A Dutch carpenter inspired by a dream to construct a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark now has a new and equally ambitious dream – to sail the vast vessel to the Olympic Games in Brazil.
Johan Huibers’ Biblical boat complete with wooden animals, was constructed four years ago at the cost of nearly $1.6million (over £1million), and is currently a popular attraction in Dordrecht, south of Amsterdam.
It is estimated that the cost of sailing the vessel 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in time for the sporting event would be around $1.97million (£1.36million), according to a California non-profit organisation set up to help the determined Huibers realise his latest goal.
This is the ark replica. It was created as close to the specifications in the bible as possible. The exact measurements are 410 feet long, 95 feet wide and it weighs in at 2,500 tons. This thing is massive!
This is the man who had the dream that inspired this project, Johan Huibers. The ark was constructed 4 years ago at a cost of $1.6 million. It has since drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors as an attraction.
The ark has 5 levels, with some having 75 foot tall chambers.
There is even a media area for visitors to learn more about the ark.
The ark even has its own restaurant.
In keeping with the biblical theme, there are carvings of animals in two by two formation throughout the rooms of the ark.
Now that the ark is complete, Johan has a new goal. He wants to actually sail this thing from The Netherlands to Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympics!
The cost for the journey to Brazil is quite expensive. Johan and the group Ark of Noah Foundation are estimating the cost at around $2 million.
They are also hoping to set up “Ark of Hope Centers” around the world these centers would social, educational and practical support for the people in the area. There first one would be in Brazil and be set up during the Olympics.
The Ark of Noah Foundation’s director, Herald, said that the centers would “will teach water use, social and environmental responsibilities as well as help with substance abuse issues, workforce skills, and much more.”
Johan has quite a ways to go if he wants to sail this thing half way across the world.
The fundraising effort to fund the trip to Brazil is only a few thousands dollars into its goal. So it’s going to take a miracle to raise that kind of money in this short amount of time.
This thing is absolutely incredible. The fact that someone took it upon themselves to build this is astonishing vessel is really amazing. Now, I guarantee that this vessel wouldn’t fit two of every animal on the planet, so I’m not sure how they did it in the bible, but that’s a debate for another day. It doesn’t take away from the planning and care that was needed to create something this large that would actually float. It remains to be seen if we will see this thing on the high seas, but I for one will be watching with great anticipation if it does make a voyage.
h/t: Buzznick dailymail