After a seven-day journey, the 16-member crew of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ arrived in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Sunday, just ahead of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting that begins on Monday. The ‘Uto ni Yalo’ serves as a symbol of regional unity, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the ocean and traditional navigation techniques.
The voyage was particularly noteworthy as Iva Vunikura, a woman, took on the role of sail master, a position typically held by men on board. Vunikura has been a part of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ for 12 years, having covered over 80,000 nautical miles on her longest trek from Fiji to Mexico, along with extensive sailing throughout the region.
Reflecting on their experience, she remarked, “It was tough because we were coming into the wind, but we didn’t give up, which is why we are here today.” Vunikura, hailing from Vione, Gau, was one of three women in the crew, and she finds great fulfillment in her work amid the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.