The Boatbuilders of Man-O-War — Hands That Shaped the Sea | Kendell “Roots” Rolle

Before the engines crossed the harbour, there were hands upon the timber. “The Boatbuilders of Man-O-War — Hands That Shaped the Sea” is a musical tribute to the craftsmen, sailmakers and families who helped make Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, renowned for wooden boatbuilding. Performed by Kendell “Roots” Rolle and produced by AFA Digital Music Studio, this storytelling song honours generations of skill passed from fathers to sons and shared throughout the island’s waterfront workshops. Remembering the Albury, Sands, Thompson, Sweeting and Weatherford families, the song celebrates the people who selected timber, shaped curved frames, fitted planks and stitched the sails that carried their boats to sea. Among those remembered are William H. “Uncle Will” Albury, Maurice Albury, Edwin Albury, Emerson Albury, Willard Albury, Benny Albury, Joseph “Joe” Albury, Basil Sands, Wilson Sands, Kenneth Thompson, Norman Albury and Selina “Lina” Albury. The story also recalls vessels including Malolo, Barbara W, Spinner, Frigata, Lucayo, Romarie, Rough Waters, Abaco Rage and the schooner William H. Albury, originally named Esperanto. Historical photographs accompany the music, with brief captions and research credits during the final minute. The cover is an artist’s interpretation inspired by archival photographs. Do you recognise someone in these pictures? Did your family build, sail or work aboard one of these boats? Share your memories and any corrections in the comments so these stories can be preserved for future generations. Like, share and subscribe to help keep Abaco’s history alive through music. Performed by: Kendell “Roots” Rolle Produced by: AFA Digital Music Studio Presented by: Abaco Farmers Association Website: https://growabaco.farm YouTube:    / @abacofarmersassociation   RESEARCH AND PHOTOGRAPH SOURCES Man-O-War Heritage Archive https://mowmuseum.com/Our_Boat_Buildi... Man-O-War Heritage Museum https://mowmuseum.wordpress.com Albury Brothers Boats — Company History https://www.alburybrothers.com/compan... Smithsonian Folklife Archives — 1994 Festival of American Folklife Historical photographs belong to their respective rights holders. Source acknowledgements are included to recognise their contribution to preserving this history. #ManOWarCay #AbacoHistory #BahamianMusic #Boatbuilding #AFADigitalMusicStudio