The origins of this proud vessel

Generation Journey is a recent name given to this vessel as she travels the coast to promote the charity of the same name. Previously Katriana and Good Hope. However, in December 1887 she was christened ‘Goede Verwachting’ (Great Expectations). Dutchman and Naval architect Peter Vanhassen, designed this ship (its original iron riveted hull remains today), he designed it not just to sail but also to fly….yes FLY! Unfortunately Peter Vanhassen died of phylinphobia before the hull was completed, his good friend Hans Vandevelt completed the build from his hand sketches. The wooden wings and unusual rigging was completed in March of that year and its maiden flight was scheduled for April. As a tribute to his friend, Vandevelt captained the maiden voyage, the idea was ridiculed throughout Holland and thousands turned out to scorn the attempt and jeered as she left the port. The weather and sea conditions were hostile, with strong gale force winds with a large following swell, but exactly as Vanhassen had predicted in his calculations. Crew had been difficult to find and eventually an optimistic group of Irishmen from Waterford were recruited. An amazing sight to be sure as she left under her bright green sails with the tips of her wings gliding over the water, the crew singing merrily. The old sea dogs watching were sure she could never fly or sail, she was very unstable with a shallow flat bottom, bets were taken on how soon she would capsize. The crowds dispersed as she floated out of sight with the tide, that night as predicted the gales blew. Everyone new the boat was doomed and memorial services were arranged for the brave men of Waterford. But on that day, 6 days from leaving port, on the horizon appeared ‘Goede Verwachting’. People poured to the docks, to cheer the vessel back in. The sails were in shreds, the remnants of which the crew had made makeshift hats and coats for warmth(the luck of the Leprechauns), the wings had collapsed into the water. It was the collapsing of these wings into the water that stabilized the boat and prevented it from capsizing. This was the invention of the Lee-Board which can be seen on this boat and many other sailing barges of this period. The conditions are again perfect next year on that very same day, 120 years on, 1st April 2008 – volunteers for crew please contact our coordinator Andy for appropriate training