Travellers in North West, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal should be on the lookout for an unusual spectacle this week: a 15-metre long catamaran, built in Buhrmansdrift near Mahikeng in North West.
It will make its way on a truck-bed to Richards Bay.
It is the lifelong dream of an advocate and experienced sailor Blackie Swart of this farming community.
He has dedicated the past three and a half years to building it. It is known as the North West’s very own Noah’s ark.
When Advocate Blackie Swart was not in court, he was grinding away in his workshop.
For visitors to his farm, it was hard to imagine the transformation.
The boat can accommodate 50 day passengers, and the six cabins and sleep 12 people.
Swart’s wife, Karin, shares his passion for the sea, and helped built Injabulo.
It may mean happiness, but building her, wasn’t always, smooth sailing.
Karin Swart his wife shares of the process. “There were days when it was 4, 5, 2 degrees when we worked outside. There were days that we were tired, but then realised that, if you have a dream out there, suddenly your present becomes a lot more bearable.”
They hope that this 15 ton load will reach Richard’s Bay, by Friday.
It will be docked there for about a month, before departing on its maiden voyage.
Blackie Swart says, “I will have the boat inspected for sea worthiness. When we put it on the water the mast will be rinked and then we will do the final adjustments and final things. Get the safety equipment ready and then we’ll start with our sea trials and part of it will be our sail down to Cape Town.”
Swart had his last day in court on Friday and the couple will now spend their time travelling the world.
Karin Swart elaborates, “It all sounds really adventurous and daring free-spirited, but it is daunting, but yes we’re leaving on Monday. I’ve got 1000 , one boat , one dog, one car and it’s liberating.”
It is anchors away to Saint Martin in the Caribbean, where Injabulo will be chartered.
