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BUILDING THE BOAT
Under development and with premium componentry, fit out, materials and attention to all construction details – Fenides Liveaboard construction is right now in its latest stage in the shores of the magnificent Sulawesi Island, in Indonesia.
The Phinisi
With its origins in the 1840’s, the gorgeous Phinisi was created by fusing Asian and Western naval Architecture.
The story goes that a certain Malaysian sultan hired a westerner who had long settled in this part of the world to help him build a boat. His intention was to create a boat that resembled the most modern of western style boats. As a result, a royal schooner was built. Some other theories point to the Dutch building their ships in Java for their inter Asian trading activities.
The name Phinisi (pinisiq) derives most certainly from “pinasse”, that was the common European word at the time to describe medium-sized sailing boats.
This word was actually referring to the rigging -i.e. seven to eight sails, consisting of two masts with 2 or 3 sails each, and 3 foresails on the bowsprit.
The Location
By 1900, the first Phinisi was built in Sulawesi, first with Padewakang hull and then the faster Palari hull was used instead. Other changes that happen around 1940 were the use of the nade sail original from easter Indonesia. By 1970, many Phinisis started to be equipped with engines, and a new change of hull was carried out in favor of the lambo type.
In the years after that, cargo capacity increased, masts became shorter to favor the use of the engine, and sails started to be used only when winds are favorable.
The Tradition
Boat building and navigation involve sophisticated cognitive concepts and blueprints. The peoples of Tana Beru, Bira and Batu Licin have developed these skills and knowledge over hundreds of years. The craftmanship is passed from generation to generation, father to son. More than 70% of the locals in this part of Sulawesi make a living out of boat building.
It is understood that thanks to the generous collaborative nature of the local tribes, they hugely benefited from each others expertise and improved their collective technical knowledge.
Shipbuilding and sailing runs in the blood these communities and it is the focus of their day to day, and of course their identity.
BUILDING CREW
When we planned to build Fenides Liveaboard, we wanted a team that offered more than craftmanship. Precision, creativity, resourcefulness and dedication were just a starting point, but at Fenides Liveaboard we know all too well that success is all about attitude and spirit. The Fenides Liveaboard building crew is a collective of wonderful people striving to build the ultimate luxury vessel for you to explore the hidden inlets of the Indonesian Islands.
