My name is Geoff Husa. Some time ago (Feb 2011) I got this crazy idea to build an outrigger sailing canoe, which I’m to name ‘Shan Skailyn’. I say crazy because I live in the middle of the jungle, up in the rugged Finisterre mountains of Papua New Guinea. I’m not near the ocean. No nearby lakes. We don’t even have an airstrip or road where we live. And I shouldn’t neglect to mention that I’ve never in my life either built or sailed a boat.I wanted something fun for my family to enjoy when we’re getting some R and R in the town of Madang a couple times a year. The last couple times we've been out I've been borrowing other's canoe's/kayaks and taking my kids out on the water and we've really enjoyed it. I’ve got some background in carpentry that should help me. Only real problem is getting the completed project from our remote location in the bush to Madang. So the plan is (assuming I can finish the project successfully) to have the canoe flown out by helicopter to the coast just 12 miles away. From there, it’s maiden voyage is slated to take it from Saidor, along the Rai Coast to Madang (see map on side column).
Time is another factor for me. I’m super busy with a bible translation project, a local church, and also with trying the best I can to be a good hubby and father. My guess is that I can plan to average a few hours each weekend to piddle with this project. Hoping to be finished and ready for the voyage sometime late 2012. But we’ll just see how it goes. Logistics can be crazy out here sometimes. No internet, no stores, no roads… just helicopter access 3-4 times/year. These factors can make getting needed materials or missing parts S-L-O-W.
Main reason for this blog is to connect with others of similar interest and hopefully be able to get some advice and encouragement along the way. So tune in every now and then (or sign up to follow the blogs by email) and feel free to chime in with advice or whatever for this rookie.
