cabin shape and wide beam. Beto says it was the largest wood sailboat ever built and launched in Sarteneja. Leonardo and Beto are very proud of the boat, which was named Sirena Azul, inspired by the hand carved mermaid mounted to the bow of the boat.

The boat launch was an unforgettable experience for the Minnesotans that stepped in to help wherever needed. The boat builder, Beto, followed traditional ways of launching a boat. A large bed made out of wooden poles was built underneath the boat. A loader was hired to manoeuver and pull the boat on the bed to the ocean shore. The villagers all gathered, following the boat down the streets. Once at the shore, the bed was cut apart, leaving only wooden rollers to move the boat into the water. With over 100 hands along the sides of the boat to hold it from tipping, many pulling the long rope from the dock and others moving the poles from back to front as the boat rolled, it hit the water with a grace that was hard to believe. The excitement was felt by all and was easy to see from the big smiles on everyone’s faces.

The Minnesotan’s commented on the ingenuity of the locals and loved being part of the entire experience. It was hard to believe that such a mammoth boat could be moved without any damage. But Beto kept things moving along with the confidence that only someone with years of experience in such matters has. Everyone worked together, enjoying the shared purpose. It was a real version of “it takes a village” to get things done.

The original article can be found here.