The Sail Boat Project
I think it would be fair to say that this journey was not all plain sailing. Back in January 2018 I reacted to an article in Low Impact Living Initiative (LILI) about a sail boat project to bring Olive oil from an organic farm in the Douro valley in Portugal to Newhaven harbour in Sussex, UK. The difference, the oil was to be transported in a sail boat. Furthermore, using only wind power the journey was truly carbon-zero. On that occasion, the oil was transported from Porto, Portugal all the way to Newhaven harbour, Sussex, England, aboard the Nordlys, an engineless sailing boat. Indeed, it must have been quite a feat to sail a boat into the harbour and costly towing.
The Sail Boat Cargo-organic olive oil
Consequently, I was on board for the 2nd run! On 31 March, I handed over £225 for 25l of fairly-traded Portuguese, single estate, extra virgin, organic olive oil. As a consequence, upfront payment for the goods purchased, could be made directly to the farmers. At £9 per litre that compared very well to the olive oil purchased through Infinity foods, another Brighton-based ethically sourced food company.
The olive oil was purchased from the Reigado family who run an organic farm in the Douro valley in Portugal. Together with other organic farmers they are organising themselves into a cooperative with the support of the Sailboat project. This will enable them to become a key player in the supply chain.
The Journey
The olive oil, olives and wine from Porto were transported aboard the Nordlys. Next, the boat made a scheduled stop at Breton island, Noirmoutier. Here pots of Fleur de Sel (sea salt) were purchased. This cargo was transported to Brixham in Devon, an easier point of access for the engineless Nordlys. From here the cargo was transferred to the Jalapeno, a sailboat belonging to the Sailboat project. They are a Brighton based community company that aims to provide access to the sea for a wide number of participants. They are also the inspiration behind this project.
Windless seas
We awaited the arrival of our olive oil with interest. The original arrival date in April had to be put back as the lack of wind made sailing the Nordlys difficult. Then in late May the Nordlys arrived in Brixham, where the cargo was stored. Finally, from here in early June the goods were transported along the coast, making a stop at Brighton marina, an easier access point for us to collect our order. If necessary, the olive oil can be delivered directly to your door using bike couriers too.
Our cargo arrives in Brighton
On 15 June, we arrived at the marina to collect our order of 25 litres of organic oil. On board we met Dara, Mark and other crew members. We were welcomed with crusty bread from England, drizzled with olive oil from Portugal and sprinkled with Fleur de sel from France! In addition, on board was a selection of Portuguese wines. An act of European cabotage that has occurred in centuries past? Now, reclaimed by these intrepid pioneers. For the crew, they had one last stop. Finally, the next day the Jalapeno set sail for its final destination – Newhaven harbour and hour east of Brighton.
And yes, the wait was worth every drop of the oil!
Nangle angle
Olive oil that does not cost the earth.
Nangle facts & tips
More information about Sail Boat projects across the Atlantic can be found at New Dawn Traders.
For more information on sourcing Carbon Zero Olive Oil or to learn to sail, contact the Sail Boat Project based in Brighton.
