My name is Branch Gaarder and I am the National Coordinator for Ocean Tribe (Ocean Church). I am on a mission to preserve the legacy of Ocean Providence to inspire future generations!
You may be familiar with the New Hope boat, used by Rev. Sun Myung Moon on the Hudson River, Montauk waters, and Gloucester Ocean Challenge. On this boat, He pioneered the Hand-Lining techniques used to catch Giant Bluefin Tuna and later went onto lead huge fleets of “One-Hope” boats used for Ocean Summer training programs (Ocean Challenge).
This boat is our treasure to remember Father Moon, a visionary and man of Peace, as He went on to start many organizations and businesses to develop the maritime industry around the world so that humanity could prosper, overcoming hunger and economic struggles. Today, this vision lives on in those who pioneer ocean-related businesses, those who host and attend Ocean Challenge (maritime education programs for youth), and those who steward assets for the sake of inspiring others in this vision for peace.
Today, I am asking for your help to save and restore the New Hope boat. The restoration team is led by members who built Good-Go’s in the ’80s and ’90s and currently own/operate a boat repair business (Crystal Coast Boatworks). The boat is currently in North Carolina but will continue to rot and be lost forever if we do not act soon.
I have inspected the boat and discussed with these professionals, our options for restoring this boat. Due to its age and lack of use, there is damage from water, termites, corrosion, and sun that need to be repaired, to prevent the boat from deteriorating further. We have already removed rotten wood, fiberglass and preserved many pieces for templating, to preserve the original feel of the boat. We plan to replace the flybridge, back deck, and many smaller parts, including fuel tanks, windows, motor controls, etc. The hull and interior cabin are in good condition, the diesel engines have little wear and are operable.
I plan to move this boat to NJ under the care of the NJ Ocean Tribe team, so that we may once again use this boat on the Hudson River for Education programs, and to inspire those who pilgrimage to this area. Later, we will make it a part of Ocean Challenge Programs in Gloucester, recreating the experience my parents and many others had with Father and Mother Moon.
I am seeking $95,000 to complete external, mechanical, and some interior renovations, as well as transfer the boat to NJ.
All donations will be commemorated in the New Hope “guest book”. Anyone who donates more than $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000, your name/company will be on 3 tier plaques/engravings inside the boat. Everyone will know who made this restoration possible!
I will post regular updates on the restoration and the programs we host with this boat. Please consider donating to make this a reality.
The New Hope boat was stored in North Carolina for many years.
New Hope with the deck, flybridge, hull paint, and small parts removed for inspection.
Father Moon and members on the New Hope.
Father Moon on the New Hope, leading many One-Hope boats out to sea in search of Giant Bluefin Tuna.
New Hope Restoration Team
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