September 22: Fine-tuning Hikianalia, Preparing the Crew for the Voyage (Updated Sept. 23 with Graphics)

On Friday and Saturday, the emphasis was on crew training, especially regarding safety aboard Hikianalia. Both days, Captain Bruce Blankenfeld led the crew and the kokua team from stem to stern, discussing each aspect of the rigging and many safety and efficiency procedures we have learned from the Pacific Voyagers, based on their many sea miles aboard similar vessels. On Saturday, Mike Taylor also trained the crew on the electrical system aboard Hikianalia.

Marine architect Nick Peal adjusts the trim of Hikianalia by moving both masts aft by several inches.

Nainoa Thompson sighting navigation reference marks along the railings of Hikianalia.

The reference marks on the railings are used in conjunction with the star compass to guide the canoe by the rising and setting points of celestial bodies (sun, moon and stars) (Click on any image to enlarge it):

The reference points are aligned with the houses on the star compass:

See “Holding a Course” and “On Wayfinding” at for an explanation of the star compass and traditional navigation without instruments.