New Horizons

Yesterday after noon after a 10 day delay, the Hokulea got the all clear and began the voyage to Palmyra Atoll.  The voyage will take roughly one month to complete and will be used as to train potential navigators and gather information about the atoll and surrounding areas.  

Training new navigators is one of, if not the most, important aspects of the sail.  When the Polynesian Voyaging Society first began during the 1970's little was known about traditional navigation.  members searched long and hard to find someone who even knew traditional navigation techniques.  Finally, the found Mau Piailug, the single individual with the knowledge and willingness to teach navigation.  He commanded Hokulea's maiden voyage in 1976 and trained Nainoa Thompson who, under Mau, became a master navigator.  Mau later passed the torch and now  it is Nainoa who trains young men and women interested in navigation.  

In addition to training navigators, new captain and crew will also be rained.  Educators and scientists are tagging along and will be exploring the open ocean as well as the area surrounding the atoll especially the coral reefs.  This information will be used to better understand the atoll.  For added safety, the Hokulea will be followed by an escort boat.  

This voyage is another in the Polynesian Voyaging Society's 23 year history which seeks to educate and enrich the lives of all.  Here's to the crew, good luck and clear skies.