A dream that started 14 years ago of one day having a sailing vessel, began when a few local enthusiasts, inspired by the Hawaiian Hokule’a, got together at the Jean P. Haydon Museum to start what is now known as the Aiga Tautai o Samoa Voyaging Society.

Their mission was “To Relearn, Reclaim and Relive our Samoan Seafaring Heritage.”  Since then, the Aiga Tautai has constructed two Alia, the Folauga o Samoa in 1996 and later the Pualele.

The dream became a reality once again this past TuesdaySept. 8, when Aiga Tautai christened their new 72 foot double-hulled canoe called the Va’atele. As Seuaumuli M. Fiamalua, a Samoan Studies instructor at ASCC and member of the Aiga Tautai declared, “Ua atoa tino o Vaatausili”. Simply put, a dream has been turned into reality.

Floating tall and proud at the Department of Marine Wildlife Resources Malaloa Marina in Fagatogo, against the backdrop of the majestic mountains on the eastern side of American Samoa, the Va’atele is a reminder to the people of American Samoa of the great achievements of their ancestors.

Gathered on the marina Tuesday, the Aiga Tautai celebrated and christened the Va’atele in the presence of the Gov. Togiola Tulafono and Lt. Gov. Faoa Aitofele Sunia. Also in attehndance were Dieter Paulmann, founder of the Okeanos Foundation which funded the building of the boat. Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, manager of the Pacific Voyaging Canoes project, along with New Zealand actor Rawiri Paratene, local government leaders, ASCC students, families and friends were also present for the ceremony.

Togiola translated Vaatele as a “magnanimous boat.”  He congratulated Aiga Tautai President Tupuola Wilson Fitiao and the Aiga Tautai for “thinking about our children’s future.” Togiola added, “success begins with dreams”, as he echoed the Aiga Tautai’s mission statement.

According to Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, the Va’atele is scheduled to sail to Rarotonga to join with six other double hulled canoes of the same design from other pacific islands, which include New Zealand, Rarotonga, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti (and hopefully Tonga) to embark on a historical voyage to Hawaii next year.

In his final remarks, Togiola counseled Tupuola and Aiga Tautai to hoist a mast woven from the sennit so they can journey safely to Hawaii (lalaga le la afa, fa’ae’e, ona outou taunuu manuia lea i Hawaii).  He also suggested if at all possible, it would be great if the voyage would reach Hawaii around Aug. 3 of next year, in time for the second Samoan Heritage Week.

On a French news site, www.france24.com, Te Atu is quoted, “What is more important than the short-term vision of sailing to Hawaii, is the long-term vision of regenerating the voyaging skills and traditions of our ancestors.”

The site continues “...three double-hulled canoes have already been built in a boat yard at Waitemata Harbor in Auckland, with three more due for completion by November.”

“The handsome and robust craft, built from a traditional design from the Tuamotu islands in French Polynesia, have twin hulls 22 meters (72 feet) in length, joined by a platform supporting a small deckhouse.”

“The canoe boasts twin masts rising 13 meters (43 feet) above the deck and a carved 10-meter steering paddle that extends back between the hulls, each of which contain eight bunks and storage space”, the site notes.

In addition, the site claims the hulls are made from fiberglass and other modern materials have also been used and the right kind of logs are now virtually impossible to obtain and the use of fiberglass means the canoes will last longer.

Te Atu remarked on Tuesday that the new boats have been built according to early designs, with a few modifications that include centerboards. He said that the design is safe and easy to sail.

Te Atu emphasized the importance of these canoes during the christening of the Vaatele, and also the importance of maintaining them so they can be used to teach our children about their heritage. 

The governor responded to Te Atu’s remarks during his speech by announcing that he has accepted a proposal submitted by the Aiga Tautai for space in Pago Park next to where the fautasi are launched. They plan to build a larger Fale Va’a as well as a boat ramp for the Va’atele.

The voyaging society’s Public Relations Officer/Treasurer, Lola Reid said, “We are overjoyed and very grateful that the governor has accepted our proposal for a permanent home where we can facilitate our dream of educating our people— young and old— on the traditions of boat building and voyaging. By educating our young people on the history of Pacific voyaging, we hope to instill in them an understanding and appreciation of the unique qualities possessed by our ancestors, to build ocean vessels, and navigate the vast Pacific Ocean without the use of instruments.”

She added that the Aiga Tautai is a non-profit organization so donations to help with the Va’atele and the new home for the Aiga Tautai are tax deductible and will be greatly appreciated.

Rev. Ned Ripley CCCAS Fagatogo leader blessed the Va’atele using a ‘niu’ (coconut) in lieu of a wine bottle. After the blessing, Togiola led the guests on a tour of the Va’atele.

The Va’atele was scheduled to sail for Niue Wednesday morning on its maiden voyage (not to Tahiti, as stated on the front page photo caption on Tuesday). According to Reid, that has been rescheduled, and the Va’atele will set sail next week to Apia for its maiden voyage.