HOW IT ALL STARTED. It was the year 1993. When moving to Hawaii from the UK, Francis Pimmel was surprised to notice that, with one or two exceptions, nobody was building scaled-down Polynesian canoes, the very symbols of Polynesian culture and seamanship. Francis's love for boats and ships, particularly catamarans and trimarans, dates back to his time in the French Forces near Brittany, where famous sailors like Eric Tabarly set sail to win many races. Being passionate about boats, Francis Pimmel was fascinated by the exploits of Hokule'a, a voyaging canoe built in 1974, which sailed to Tahiti and back in 1976 solely guided by the sun, stars, waves, and wind. And then, in September 1992, Francis was given a chance to go onboard Hokule'a, which was moored in Honolulu on Pier 38 then. By chance, Wright Bowman Jr., who established "The Friends of Hokule'a and Hawai'iloa, was on the deck of Hokule'a; he graciously accepted Francis's request to come on board, take pictures, and make measurements to make a model of the canoe.
Present that day was also Ben Finney, a renowned anthropologist known for his expertise in Polynesian navigation and canoe sailing and a founder of the POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY. Having the opportunity to meet and interact with these influential individuals solidified Francis's determination to contribute to preserving and celebrating Polynesian culture.
Inspired by the rich history and significance of the Hokule'a, Francis embarked on a personal endeavor to construct scaled-down replicas of Polynesian canoes. Francis's passion for accuracy and authenticity drove him to study the many canoe types across Oceania and their construction methods, materials, and designs to ensure the utmost fidelity in his creations.
Through tedious craftsmanship and unwavering dedication, Francis painstakingly constructed these scaled-down models starting in 1993, seeking to capture every intricate detail that made Hokule'a and other Polynesian canoes such marvels of maritime engineering. From the elegant curves of the hull to the intricate lashings and rigging systems, each model was a testament to Francis's commitment to reviving the art of traditional Polynesian canoebuilding.
Word of Francis's remarkable craftsmanship soon spread, and enthusiasts, collectors, art galleries, and famous interior designers marveled at the exquisite replicas he had and still creates. His scaled-down canoes became cherished pieces of art, bridging the gap between past and present and serving as symbolic reminders of the extraordinary achievements of Polynesian navigators.
HOKULE’A in the lobby of the FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RESORT, MALAMA BAY, LANAI, HAWAII
Home and Garden TV (HGTV) featured Francis Pimmel and his work on their nationwide show "MODERN MASTERS" on November 4, 2001. Details on HGTV.com