THE HISTORY OF A TRADITION
Historically, the Phinisi was born from a legend from an ancestral tradition of the Southern islands of Sulawesi. For the longest time, this vessel was reserved for the commercial trade. Today however, the Phinisi has become a sophisticated maritime tradition.
Its architecture is the unique combination of old constructions typically found in the Bugis-Makassar culture, and inspiration from modern European and American ships from the early 19th century.
COMBINING TIMELESS DESIGN WITH 21ST CENTURY ENGINEERING
Centuries ago, Indonesia’s wooden Phinisi boats were used to carry exotic spices, sandalwood and textiles through the ancient spice trading route. Boat builders in Sulawesi would take years to handcraft the vessels on the beach, a labor intensive yet methodical process that was guided by ritual. In December 2017, UNESCO recognised South Sulawesi’s hand-crafted sailing yachts as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ and their unique legacy lives on today in our modern Phinisi yachts, re-purposed for cruising, diving and recreation.
At Yacht Sourcing, we work with Indonesia’s few remaining Phinisi craftsmen to create custom sailing vessels ranging in length from 18 to 60 metres. Staying true to the traditional architecture of the Bugis-Makassar culture, we use fine Indonesian teak and ironwood and craft multiple sails for the traditional twin masts.
Our clients can choose from a range of finishes and designs to cater to today’s discerning traveler, from ultra-spacious deck areas for yoga or relaxing to luxe soundproof suites for a good night’s sleep. All of our new builds are fitted out with the latest technological systems and are built to modern standards while ensuring a maximum level of quality, comfort, sustainability and efficiency. From design to delivery, we provide a comprehensive service that encompasses conceptualisation, budgeting, time scheduling, project management, shipyard co-ordination and warranties.
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PHINISI STORY
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BOROBUDUR
Indonesian traditional vessels and sails were first to appear on the ancient temple of Borobudur in Central Java.
Touring the temple and its relief carvings, you can find several panels that depict ships that crossed to Indonesia through the Indian Ocean, bringing followers of the Buddha in search of enlightenment.
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MAJAPAHIT
The Borobudur vessels were known to be used in the Majapahit navy, along with many different wooden ships.
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XX CENTURY
In the 19th century, sailors from Sulawesi began to combine traditional tanja rigs with the fore-and-aft rigs of Western ships sailing through the archipelago. The first Sulawesi-made phinisi is thought to have been built for the first time in 1906.
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NOWADAYS
The phinisi boat is still used for trade around Indonesia. The building process combining the traditional knowledge with modern motors and luxury designs lead us to the luxury charter business.
BOROBUDUR
Indonesian traditional vessels and sails were first to appear on the ancient temple of Borobudur in Central Java.
Touring the temple and its relief carvings, you can find several panels that depict ships that crossed to Indonesia through the Indian Ocean, bringing followers of the Buddha in search of enlightenment.
MAJAPAHIT
The Borobudur vessels were known to be used in the Majapahit navy, along with many different wooden ships.
XX CENTURY
In the 19th century, sailors from Sulawesi began to combine traditional tanja rigs with the fore-and-aft rigs of Western ships sailing through the archipelago. The first Sulawesi-made phinisi is thought to have been built for the first time in 1906.
NOWADAYS
The phinisi boat is still used for trade around Indonesia. The building process combining the traditional knowledge with modern motors and luxury designs lead us to the luxury charter business.
FROM NEW BUILDS TO REFITS
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WHAT WE DO
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