After a seven-day voyage, the 16-member crew of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ reached Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Sunday, coinciding with the commencement of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting on Monday. The ‘Uto ni Yalo’ represents regional unity and is steeped in a passion for the ocean and traditional sailing practices.
The journey was particularly notable as it featured a woman serving as the sail master, traditionally a role held by male sailors. Iva Vunikura, who has been part of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ crew for 12 years, has navigated over 80,000 nautical miles from Fiji to Mexico and has extensive sailing experience across the region.
Reflecting on their journey, Vunikura remarked, “It was tough because we were coming into the wind, but we didn’t give up, which is why we are here today.” Hailing from Vione, Gau, she was one of three women aboard the vessel and expresses a deep commitment to her work, finding peace in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.