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’ embodies the spirit of a united region, celebrating its connection to the ocean and traditional seafaring heritage.
This voyage was particularly noteworthy as it featured a woman in the role of sail master, a position typically held by skilled men. Iva Vunikura, who has been with the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ for 12 years, has an impressive sailing record, covering over 80,000 nautical miles from Fiji to Mexico and extensively navigating the region.
Reflecting on their challenging journey, Vunikura stated, “It was tough because we were coming into the wind, but we didn’t give up, which is why we are here today.” Originating from Vione, Gau, she was one of three women on the crew and finds great fulfillment in her work, valuing the tranquility of the vast Pacific Ocean.