The Bureau of Cultural Heritage under the ROC Ministry of Culture released a 15-minute documentary Nov. 27 on the Free China, a historic wooden ship that sailed across the Pacific from Taiwan to San Francisco 57 years ago.
The vessel left Keelung Port April 4, 1955, manned by five young Taiwan sailors and Calvin E. Mehlert, former U.S. vice consul to Taiwan. The crew intended to participate in an international sailing competition after reaching the U.S., but because of a typhoon en route, they arrived too late, after 114 days.
“The film aims to promote the core values of Taiwan’s maritime culture, allowing the audience to understand the virtue of tolerance and the crew’s adventurous and fearless attitude at sea, as well as their team spirit,” Wang Shou-lai, director of the bureau, said at the premiere in Taipei City.
Minister without Portfolio Huang Kuang-nan pointed out that culture is the fruitful outcome of accumulated time and space. “Taiwan needs to have its own ideals and beliefs, demonstrating with confidence its vision and the strength of its maritime culture.”
Citing Paul Chow, a surviving crew member now in his 80s, Chiau Wen-yan, a legislator from the ruling Kuomintang Party, said the Free China is a magic boat that creates an indissoluble bond with whomever sees it.
“This story is the outcome of the unheralded efforts of many people,” Chiau noted. “Sailing vessels are a means of pursuing a dream. I hope through the story of the Free China, the public can re-experience the spirit of the age of sail.”
“A Legendary Voyage—The Story of the Junk Free China” was shot between May and November at a cost of NT$1.25 million (US$43,103), and includes interviews with the three remaining sailors—Chow, Hu Loo-chi and Mehlert.
The Free China, believed to have been built in 1890 in mainland China’s Fujian province, was the first traditional junk to make the trans-Pacific trip, the MOC said, adding that it was returned to Taiwan this summer and went on display at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology in Keelung July 11. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw