Remember when we told you about the Vermont Sail Freight Project and its fundraiser— the idea to create a wind-powered, 12-ton carrying freight ship that will travel Lake Champlain and beyond? We have good news!

As of 1:00 today [April 18], the project is 100% funded! This is a great moment for us, and will guarantee that we can proceed with our 2013 program as planned. Thanks to every one of the 240 backers who brought us here. (Erik Andrus)

Now Lake Champlain will once again be home to a ship that harkens back to a more traditional method of trade that is also kinder to the environment!

The $15,000 raised through Kickstarter will pay for the remaining materials to build and launch the ship “Ceres” and to create their short film. However, the project will still be  running on Kickstarter for several more days. What would they use the additional funds for? Well, the next item on their to-do list is a technical one:

For the project to run well we will need to add advanced features for tracking the barge and estimating its itinerary using an interactive map, and for online ordering. This is way beyond my personal skill set and therefore something we must raise money for. The finished result should be sharp, and smart-phone ready, and easy for our project crew to administrate from the sailing barge itself. As high tech as the barge itself is low tech. That’s next on our list of needs.(Erik Andrus)

The fundraiser on Kickstarter will remain open until Thursday, April 25.  If you’d like to support this project consider making a donation. Besides the gratification of supporting the Vermont Sail Freight Project, backers will also get cool prizes!

Stay up to date with the project on the Vermont Sail Freight Project’s blog. Visit their website to learn more!

Related articles

• The Vermont Sail Freight Project by Erik Andrus (kickstarter.com)
• Building the Vermont Sail Freight Project (resilience.org)
• Vermont Sail Freight Project (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Moose in the Adirondacks (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Brochure: Visit Essex on Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)