Accompanying Tim Severin, our captain on this voyage, will be the artist and expert sailor from the Faeroe Islands, Trondur Patursson. Trondur has sailed with Tim on his previous expeditions and has shown great skill in handling different types of vessel. He has produced artwork of exceptional quality in unfavourable conditions during these voyages. Many of Trondur's drawings can be seen in Tim's books.
Leonard Shiel, from Dublin, is another artist who will be aboard the Alfred Wallace. Leonard has a particular interest in maritime scenes and will bring considerable expertise to the sailing team.
Joe Beynon rejoins Tim and Trondur for his second major nautical expedition. Joe is the expedition's doctor and will be responsible for the general health of the crew. In the case of emergencies Joe's training will be of the utmost importance. In addition, Joe is an accomplished photographer whose task will be to capture the flavour of The Spice Islands Voyage on film.
Yannis and Bobby are the Indonesian crew members of the Alfred Wallace. Yannis (an Indonesian corruption of the Dutch name Johannes) is an expert boatbuilder who is skilled in the handling of a prau. Bobby, a relative, will help out with the crewing. Their contribution will be vital to the safety of the Alfred Wallace and her crew.
On land Tim will be supported by an English biologist and a local park ranger.
The design of Tim Severin's vessel, the Alfred Wallace,
has been entrusted to the renowned English naval architect, Colin
Mudie. Colin's design is based on the native Malay prau which
has sailed these waters for centuries.
The Alfred Wallace is 48 feet long and built in the traditional
way. It is powered solely by wind caught in two large, rectangular
sails. The vessel will be steered by a quarter rudder. Although
the craft is very much in keeping with traditional design and
construction methods, it does carry sophisticated communications
technology.
Wallace's only ties with his family and supporters were out-of-date letters from home and infrequent messages passed on to him by the crews of ships he sometimes encountered. No such difficulties are anticipated on the modern voyage. Satellite communications equipment - which must be compact and light-weight - will be vital to the voyage's success and safety. A Sat-C Maritime radio will be used to send faxes around the world to the sponsors, participating schools and the crew's families. Tim will also utilise a laptop computer to transmit photographs and written messages.