Into the Wind: Fare Trade by Sail

NorthportDragonfly Sail Transport Co

$1,400

Raised of $7,900 USD

Fundraising ended on Jun 21, 2013
9 supporters
17%%

About This Project

Who We Are


Dragonfly Sail Transport Co. is a small business adventure created to
demonstrate the viability of transporting products by sail on a regional level. 


Located in Northport, Michigan, we are working with merchants and harbor towns to re-establish trade routes between communities that are uniquely connected by water. We offer a sustainable, emissions-free transport option and would like
to show that transport by sail can play a vital role in creating community resilience. 


DragonSail Vessel


 


Our Project


This is our Pilot Project and will be the first active season for Dragonfly Sail Transport.
Our mission is to demonstrate that we can utilize the wind and waterways to promote trade and commerce between harbor towns on northern Lake Michigan.  Local merchants are clamoring to transport their products by sail and we are currently coordinating
delivery schedules for fair-trade coffee, spices, goat  cheese, peanut butter, honey, cider and more. 


We currently have a lease-to-own contract on the boat we would like to purchase for our pilot project and beyond. The boat needs some work from sitting in a storage yard for a couple of years but is a diamond in the rough.
She is a sturdy, well-built boat and perfect for this duty. Her beautiful classic look will be a festive sight as we sail into port with merchant flags flying to make our deliveries.  


The funds raised on StartSomeGood will help us to launch this pilot project, secure the lease on the boat, cover maintenance and operational expenses, pay a stipend to our trade route coordinator, and hire a licensed captain.


 


Our Goal


Our goal is to demonstrate the viability of transport by sail in the modern age AND create a model that can be replicated in other regions of the country, and even the world. Working with local merchants and their customers, we will link
communities together by sharing our vision of a fossil-free transport option. 


Dragonfly Sail Transport Co will be the first project on the Great Lakes to demonstrate this progressive model of alternative transportation, utilizing the wind as a sustainable and renewable energy source for shipping
products.


Map of Michigan


 


How You Can Help


Check out the wonderful rewards we have created for our supporters and pick one! Come sailing with us in the beautiful clear blue waters of northern Lake Michigan.
Share our campaign with your friends. Encourage others to "get on board".


Thank you for your consideration, and if you have questions or would like to talk to us about our project, please
feel free to
contact us.


www.facebook.com/DragonflySailTransportCo

www.DragonflySailTransport.com 

Use Of Funds

$7,900 Tipping Point Goal

Our Fundraising Goals


Funds raised will be used to cover the first lease-to-own payment on the boat, pay maintenance and boat yard costs, launching, insurance, inspection, printed materials, a stipend for our trade route coordinator, licensed captain and fees from StartSomeGood
and PayPal.



2013 Lease-to-own payment - 2500

Boatyard fees                      - 1400 

Spring commissioning costs   - 1500

insurance                            - 1000

inspection/licensing              -   500

SSG and PayPal fees            - 1000


The above costs equal our tipping point- covering these expenses will allow us to secure the boat, fix it up and get it in the water, and get the project started.


Raising the full amount will enable us to fully realize the potential of this pilot project. We'll be able to put funds toward a dinghy and motor, advertise and promote our vision through festivals and shows, and hire a trade route coordinator and licensed
captain. Details of these expenses are:


Dinghy and motor                - 1500

Advertising/printed materials -  500

Festival/Show entry costs      - 1000


Trade Route Coordinator/Director  - 4500

DUTIES

    * oversees day-to-day company operations

    * organizes trade routes, coordinates delivery scheduling

    * receives and approves shipments for transport

    * arranges dockside pick-ups, tracks product to the store shelves

    * Assists with loading of cargo and passengers

    * Contact person for merchant members, community education, press/media, etc

    * Crew, 1st mate


Licensed Captain   - 3000

DUTIES

    * Spring commissioning of boat including any repairs, sanding, painting, refinishing, engine maintenance, and readying vessel for inspection by the USCG.

    * Stays current on all credentials/licensing/training

    * maintains vessel in function and appearance to the  standards invoked by maritime tradition

    * Tracks weather systems and adjusts sail routes accordingly.  Notifies route coodinator in case of delayed departure or cancelled transit. Final decision regarding passage rests with the Captain.


    * Oversees loading and placement of product aboard vessel assuring that all cargo is properly secured.


    * For passenger service, Captain will assure that each passenger is aware of location of PFD's, and will review safety procedures prior to each voyage

    * Assumes responsibility of crew, passengers and cargo for a safe passage


 


45th Parallel

$18,400 Stretch Goal


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Rewards

Select Reward
$10.00

"Crew List". Hand-written thank you note sent from the boatyard and your name on our website.

100 left

Select Reward
$25.00

"The Bronze Figurehead". Your name engraved on a bronze plaque displayed on board Aquilo. Plus the hand-written note and name on our website.

96 left

Select Reward
$50.00

"Knot Fuel Dependent ". Sailors knot bracelet plus your name on bronze plaque and hand-written note.

98 left

Select Reward
$100.00

"Market Day At The Docks". Environmentally-friendly tote bag with Dragonfly logo, sailors knot bracelet, name on bronze plaque, and hand-written thank you note.

98 left

Select Reward
$250.00

"We Tied the Knot". A tribute to the traditional sailor's craft of ropework, this monkey fist knot is large enough to be used as a doorstop. You also get the tote bag,rope bracelet, your name on the bronze plaque, and hand-written thank you note.

20 left

Select Reward
$500.00

"Trade Wind". A three-hour sail for four on Northport Bay. Feel the power of the wind as Aquilo cuts through the water on her freshly-painted hull. See the local landmarks and navigational bouys we use as we make our transport deliveries. You will also receive the Monkey Fist doorstop, tote bag, bracelet and your name on bronze plaque.

10 left

Select Reward
$1,000.00

"Dragonfly Beach". Enjoy an 8-hour cruise for four aboard Aquilo! Anchor in the quaint harbor of Omena, including lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Swimming, relaxing and napping also encouraged. See how our region lends itself to sail transport.

4 left

Select Reward
$2,500.00

"Cargo Transit". Guest Crew (for 2) during a transport delivery. See firsthand how Aquilo will be working to move products and people. Two days, round-trip includes overnight lodging ashore and meals while underway.

4 left

Select Reward
$5,000.00

"Peninsulas, Products and Passage". Guest Crew (for 4) during a transport delivery. From Northport to Charleviox by road is 79 miles. With Aquilo, we make this crossing by water in only 17 miles! Experience this eco-friendly passage with us and bring your friends! Two days, round trip includes meals while underway plus lodging and dinner ashore.

2 left

Select Reward
$10,000.00

"Champion For Change Island Tour". One-week cruise (7 days) for two in Northern Lake Michigan. Ports-of-call will include Beaver Island, Mackinac Island and the Les Cheneaux Islands to attend the Antique Wooden Boat Show. (August 10th). Includes simple accommodations aboard plus food and beverages. http://lchistorical.org/boatfest.html

1 left