John Hutchinson is a sailor with a mission! He is planning to sail a home-made raft from Pissouri to Akrotiri to raise funds for “Solidarity” one of the local charities in Cyprus that is feeding the hungry, especially among the youngest and the oldest of the community. All being well (the weather, that is) John will make his journey on 28 September. All being well he will leave at about 10.00am and the voyage should take around 5.5 to 6 hours traveling at a speed of about 2 knots, to arrive at Currium Beach at around 4.00pm.
John is a regular attendee at the churches of St Barnabas (Limassol) and St Lazarus (Pissouri) churches on the island, part of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. Canon Derek Smith, Chaplain of St Barnabas and St Lazarus, described John’s mission to not only sail but build the raft on which to sail with the words “selfless craziness“. Please be praying for John, for his skill in preparing his raft and for the weather on the day – we will let you know how it goes.
If you feel led to help by sponsoring John on his voyage please email him directly at johnwhutchinson@
Take a look at the pictures of John’s raft – John has built the raft himself and will have conducted three sea trials before the attempt this Saturday. For the techie folks among you several crucial components have been modified. It is equipped at the stern with a T section made of pick axe handles to control a large rudder, Brazilian hardwood bolted masts (hardwood rake handles), a wooden 10″ deep keel to which both masts are bolted, spring loaded sail sheets to counteract gusts and to take the strain over a lengthy journey at least in time! A plastic builder’s pallet forms the base with plastic containers and water butts for buoyancy.
Read a recent news item about Solidarity HERE:
