September 16: Hikianalia Sea Trials (Sept. 17: New Photos of Canoe Added)

Posted on 16 Sep 2012
In Voyaging

Pwo navigators Nainoa Thompson, Hekenukumai Busby and Bruce Blankenfeld aboard Hikianalia prior to our first sea trial.

Under a bright blue sky and brilliant sunshine, with light winds and calm seas, Hikianalia left the dock for her first sea trial. The PVS crew benefited greatly by the warm-hearted kokua of experienced Polynesian Voyagers and Salthouse personnel.

Kealoha Hoe at the hoe (steering paddle) of Hikianalia.

We are being assisted and advised by the veterans of the Pacific Voyagers’ epic Te Mana Te Moana voyage in 2011. In the photo above are Captain Frank Kane, James and Tawhana (In photo above.)

The primary objective of the trial was to test and calibrate the solar-powered electric motors that will enable Hikianalia to assist Hōkūleʻa if neeeded during the upcoming Worldwide Voyage. David Czap, the marine electrical engineer who designed and installed the motors, was busy about the deck and down below as we all enjoyed motoring in race track loops. Although we did not sail, we greatly enjoyed being at sea on Hikianalia for the first time.

Captain Magnus Danbolt, lead captain of the Pacific Voyagers fleet, watches as David Czap, tests and calibrates Hikianalia’s solar-powered electric motors.