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Back in Holland, mom´s door was open, her food as usual delicious and her spirit high to keep you going. We founded “Stichting Cabbio” to get some official entity for donations and sponsors. Johan and Gert Jan van V. Wijland Drukkerij would print a monthly bulletin and ball started rolling. Or the Stones Rolling, better ! Wim got us entrance to Rank Xerox for pictures scanning, print-outs and brochure etc. and like that, we had a good start.

Living in one of the most expensive villages in Holland, Laren NH we thought with the correct material, private donations wouldn´t be a problem. On my bike I distributed house-to-house (or Castle-to-Castle…) in entire Laren with a full color brochure, a master piece ! If only 1 guy would be willing for 0.5% of his mortgage, we´re done ! How wrong I was….

We started the family and friends donations: certificate holders for Dfl 100,00. We had 2 actions on Boomerang postcards where people could win a sail trip once finished. We had coverage in major newspapers, went twice on TV and even on the inflight news from the KLM. We had a Brazil stand during Sail ´95; “een piek voor de giek” and waterproof wallets with Tocorime logo to buy. Herman bought his “kikker” – he had the Starboard bolder. And of course, we tried to get companies interested to sponsor this unique project. Armed with impressive pictures from the ribs, efforts made and high follow your dreams content. BUT……

N.O.T.H.I.N.G !!!

Holy Mo…. We got some certificate holders and couldn´t be more grateful but far from enough. Keep on going Kit, ware your shoes out and go, keep on going !! Every little buck was one and very well received by the guys trying to keep the building going. To safe money, they went to Manaus (2 days by boat), bought ½” steel bars in 6 meter lengths. Taking it back to STM; cut in 35 cm pieces, tapered on the ends with the hammer and make the threads by hand. Those were the bolts to join the frames together, 10.000 pieces; the cheapest no-budget way…. And while in Manaus, they would also buy bags of rice and sell in STM for a little profit: food money ! And I kept on going. Trying and Trying; Going and Going. But companies were a dead-end; nobody believed that we would ever sail, a dream still too crazy for them ! Unbelievable, I was shocked. We weren´t asking for millions. They could do time-sharing, put logo´s in 700m2 sail area, have cocktails for clients, have quality time with their friends or family…. N.O.T.H.I.N.G !!!

Calle came over to Holland and we started picking up the good old hammer again, just to keep Mark alive and the things without too many rust. In the meantime, Canoa had found his way and stimulated the building with new energy. He wanted to learn how, and then build his own. Well, also lost on the Tapajos, he´s still onboard !

At that time Canoa started on the Brazilian side of media, sponsors and the like. The guys also found some girls… the house was filling up and kids started to sprinkle some more energy around. Not the best scenario for a no-budget project but very human ! And after all; women and children do make a heck of a difference, love was in the air !!

In Holland, desperate in need of cash, we decided to sell shares of the boat. It was the only way out and finally, finally, finally -after 3 years being stopped-, we could start-up again, hitting it hard !! Good news never comes alone; we also got Rob from Luba Uitzendburo as a sponsor, whow !! Now we had enough to keep on going until the launching – Oh Gloria, we´re on our way again; Joho and a bottle of rum. Or pinga yes !!!
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