Eager to set sail for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Hawai’i from June 6–16, the Vaka Marumaru Atua crew awaits favourable northwesterly winds for their departure from Rarotonga.

Peia Patai, the traditional navigator and captain of the voyage, say they are waiting for ideal wind conditions.

“We know that there has been some concern about our delayed departure, we are waiting for the wind direction to come right,” said Patai.

“The weather has been good, it’s just the wind that’s not with us and being stubborn a little bit, actually coming (from) where we want to go. It’s holding north easterlies, that’s the direction we want to gain to get to Hawaii so we’re just waiting.”

Patai anticipates the wind direction to change by this Thursday/Friday.

If by Friday the wind direction changes to north and northwest “that’s when the Vaka will take off”.

“We’re going to use those north westerlies to take us a bit more east on top of Tahiti before we straighten up and head for Hawaii.”

While waiting for favourable winds, the Marumaru Atua crew has been meeting every morning at 8am to keep everyone notified of the updates.

The vaka is well-stocked with water, canned and dry food, and well-prepared for its journey.

On this voyage, the vaka will be carrying 26 x 25 litres of water, the crew will also rely on rainwater and desalination.

“You train your crew how to preserve water, and training involves how to preserve resources out at sea,” said Patai.

“We are also hoping to catch fish along the way,” he added.

Chris Vaile from Triad has donated diesel and biofuel towards the voyage.

The diesel will be used in emergencies when there is no wind, while passing through the doldrums, or for maneuvering in and out of the passages.

While on standby, Patai and the crew from Mauke spent time at Vaka Paikea doing some maintenance work.

Patai is grateful for all the families, friends, and sponsors who have supported their voyage.

“Thank you to the people of the Cook Islands for all your support.”

The sponsors include Air Rarotonga – Ewan Smith, Graeme Jeffries from Stonefish Studio for the crew’s new apparel, and Brett Porter and the Toa Gas team for gas and an extra bottle.

The cultural Ve’eve’e Aroa (farewell ceremony) for Marumaru Atua was held last week in anticipation of their original departure last Friday.