It's been almost two years since the Association took over the ship. 'Fri' is lying at her builder's yard (J. Ring-Andersen) in Svendborg, with a tarpaulin construction covering the entire ship. Her rig is out and she has been hauled for caulking, bottom painting and a survey last year.
The task of fund raising for her renovation has not been very dynamic, though they say that applications are being written now. Membership in the Association must be 3/4 local according to their bylaws. Little effort has been made to seek new members from the international community, as their local membership drive has not been a big success yet. They still owe several hundred thousand DKK (crowns) to the shipyard, ca. 60,000 USD, which is due one year from now.
Meanwhile, correspondence and meetings of former 'Fri' crew continue. Orietta Sloth, who lives in Tuscany in Italy recently brought up the idea of trying to write the story of the Peace Odyssey, with input from many of us. Others have seconded the idea, and therefor I write here an invitation to a jam session on line as to how we could go about the task.
This blog could easily be adapted for the purpose!
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3 comments:
I believe I lived next to The Fri, in St. Augustine, Florida, when I was a little kid and they had a profound effect on me. They also gave me my first taste of soybean ice cream :). My dad and I have been trying to find more info and pics. I would love any of either that you could send me. Many thanks and love!
My thoughts have been turning towards The Fri a lot lately. I lived in New Zealand in the early 1970's. Orietta was a roommate. I played in a band and we got the idea that we should put together a benefit concert for the Fri in Tauranga circa 1974. It was great to get to know David, Emma, and the crew and in our own small way help repair the Fri after its arduous trek to Muroroa. My roommate Orietta and bandmate Allister were so smitten they joined the crew. My old bandmates are kicking around the idea of a reunion to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the benefit. Crazy days.... and it may happen!
The Fri was very important to us locals in Auckland New Zealand. I had wondered where she might be. I believe one or two of the Peterson girls sailed on her either or both before or after the French Poly Bomb test protests. I think one voyage she didn't get up to par..Is she still in Denmark? was she able to be saved? I have a feeling alot of Kiwis would be interested in her well being- Thanks Wendy Gerrish
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