The "Hokulea", captained by GSA Navigator, Takuji Araki, which left Hawaii at the beginning of the year, has reached its final port of call in Yokohama.
The "Hokulea" is a replica of the kind of traditional canoe that the Polynesians used to travel between the islands. Moreover, "Hokulea" was sailed without a compass or maps, but by using 'star navigation'-finding its way through studying the night sky and the condition of the sea.
The voyage from Hawaii passed the Marshall Islands, Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku, reaching Yokohama on 9 June after 149 days.
The trip was organized to deepen exchange between Japan and Polynesia and carried the following messages; a desire to forge friendships between Japan and Hawaii; wishing for global peace; increasing environmental awareness; and giving "dreams" to children.
In July Takuji will take to the seas again in "Sabani"-a traditional Okinawan fishing boat.
Links (Japanese language)
Hokulea Blog: http://hokulea.aloha-street.com/
Takuji Araki HP: http://www.arakitakuji.com/
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