After a week at sea, the 16-member crew of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ arrived in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Sunday, just in time for the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting set to begin on Monday. The ‘Uto ni Yalo’ represents a united region and embodies a commitment to oceanic traditions and seafaring skills.
This voyage was particularly significant as a woman, Iva Vunikura, took on the role of sail master, a position typically held by male crew members. Vunikura has been with the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ for 12 years, during which she has sailed over 80,000 nautical miles, covering routes from Fiji to Mexico and across the Pacific.
Reflecting on the challenging journey, she noted, “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 on the ship and expressed her deep connection to the sea as part of her work.