PVS Newsletter / December 2009
Click here for a PDF of the December 2009 Newsletter.
Training the Next Generation
Expanding the opportunity to participate in PVS's crew training program is another venue for our organization to perpetuate culture and traditions. According to Crew Training Director Bruce Blankenfeld, this is a golden opportunity for anyone who has ever entertained the idea of sailing on Hōkūle'a. There is something for everyone — be it sailing offshore Oahu, sailing between the Hawaiian islands or taking part in deep sea voyages.
Training Director Bruce Blakenfeld, working with Kamaki and Na‘alehu on navigation. Voyage to Tahiti, 2000
Beginning in May, Hōkūle'a will undergo an extensive dry dock. All hands are welcome and needed. All of this training will culminate with a four-year Worldwide Voyage, targeted to begin in 2012.
The theme for this world voyage is "Mālama Honua" where we share the measage of caring for the Earth and humankind, while honoring our heritage and perpetuating our culture.
Sailing on this worldwide voyage will require taking part in the Crew Training Program and Canoe Building/Dry Dock work. In addition, all crew must pass an ocean safety/swim test and have a clean bill of health.
Come down to register and get acquainted with the programs that PVS has to offer.
Experiencing Pristine Palmyra
On March 10, 2009, after 10 days of waiting for clear skies, crew members of Hōkūle'a and Kama Hele set sail on a training voyage to Palmyra Atoll. The majority of crew had never been on a deep sea voyage on Hōkūle'a. They depended on the experience and knowledge of Captain and Navigator Bruce Blankenfeld and the leadership of Kama Hele Captain Mike Cunningham and his veteran crew.
Everyone knew how difficult it would be to find this tiny isolated atoll — coconut trees being the tallest objects. To make things a bit more difficult, clouds covered the stars most of the voyage, including Hōkūpa‘a (North Star), a very important star to measure Latitude. According to crew member Jenna Ishii, "Bruce taught us how to steer by the swells and wind direction and how to use pairs of setting stars to know our latitude. After 9.5 days at sea, Keala Kai spotted the tiny sliver of Land on the horizon. Hundreds of dolphins and seabirds escorted us into the sparkling blue lagoon."
Palmyra Lagoon, from Hokule‘a
For the next few days, The Nature Conservancy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guided crew about the island and took them diving. Never before had we seen an ecosystem so active and beautiful. Crew took hundreds of pictures to share and prove that magical places like Palmyra Atoll still exist in the world, and that if we protect Hawai'i's environment, our island home can thrive again. [Contributed by Jenna Ishii]
A Special Mahalo to Doonwood Engineering, Kaiser Permanente, The Hawaiian Education Council & Ke'ehi Marine for their support of this voyage.
Click here for a Worldwide Voyage website, documenting the Palmyra Training Sail.