Hokule‘a, Hikianalia embark from Sand Island on voyage to Tahiti
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVETISER.COM
The Polynesian Voyaging Society canoes Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia, originally scheduled to depart early today have once again been delayed – this time due to a positive COVID-19 test.
The Polynesian Voyaging Society canoes Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia departed from Sand Island today at about 11 a.m. after an initial delay due to a positive COVID-19 test.
The positive test was confirmed in one of the members on a training voyage, and not among the current crew getting ready to depart on this leg to Hilo, followed by Tahiti. The current crew have all tested negative.
The member who tested positive is now isolating at home.
Today’s departure is 11 days later than planned due to weather-related issues, including strong winds. The canoes have been at Sand Island on Oahu.
Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia had been scheduled to depart Sand Island on March 31; instead, the crews have continued training exercises.
Navigator Nainoa Thompson will sail the Hokuleʻa to Hilo, but does not plan to sail to Tahiti, a journey that is expected to take about 20 days, depending on the weather.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
