Probably the oldest work boats still in existence are the lateen-rigged Arab Dhow of the East coast of Africa. The largest of these traditional sailing vessels still widely in use in the ‘Jahazi’ which measures up to 30 meters long and carry up to 100 passengers. Large billowing Jahazi’ sails are a characteristic sight of Zanzibar and other traditional ports. The design of the modern ‘Jahazi’ is pretty much identical to that of similar seafaring vessels used in medieval times.

Rising from a bed of wood shavings the 15 meter. 35 ton Amina, had been handcrafted by local fundi’s from Chole, a small island just south of Mafia situated below the spice island of Zanzibar of Africa’s coast on Jinj. For many years she was used as a trading vessel between the islands.

But now she was in bad shape, so Bruce accompanied by ‘Mohammed the Brave’ and a Swahili crew sailed her south on the KasKazi trade wind to Pemba in Mozambique’s far north Cabo Delgado Province where the team refitted her for the year long One Net One Life Malaria prevention Journey ahead.