After nearly two weeks and 300 miles of Open Ocean travel, the crews of the Hokulea and Mathow Maram arrived back safely to Yap.  This training exercise, the purpose of the journey, proved to be some of the toughest training the students of the Traditional Maritime Institute have ever experienced.  The entire voyage to Palau, all completed in the traditional canoes, utilized only the starlight navigation methods to chart the course.  No modern way finding or tracking devices accompanied the crews. 

The arrival in Palau was met with a warm reception from the Palauan people and highest dignitaries of the Island.  The crews brief visit to Palau included visits to the newly completed Capitol building, Palau Community College, and the Inauguration of the Governor of Ngardmau .  All crew members have expressed their utmost appreciation to the Palauan people for their warm hospitality. 

During the voyage to Palau both canoes suffered damages which would have prevented a safe return via the canoes.  The Owner of Surangal and Sons Company, Surangal graciously offered a return trip aboard his boat headed for Yap.  Traditionally, return canoe voyages from Palau take place in early spring of the year due to the changing winds.  Because of the need for the canoes in Yap for the upcoming Yap Day activities the crews were advised to accept the return trip. 

The islands of Yap continue to hold strong to their seafaring traditions.  In October of this year the island will celebrate these traditions with the first annual Yap Canoe Festival.  For more information on this event please email the Society at yaptns@gmail.com

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Two Traditional Canoes Left Yap for Palau

Traditional Canoe Rides Gaining Popularity

Yap Traditional Navigation Society receives donation from State Legislature