Voyagers of the Uto ni Yalo reunite with families after epic Pacific voyage

Voyagers of the Uto ni Yalo were reunited with their families today after completing a three-leg voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

The welcoming ceremony at the Royal Suva Yacht Club in Walu Bay saw crew members garlanded with Salusalu in the presence of loved ones, followed by a traditional sevusevu ceremony.

“This allowed the families to embrace their welcome back on land, the families to enjoy in the spirit of our Wansolwara, our relation to the ocean, our relation to traditional voyaging,” said Uto ni Yalo Trust treasurer Kiel Ah Sam.

“This is a great time where everyone can get together and truly feel the spirit of family.”

The canoe arrived in Suva yesterday after sailing from Tanna Island in Vanuatu on September 3.

The voyage was part of a journey to the Pacific Islands Forum in the Solomon Islands, which saw 15 crew members sail north and 15 return, with crew exchanges along the way.

Mr Ah Sam said the ceremony marked a moment to share meals and express gratitude to the crew and voyaging societies.

“This was an opportunity for us to thank the sponsors that were here and also just time to reflect and enjoy each other’s company for those that weren’t able to sail with them as well,” he said.

The crew included representatives from multiple Pacific nations, with two from the Cook Islands, one from Samoa, two from Tonga, and members from Fiji and New Caledonia. One crew member had to step off in Honiara due to an injury.

Mr Ah Sam said the voyage represented a three-year promise to build relationships across the Pacific and ensure a future for traditional navigation and culture.

The trust plans to refurbish the canoe and sail to Sydney, Australia next year around the same time, while continuing smaller canoe-building programmes across the region.