After a week at sea, the 16-member crew of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ reached Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Sunday, perfectly timed for the start of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting on Monday. The ‘Uto ni Yalo’ represents a united region, showcasing a strong connection to the ocean and traditional seafaring practices.
The voyage was particularly noteworthy as a woman, Iva Vunikura, took on the role of sail master, a position typically held by men. Vunikura has been part of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ crew for 12 years, boasting an impressive sailing history that includes over 80,000 nautical miles from Fiji to Mexico, along with multiple trips across the region.
Reflecting on their challenging journey, 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 (Monday).” Hailing from Vione, Gau, Vunikura is one of three women aboard the vessel and finds peace in the vast Pacific waters.