MORE than 200 school children were part of the Drua Sailor program launched at the Fiji National Sailing Centre in Suva last weekend.
This marks the start of a new program with participants from all over Fiji to promote drua sailing among Fijian youths.
Fijian traditional sailing navigator Kaiafa Ledua said the program was designed and delivered by experienced Itaukei sailors and traditional navigators in conjunction with Fiji Yachting Association (FYA) which also include classroom components and practical tuition onboard the vessel I Vola Siga Vou.
“This is to make sure that the next generation of Fijians know of their seafaring culture and heritage,” Ledua said.
“To learn practical skills that will be invaluable in the future is really important, particularly as the region starts to look for low carbon sea transport options.
“The I Vola Siga Vou, launched in late 2016, is a replica of the Ratu Finau drua in the Fiji Museum.
“It is in full commercial survey and equipped with modern safety equipment.
“Built by local company sailing for sustainability, I Vola Siga Vou is operated as a cultural tourism attraction and flagship.
“The IUCN grant means the drua can be used as a platform to teach Fijian youth to sail and learn their incredible maritime heritage.
“The Drua Experience will be running the training program over the next five months and encourages any youth who may be interested to get in touch.”
The program has been designed for small classes of 10 students at a time and students must be competent swimmers, he said.
The program continues this week.
