This canoe comes from Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, a group of coral atolls scattered over the Micronesian area of the Pacific Ocean.
It features an addition to the hull, an outrigger, attached for stability. Crew sit on a frame attached to the outrigger, balancing the vessel as it heels under the pressure of wind on the sail.
When changing tack, the mast and sail are repositioned from one end of the canoe to the other, reversing the hull’s direction by exchanging bow for stern each time.
Outrigger racing is an important Kiribati part of Island life. Boat building skills are passed down through generations and Ueaua, builder of this outrigger in 1975, was taught the techniques by his grandfather. Racing is highly competitive and builders use many measures to hide the secrets of their canoes’ construction.
Built by Te-iti-n-Ueaua of Tarawa Island
Dimensions
Length 6.71m
Beam 3.12m
