ARTIST Irami Buli could not have had a better birthday gift than what he got yesterday.
The Moturiki man, who turned 31 on the eve of the Mua Voyage departure for Sydney, said he had always wished to travel the way his ancestors did using just the waves, wind, stars and the sun.
“I have always been fascinated by the drua concept,” he said.
“And I’m glad to see that traditional sailing is well and truly alive, especially after missing out on the first voyage in 2009.”
He said showing the world that the solution to the future also lay in the past was important for the people of the islands.
Using the image of turtles, and with the help of artists of the Waisiliva group, Mr Buli designed their message of ocean and cultural conservation on the three sails of the Uto ni Yalo.
The three canoes are expected in Port Pila in four days and the sail to Brisbane may last eight to nine days, said voyage co-ordinator Colin Philp.
“It’s going to be good, smooth sail all the way,” said Mr Philp, a member of the first Uto crew.
