16-year-old attempting to become the youngest to sail around the globe solo

Karen Earnshaw on Majuro

Courtesy: Pacific Magazine

Teen sailor Zac Sunderland slipped back in time 2,000 years yesterday as he took a ride on a traditional Marshallese outrigger canoe on Majuro lagoon. That's how many years it is believed that people have inhabited the Marshall Islands, a scatter of small dots on the north Pacific map.

"I've sailed on 'Hobie Cats' (small catamarans) before, but this was much faster,” the 16-year-old said in Majuro. “There was only about five knots of wind and it felt like we were going about the same speed."

The canoe ride came courtesy of Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands), a program that gives youth who are at risk of facing a lifetime of unemployment a chance to improve their lot. Managed by Alson Kelen, the program teaches English and the art of building canoes, both life size and miniature.

"I hope to have time to go out again when there's a bit more wind," Zac said.

Yesterday was packed full of special moments for Zac who is attempting to become the youngest person to sail around the globe.

In the morning he was formally introduced to President Litokwa Tomeing ("It's not every day you get to meet a president"); at lunch he was treated to a range of local and Pacific food ("the pork in pig's blood was disgusting, but I liked the breadfruit and reef fish"); and after lunch he was serenaded by dozens of Marshallese. The youngsters belong to the Youth to Youth in Health program, which teaches leadership skills that will improve their life.

Pacific Magazine is online at: http://www.pacificmagazine.net

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