Sailing Canoe - The Traditional Mode of Transport - Louisiade Archipelago - Samarai Murua District.

The traditional sailing canoes, locally known as Sailau's are a hand hewn wooden outrigger canoes with a mast at the center of the canoe and supported by riggins on both sides of the mast and tied to a wooden stick carriage. The keels or hulls are made from various trees species of Calophyllum, Terminalia, Albizia, Kapiak and other species. Initially, Panaeati Island has been the ones who make the Sailau's, as they were the origina builders and as well have abundance of the tree species materials. However, today, it is an art and trade whereby any body from any surrounding Louisiade Archipelago islands can make one. To sail the Sailau's is also an art and a trade that one has to master from the elders and by practical sailing, and as well must also master the geographical locations of reefs, islands and the flow of tide and sea currents. For the islands in the Deboyne, the Calvados Chain Group of Islands and as well as the Misima Island villages have been proven to be masters at the Sailau sailing and it is a great fun and adventure. The sailing is also enjoyed very much during the strong winds and rough seas times. With the above presentation, I do hope you have enjoyed your viewing. Thank you.