A double hulled canoe built to revive traditional Pacific voyaging skills has been officially launched in Vava’u, Tonga, through a collaboration between the University of the South Pacific’s Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Program and the Uto Ni Yalo Trust.
The initiative aims to upskill Tongan voyagers and integrate traditional canoe building and sailing into the curriculum of vocational schools, particularly in Vava’u.
The canoe, constructed from fiberglass for durability, was designed through collaboration between Tongan and Fijian traditional builders, Tongan Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers, and experienced sailors.
It will remain with local TVET institutions as a lasting educational resource.