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Displaying items by tag: Vanishing Sail

#historicboats – There is a small group of islands in the Lesser Antilles where the traditions of boatbuilding were once crucial to the survival of local communities skimming a living from the sea. Hundreds of sailing vessels were once launched here, more than anywhere in the West Indies.

Today there is no more trading by sail, and these skills have vanished elsewhere in the region.

The film "Vanishing Sail" represents over fifteen years of research and documenting the art form of wooden boatbuilding in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Premiere of the movie "Vanishing Sail" - what a night! West Indies sloops & schooners from up and down the islands gathered on the dock for the 20th anniversary St. Barth Film Festival.

By nightfall the crowd swelled to 350 + people, a brief intro and the music of the sea began. The dock became wrapped in silence, only the creaking of mooring lines, the vessels all swaying together lit by the moon, all feeling the story as one.

Very powerful indeed to finally see our film come alive on a huge screen with such a wonderful audience followed by a standing ovation.

The film will be screened at selected Film Festivals during this summer & fall prior to a general release.

Published in Historic Boats

About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.