Principles

The Samoa Voyaging Socety (SVS) works to promote positive Samoan cultural values, respect for the ocean and nature, individual and social responsibility, discipline and integrity.


The SVS considers that the reintroduction of traditional sailing in Samoa will provide opportunities for youth development (sports, leadership), environmental awareness, cultural development and, potentially, tourism opportunities such as whale watching and adventure tours.


SVS is developing hands-on educational and training programmes in traditional sailing and navigation. The programmes will target young Samoan youth including school children, school leavers and other interested groups. The task of learning traditional sailing and navigation skills also develops leadership and discipline among the youth, leading to well-rounded young people capable of contributing positively to the growth of this nation.





Saturday, July 23, 2011

Life at Sea (and) a Box of Chocolates!

The sun sets on another calm day at sea. Everyday of this voyage has brought us lessons, and every encounter we have been blessed with has touched all of our lives in ways which are revealing themselves at unexpected moments, but more often then not, for the better.

We just finished a meeting with our crew - it is time to come together once again, and remind ourselves of the love inherent in each of us - for our fellow crew members, for the canoe, and for the oceans. We have many more lessons to learn, but I think we are on our way.

Marumaru offered us some morning company, as the light, focal winds gave us a chance to pull along side them. It was nice to see the faces and smiles of the other crews. They handed over a glass float, left behind by previous generations. The transparent of the blown glass globe reminds all of those who have passed these oceans before us.

The ocean has been incredibly kind to us on our voyage to the mainland. The wind is calm, the air is dry, and the swell of the waters is barely discernible - a welcome calm and change from our trip leaving New Zealand. Yet, as we make our way further north, the chill in the air reminds us all that we are far from home.

Five months we have been at sea. Five months of experience, education, and lessons for which our lives will be touched forever.

All the best from Gaualofa and a very happy and special birthday to Fani Bruun - we're all happy to be able to celebrate this day with her today. In fact, Evohe even sent over a birthday treat for her- a box of chocolates (I think we'll all benefit from this gift).

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