Young Fiji-born navigator Maciu Nawai joins 1100-mile voyage with Uto Ni Yalo to Pacific Leaders Meeting in Honiara
Maciu Nawai, the youngest member of the Uto Ni Yalo crew, is aboard a 1100-mile open-ocean journey from Fiji to the Solomon Islands as part of preparations for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara. At 17 years old, the Fulaga, Muana-i-cake native with maternal ties to Nakorotubu, Ra, is sailing alongside seasoned navigators and trusted elders of the traditional voyaging community.
The voyage marks a pivotal moment for Maciu, who first set foot on an international trip by sea. He volunteered with the Uto Ni Yalo Trust last year, helping with maintenance and other tasks, and says this trip is far from ordinary. “I come around to help with the maintenance and with other little things that need to be done. I was introduced to this work as a volunteer,” he explained. He added that his family is proud and eager to hear about his navigation experiences once he returns.
Maciu emphasizes the deep connection his life has with the sea. “My life has revolved around the ocean. I love going out to the sea, fishing, swimming, or travelling. I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he stated, highlighting his pride in belonging to the Jafau Clan of Fulaga, where his grandfathers are renowned for wood carving and canoe building. He stressed that this voyage is about more than personal achievement—it is an opportunity to learn from some of the best traditional navigators and to show younger Pacific people the value of sea-based heritage.
The journey is overseen by Sail Master Angelo Smith, whose guidance frames the voyage as transformative. “It will empower them in ways they can’t imagine, and they need to recognise that not everyone has the chance to engage in something so significant,” he said. Maciu and his crewmates are poised to gain insights that extend beyond navigational skills, fostering a sense of regional unity and responsibility toward the ocean.
Across the region, the Uto Ni Yalo voyages are increasingly framed as catalysts for youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and cultural resilience. The crew has previously been highlighted for including young voyagers and for its ongoing mission to promote ocean guardianship and traditional knowledge as a basis for addressing modern environmental challenges. The broader message remains clear: the ocean sustains communities, and communities in turn must care for the ocean.
Additional context and value for readers
– The Uto Ni Yalo Trust has a history of linking voyaging heritage with contemporary regional issues, including environmental protection and Pacific unity.
– Similar voyages in recent years have carried messages about safeguarding large portions of the Pacific Ocean and promoting resilience to climate change, often tying their journeys to regional forums and leadership meetings.
– Past trips have featured women in leadership roles aboard traditional vessels, reflecting a shift toward greater gender balance and shared stewardship in voyaging communities.
– Partnerships with conservation and research groups have reinforced the link between voyaging culture and ocean health, reinforcing the idea that cultural practice can support sustainable futures for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Summary
A 17-year-old navigator from Fiji, Maciu Nawai, is embarking on a 1100-mile voyage with the Uto Ni Yalo crew to attend the Pacific Leaders Meeting in Honiara. Volunteering with the trust already, Maciu is learning from seasoned navigators while sending a message that the ocean is both a legacy and a responsibility to protect. Sail Master Angelo Smith sees the journey as a transformative experience that could empower young seafarers who may not have another chance for such an opportunity. The voyage continues the region’s tradition of blending heritage navigation with modern environmental and diplomatic aims, promising a hopeful path forward for Pacific unity and ocean stewardship.
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