After eight days at sea and seven nights, Vaka Paikea arrived into Apia Samoa on Tuesday night (Samoa) with its Captain, Master Navigator Peia Patai and nine crew safe and well.

Paikea arrived in time for Samoa’s closing commemoration of a year- long 60th Anniversary, by coincidence fulfilling the Government of Samoa’s message e “Folau ma le Faatuatua” –  “voyage with faith”.

Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation’s Paikea is chartered by Samoa Voyaging Society, Aiga Folau o Samoa to support the ‘Manaaki Guardians 2023’ campaign in Savai’i - an environmental educational programme for school kids.

On Wednesday morning Paikea docked at the Samoa International Game Fishing Club (SIGFA), welcomed and hosted by the Samoa Voyaging Society with a special “Ava” ceremony.

The vaka will later move to the Apia Marina until the Savaii programme starts on 12th June.

Paikea is docked at the Samoa International Game Fishing Club (SIGFA), Samoa. 23053128

Paikea had a mixed crew of 10 onboard from the Cook Islands, Samoa and Hawaii who sailed the 800 nautical miles from Rarotonga to Samoa leaving Avatiu Harbour on 22 May.

The voyage experienced mixed weather patterns which was a good training trip for the new crew on board, said Te Puna Marama trustee Cecile Marten.

Crew members have shared their voyage experiences online.

Cook Islander Tariu Tairea wrote in his blog: “We hit some choppy weather which sent us flying. We managed 183NM in 24hrs. It was a little scary at first but through Cap's (Captain Patai) teachings and his confidence in our whole team, all went well. We ended up just having the storm jib up yesterday. Last night the wind started easing so we had to put the main sail and jib up.

“The food prepared onboard by each of the teams has been delicious. It's been great getting to know everyone onboard. No matter where you come from or how much you know everyone is equal on the vaka. Everyone has to take responsibility for their own actions and take care of each other and the vaka. I've learned a lot from Captain and the experienced members.”

Local artist Tuaine (Katu) Teiti also sailed on the journey - his first long voyage.

Teiti wrote: “This has been a great journey for me and I am honoured and privileged to be a part of it, along with some great and amazing individuals and friends from different cultures.

“I've done a few things in my life and this is a new adventure for me, and an extra skill added.

 “We are having fun, sharing our stories and jokes with each other. Singing in the sunsets, cooking with different recipes, sleeping on deck - getting darker I guess, and watching Elon Musk's 38 satellites grazing our night sky at 6 o’clock every morning.

 “We do have quiet times especially when you are on watch at night, you tend to drift away into the dream world, and start to reflect on your life and experiences. These moments I think are important too because we rarely do that in our normal busy schedules. I find it refreshing and inspiring, it gives me more ideas and perspectives of what I can do and undo.”

While at sea the crew learnt the words and practised the song “Paikea” which was composed by Daniel Tutaka, the crew have created their own fun song about their vaka experiences.

The Paikea captain and crew from Rarotonga to Samoa were: Cook Islands - Captain Master Navigator Peia Patai, Zebadiah Tetonga Revake, Tuainekore (Katu) Teiti, Tariu Wayne Tairea, Steven Daniels; Samoa – ‘Gaualofa’ Captain Karl Edward Steffany, Maoluma Lavatai; Hawaii - Kamuela Ehukai Yong, Kimberly Kaleial Ohalani Elia and Malanai Nellie Kāne Kuahiwinui.