For the crew of the Hawaiian waka which was moored off Westshore yesterday it was a case of 'we'll be back'. Photo / Paul Taylor
For the crew of the Hawaiian waka which was moored off Westshore yesterday it was a case of 'we'll be back'. Photo / Paul Taylor
The world-circling waka Hokule'a arrived in Hawke Bay early yesterday but without fanfare or welcome - just yet.
That will come later this month when the Hawaii-based waka, referred to as "the mother ship" of wakas, will head into port and tie up for a four or five-day visit.
Asthe navigator and one of the skippers of the Ahuriri-based waka Te Matau a Maui Piripi Smith explained, the schedule for their Hawaiian cousins was crucially weather- dependent.
Unlike the local waka the Hokule'a did not have an auxiliary engine so had to plan and sail entirely dependent on the conditions.
Mr Smith said the forecasts gave the waka a good two-day window of opportunity to get into Wellington, where conditions were more uncertain.
"So they left Auckland and have decided to head straight for Wellington, but have anchored here off Westshore for the support boat 'Tranquillity' to go in and pick up provisions."
The schedule now has Hokule'a and its seven Hawaiian and four guest crew members returning to Hawke Bay around January 26.
"Then we will welcome them in and they will enjoy a stay here for a few days."
Built in 1975, the Hokule'a set sail on its ambitious voyage, a three-year circumnavigation of the world in May 2014 and will cover 47,000 nautical miles with stops at 85 ports in 26 countries.
