After a week at sea, the 16-member crew of ‘Uto ni Yalo’ reached Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Sunday, just in time for the start of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting set for Monday.
The ‘Uto ni Yalo’ represents a united region, showcasing a strong connection to the ocean and traditional navigation skills.
Notably, the journey featured a female sail master, a role typically held by male sailors. Iva Vunikura, who has been a part of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ crew for 12 years, has completed over 80,000 nautical miles, including significant voyages from Fiji to Mexico.
Vunikura has also extensively explored the region by sea. Reflecting on their challenging journey, she stated, “It was tough because we were coming into the wind, but we didn’t give up, which is why we are here today.”
The sailor from Vione, Gau, was one of three women aboard the vessel and expresses a deep commitment to her work, finding peace amidst the expansive blue of the Pacific Ocean.