Albaola Elkartea

Home Expedition‘Apaizac Obeto’, Canadá 2006 Project

Boat, clothing, tools and food

The boat intended to take part in this expedition will be the second chalupa built in Ontziola. Her name will be ‘Beothuk’, in memory of the native tribe exterminated in Newfoundland by Europeans. It has all the characteristics of the original sixteenth century chalupa, the oldest existing boat of her type. Her length is eight meters (26 feet), and her width is two meters (6 feet 6’). It’s entirely built of oak wood, and it’s propelled by six oars and two sails. It has neither deck nor cabin.

Some remains of quite well-preserved clothes of Basque sailors have been found in the graves of Red Bay. Now, we are making copies of those clothes, to dress the Basque crew in. The Mi’kmaq crew will wear the traditional clothes of his people.

All the materials, utensils and objects carried on board the ‘Beothuk’ will be non-synthetic, just as they were at the time.
Food will be based on products available in the sixteenth century, supplemented by any fresh meat or fish the crew are able to catch. In this regard, the Basque crew will rely on the abilities and knowledge of the environment of their Mi’kmaq colleague.
 
Safety

There will be a motor-powered auxiliary boat to guarantee the safety of the expedition; it will only be allowed to intervene, though, in an emergency. Besides this service, it will also be the working platform for the filming and photographic team.