Fiji’s Ivanancy Vunikura recently made history as the first Fijian woman to serve as a sail master on the Uto ni Yalo, a vessel that journeyed from Fiji to Tonga to coincide with the Pacific Island Forum leaders summit. The challenging seven-day voyage featured four-meter swells and winds up to 30 knots, testing Vunikura’s navigation skills and leadership abilities.
Despite facing doubts from some male colleagues, Vunikura proved herself through her dedication and skill, earning the respect of the crew and becoming an inspiration for other female sailors. Her passion for the ocean and Indigenous knowledge of navigation and voyaging have led her to share her expertise with others, including teaching traditional sailing techniques to Tongan communities.
Vunikura’s journey exemplifies the importance of women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields such as sailing. She hopes to encourage more women to join the maritime industry and pass down the knowledge and skills she has acquired through her years of experience at sea.
With the Uto ni Yalo crew now in Tonga, they will spend time in Vava’u sharing their knowledge of sustainable sailing practices before embarking on their return journey to Fiji in late September. As Vunikura continues to break barriers and inspire others, her story serves as a reminder of the power of determination, passion, and the beauty of the ocean.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
