Aug 14, 2020 · The Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation's aim is to preserve the maritime heritage of the Virgin Islands by ensuring that the history and knowledge of traditional wooden boat building is passed on to future generations.

Apr 30, 2006 · Learn about the efforts to preserve British Virgin Islands maritime history with the restoration of Tortola sloops, including projects like Endeavor II, Vigilant, and the work of local organizations supporting this important cultural heritage.

Out of this activity evolved a type of trading sloop known as “The Tortola Boat” which is unique in its design and around which grew the culture and economy of the BVI. Enslaved and free Africans were building sloops and trading with other islands long before Emancipation.

The sloops enabled the BVI to become a major supplier of cattle and produce to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The typical Tortola Sloop was built of local white cedar (the BVI’s national tree) about 20’ in length with a moveable rock ballast, generous overhangs fore and aft and a mast and boom of about the same length as the boat with a “leg-of ...

Apr 5, 2025 · The Tortola sloop is an integral part of the BVI’s sailing tradition and an emblem of its boat building past. At one time the sight of men hammering and sawing boat frames was as common as the fast cargo carrying sloops they produced.

Did you know that the true origins for the design of the Tortola Sloop are a mystery? According to Professor Edwin Doran’s research, this type of vessel has five distinctive features. ⚓ First, is the absence of a bowsprit. ⚓ Secondly, is the shape of the mainsail.

Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation, Road Town, Virgin Islands. 440 likes · 1 was here. The Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation's aim is to preserve the maritime heritage of the Virgin Islands

Mar 14, 2013 · The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival organisers, along with VP Bank, have been instrumental in returning the Intrepid to the place of her birth and allowing her to return as a visual and tangible piece of the maritime heritage in the BVI.

Aug 2, 2020 · For about two and a half years, the Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation has been restoring four historic sloops that were damaged during Hurricane Irma. Youth Instructor, one of four remaining traditionally built Tortola boats, took to the waters on July 13 with members of the foundation and those who helped restore the boat.

These sloops became the backbone of the BVI’s economy, transporting goods, passengers, and mail between the islands and neighboring territories. Skilled sailors navigated the waters, mastering the art of reading the wind and tides.