SAILING TRADERS
Without the shipping industry, the world would have looked completely different today. It is not without reason that for centuries countries have been fighting over the largest fleets, best routes, and most valuable trade connections. The countries that were best at this held all the power. For instance, as the first multinational, the V.O.C. grew into a true superpower through overseas trade. By today’s standards, the company was worth as much as the twenty largest listed stock market companies combined today.
After the invention of steam engines in the late 18th century, sailing merchant ships completely switched completely to steam vessels and later other polluting fuels. Currently, merchant shipping, responsible for transporting 90 percent of all trade, is one of the world’s most polluting industries. This is why, in 2007, three sailing friends wanted to show the world that things could be done differently.
They rescued an old German warship from demolition and converted it into a completely motorless two-masted vessel. Inspired by the V.O.C., they let people buy a share in the project to bring it to fruition.
They sail from Den Helder within Europe and to South, Central & North America to trade in sustainable, organic, and artisanally produced goods such as chocolate, wine, olive oil and their own rum. Because they are the only ones in the world to trade entirely by sail, they preserve this centuries-old craft and inspire the industry toward a sustainable future. With their remarkable vision, they have turned the world of cargo shipping on its head and are now world famous.
“Because we have no engine we experience the craft again in its purest form. We once again use knowledge, handling and manoeuvres that have not been used for centuries,” said Captain Andreas.