Please select your home edition
Edition
sMRT AIS Man Overboard Beacons AUS / NZ

End of Days? Dutchman builds a modern Noah’s Ark

by Jeni Bone on 12 Dec 2012
Johan Huibers and his Ark SW
Moored in the city of Dordrecht, just south of Rotterdam, Holland, a new landmark is visible bobbing against the extremely flat and floodprone landscape. Johan Huibers has realised his 20-year quest to build a full-scale, functioning model of Noah’s Ark.

Huibers relied on the Bible for the boat’s measurements, using books 6-9 of Genesis as his inspiration, following the instructions God gives Noah down to the last cubit.



Translating to modern measurements, Huibers came up with a vessel that works out to a whopping 427 feet (130 meters) long, 95 feet (29 meters) across and 75 feet (23 meters) high. Perhaps not big enough to fit every species on Earth, two by two, as described in the Bible, but plenty of bulk to create quite an impression, particularly as it’s filled with plastic animals.

Elsewhere on the ark is a petting zoo with live animals such as ponies, dogs, sheep, and rabbits and an impressive aviary of exotic birds. It also boasts a restaurant on the upper level and a movie theatre with a capacity for 50 people. Around the edges of each level of the craft are displays on ancient Middle Eastern history and dress, scenes from the life of Noah, and games for kids, including water pumps and a system of levers to lift bales of hay.

There is plenty of storage in hatches should the need arise for setting forth, and Huibers is even considering touring Europe or further afield with his awesome Ark.



Huibers, a builder by trade, told Dutch media that the concept began after a nightmare he had in 1992, when the low-lying Netherlands was flooded, as it has been many times.

Huibers thinks that floods of Biblical proportions are still possible, especially given the impact of global warming. He referred to a New Testament passage prophesying that 'the cities of the coast shall tremble' near the end of times.

Preparing for a flood is a secondary aim, as the builder said he wants to make people think what their purpose is here on Earth. 'I want to make people question that so that they go looking for answers', and ultimately find salvation through God and eternal life, he said.

As of 10 December, the Ark is open for business, forecasting as many as 3,000 visitors per day could be hosted onboard for the 'presentations, scientific background information, several films, paintings and much more bringing the history of Noah to life'.


Huibers has also written the story of his quest, releasing his autobiography 'The Unsinkable Dream', which his website describes as 'a compelling, moving and yet humorous account of what led him to build Noah's Ark'.

Check it all out at www.arcofnoah.org

Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERRolly Tasker Sails 2023 FOOTERVetus-Maxwell 2021 v2 FOOTER

Related Articles

Finn World Masters in Medemblik day 4
Pieter-Jan Postma wins after bizarre penultimate day The penultimate day of the Finn World Masters in Medemblik threw a curveball at the fleet with very light and tricky winds, some high scores, complex racing, protests and unfinished races.
Posted today at 4:53 am
24th Argentario Sailing Week day 1
West wind, calm sea and fair play set the scene for a spectacular first day of racing Argentario Sailing Week is off to a flying start! A perfect sample of the Argentario's typical summer beauty brought idyllic weather conditions to the first day of the international regatta reserved exclusively for vintage and classic yachts.
Posted on 19 Jun
Rolex TP52 World Championship preview
The pinnacle event of the 52 SUPER SERIES will be held at Cascais The annual Rolex TP52 World Championship represents the top tier of monohull grand prix sailing. Held as the pinnacle event of the 52 SUPER SERIES, of which Rolex is also Official Timepiece, the regatta is one of the most revered in the sport.
Posted on 19 Jun
Gitana 18, a new off the wall work
A 32-metre long and 23-metre wide flying carbon giant is taking shape For the past eighteen months, a new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, a 32-metre long and 23-metre wide flying carbon giant, has been taking shape hidden from view behind the doors of the CDK Keroman shed in Lorient.
Posted on 19 Jun
One month till close of entries into Mackay ‘25
Entries close July 18! Today marks one month till close of entries into Mackay '25!
Posted on 18 Jun
Competitors readying for epic battle
Distance racing is inherently an uncomfortable sport Enjoying a spectacular evening cocktail reception overlooking Newport Harbor, one competitor in the upcoming Transatlantic Race 2025, which starts tomorrow off Castle Hill Lighthouse just after 1 pm.
Posted on 18 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik day 3
Pieter-Jan Postma continues to lead after 5 races Pieter-Jan Postma, from The Netherlands, continues to dominate the Finn World Masters in Medemblik, The Netherlands, after a fifth race was sailed on Wednesday in a north-westerly breeze building from 8-12 knots during the afternoon.
Posted on 18 Jun
24th Argentario Sailing Week day 0
Historic boats from 9 nations have gathered in Porto Santo Stefano Historic boats have gathered in Porto Santo Stefano to take on the 24th edition of the prestigious Argentario Sailing Week, organised by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the tangible support of the Monte Argentario Municipal Council.
Posted on 18 Jun
29th Superyacht Cup Palma fleet is ready to go
Crews are now able to size-up the competition in their respective classes The owners, captains and crews of the spectacular array of yachts gathered for the 29th edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma are making their final preparations ahead of the start of racing next Thursday.
Posted on 18 Jun
Swan One Design Worlds kicks off
Practice race and opening ceremony in Costa Smeralda The crystal waters of the Costa Smeralda once again set the stage for one of the most anticipated events in the international racing calendar: the 2025 Swan One Design Worlds, hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with ClubSwan Racing.
Posted on 18 Jun