Overview:
Join us at NECO Marine this Sunday, Feb. 15, to witness the historic launch of the Alingano Maisu on its 20th voyage — a 6,200-mile journey across the Pacific! Experience traditional Yapese blessings, cultural performances, and a community send-off celebrating Micronesia’s rich maritime heritage.
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026)— The Micronesian Voyaging Society is inviting the public to attend the launch of the traditional sailing canoe Alingano Maisu as it begins its 20th voyage, a 6,200-mile journey across the Pacific.
The launch ceremony will be held Sunday, Feb. 15, from noon to 2 p.m. at NECO Marine in Koror and is open to the community.
The launch honors Micronesia’s maritime heritage and the living practice of traditional navigation passed down through generations, continuing the legacy of master navigator Mau Piailug.
The event will follow shared Micronesian and Yapese voyaging traditions, beginning with a ceremonial vine circle gathering and a traditional blessing led by Rhapin Woeke, Grand Master Navigator Ali Haleyalur of the Weriyang School of Navigation in Yap. The ceremony will culminate with Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur ceremonially casting off the canoe to officially begin the voyage.
“This launch is about responsibility — responsibility to the ocean, to our ancestors, and to the youth who are learning these traditions,” Sewralur said ahead of the ceremony.
Students, community members, cultural leaders, educators, embassy representatives and partner organizations are encouraged to attend and witness the culmination of months of preparation.
Patrick Tellei, president of Palau Community College, also expressed support and excitement for the canoe’s milestone 20th voyage, noting more than two decades of commitment to sustaining voyaging traditions in Micronesia.
The ceremony will conclude with crew introductions, a Palauan cultural performance and the formal send-off of Alingano Maisu through Koror’s west passage.
Voyage schedule (subject to weather and ocean conditions):
- Feb. 15, 2026: Departure from Palau
- Early March: Arrival in Taiwan for education and cultural programs
- Late March to early April: Voyage to Okinawa, Japan
- April to May: Community exchanges in Guam, Saipan, Satawal and Yap
- Mid- to late May: Return to Palau for engagements aligned with the Pacific Islands Forum period
The public can follow the voyage online, where updates, photos and stories will be shared. Donations support youth training, safety equipment and traditional navigation programs.
More information and donation details are available at www.micronesianvoyagingsociety.com, with updates also posted on Facebook and Instagram (@micronesianvoyagingsociety).
The Micronesian Voyaging Society, based in Palau, works to preserve and advance traditional seafaring knowledge by training youth and communities and using Alingano Maisu as a platform for education, cultural exchange and regional collaboration.
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