Hōkūleʻa Update | March 11, 2016
Hōkūleʻa is back on the ocean to set sail for Havana, Cuba. The vessel departed Saba Rock today at 9:00 a.m. local time (3:00 a.m. HST), after having spent seven days in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The crew most recently engaged with Ocean Elder and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, and discussed ocean conservation efforts.
Pwo navigator Kālepa Baybayan is gearing up the crew to prepare for strong winds and brisk weather, the greatest challenges of this leg of the voyage. The trip is approximately 1,080 nautical miles from BVI to Havana, which could take the canoe about a week to reach Cuba.
“We are happy to be part of the pioneers as we begin to form this new partnership and relationship with Cuba,” said Baybayan. “We are very excited to have that opportunity to participate; part of that journey is learning about the indigenous people and culture of Cuba, both modern and old.”
From Cuba, Hokulea plans on routing her trip back to the US mainland, with an estimated arrival in Florida at the end of March. She is scheduled to arrive in New York City by June 8, 2016 to be part of the United Nations’ World Oceans Day.
Happy Birthday, Hōkūleʻa!
Help us celebrate Hōkūleʻa’s 41st birthday by becoming a member, or gifting membership to another!
On March 8, the iconic deep-sea voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa celebrates her 41st birthday! Our master navigators use the stars, waves, wind, and birds to find their way, following in the wake of their ancestors. Hōkūleʻa has journeyed more than 150,000 miles over the past 41 years, and a new generation of navigators is sailing around the world to explore how people and communities are working to Mālama Honua – care for our Island Earth. We need your support to keep us voyaging – please visit www.hokulea.com/donate/ to help.
