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
Related articles:
Traditional Navigation Institute
Prepares for Voyage to Guam
Two Traditional Canoes Left
Yap for Palau
Traditional Canoe Rides Gaining
Popularity
Yap Traditional Navigation Society
receives donation from State Legislature
Yap Traditional Navigation Society
