THE FAMILIAR SIGHT of the ship which seemed to be perpetually under construction on Browne’s beach is no more.
The schooner SV Ruth has taken its maiden voyage after more than ten years in limbo, the first step in an ambitious plan to improve the face of shipping in the region.
“The Caribbean Sail Cargo Initiative is designed to bring back inter-regional sail cargo, improve the transport of regional fruits and vegetables and promote sail cargo regionally as well as seamanship and sail training,” said project director and chief executive officer of SV Ruth Limited, Ian Dash.
Hundreds of people turned up to see the launch, which took place shortly after 11 a.m., after an opening ceremony including acting prime minister Richard Sealy, other members of Cabinet, principal of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus Sir Hilary Beckles and campus staff.
The ship, which loomed large on the beach, appeared to shrink as it was floated out to sea via tugboat.
Dash said they would be travelling to the shallow draught where, for the next five to seven weeks, they would be conducting incline tests and sea trials.
The initiative is a collaboration with the UWI Centre for Food Security and Entrepreneurship and assistance from the US Embassy. (CA)
