Aboard Marumaru Atua

Crew member Ant Vavia talks about his experiences on the MaruMaru Atua's trip.

DAY 8

Our Mitiaro trip was a special one for me. It’s awesome to say that I could help bring Marumaru Atua to my home island, teach some basic rope work and bring family on board to check out the vaka. They all seemed pretty stoked, eh!? That was a real rewarding treat for me; especially seeing the tamariki enjoy themselves on the vaka that we aim to share with the people. As expected, the people delivered amazing hospitality including local kai enua! Too good te iti tangata o Nukuroa! I got to be the local tour guide for the crew taking them around for cave swims and storytelling. The whole thing was just cool! However, it wasn’t just me bringing the vaka home, it was about the vaka taking me away. Besides the sailing, learning and teaching, this stop off to Mitiaro was a key drive for being a crew member of this voyage. Yesterday evening is the last time I will see home and family for a while. I’ve learnt a magnitude of life practises, ways of thinking and realising more about myself. I’m glad that Marumaru Atua could be the vessel to take me away.

- Ant Vavia