The Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) is recruiting new crewmembers for Samoa’s Va’atele Gaualofa.
The Va’atele Gaualofa is a traditional Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe, which belongs to the Samoan community and is currently in her home port Apia, Samoa.
A spokesperson for the Gaualofa says, “We are looking for people who are adventurous and passionate about Samoan or Polynesian voyaging and who want to have an experience of a lifetime! The Gaualofa belongs to the people of Samoa, and not just independent Samoa, but all Samoan people.
“It is with that in mind that we are extending our recruiting efforts to American Samoa and we are hoping in gaining interest from our brothers and sisters in Tutuila and Manu’a”.
Assisting with the recruiting efforts in American Samoa is local non-profit group Le Vasa.
Le Vasa has undertaken the task of reviving traditional voyaging in American Samoa as it is a critical part of Samoan cultural and national heritage.
Spokesperson Michael McDonald states, “The Samoa Voyaging Society in neighboring Samoa is doing a great job reviving this extremely important part of our history and culture.
“Our ancestors…were pioneers in exploration and by many accounts accomplished one of the greatest feats in human history by settling all of Polynesia using traditional wayfinding techniques long before Europeans were leaving their coastlines.
“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure this part of our heritage and culture is celebrated and more importantly preserved for posterity.”
Le Vasa is currently working on fundraising efforts to bring the Gaualofa to American Samoa in support of reviving traditional voyaging, promoting conservation and ecotourism.
Persons interested in joining the crew are invited to email your name, village, and contact information to samoavoyagingsociety@gmail.com before March 12th or contact the Facebook page ‘Samoan Voyagers’.
No prior sailing experience is required however you must be 18 years old or older.
All new crewmembers will receive training in sailing, navigation and environment conservation as well as team-building with the existing crew.
After training is completed, qualified crewmembers will spend several days a week sailing and maintaining the Va’a, before anticipated voyages to American Samoa, Tokelau and Hawaii.
