Half a century ago the trade routes of the West
Indies were still being plied by wooden sailing schooners built on the island of
Bequia. Today only one remains.
The Friendship Rose was originally built entirely by hand on the beach at
Friendship Bay, Bequia to carry cargo between the islands. She continued to work as
the mail boat, carrying goods and passengers, under sail until the early 1990's. This
entirely traditional, gaff rigged, two masted, wooden sailing schooner is now being
restored in Bequia using the same local timbers and traditional methods.
The Friendship Rose now enjoys a more relaxed
life, making day sails for visitors to the nearby Tobago Cays and the island of Mustique.
Where planks are being replaced on the Friendship Rose the original spikes are found in
great condition, tight in the timbers. The replacement traditional boat nails are being
supplied by Glasgow Steel Nail Co.
Copyright © Glasgow Steel Nail
Co 1997- All rights reserved
