In March 2013, my crew and I finalized our plans and preparations for our trip to Woleai. Woleai is a small island atoll, part of Yap in Micronesia. It is 360 miles Southeast of Yap, but is 360 miles south of Guam, making for an ideal sail from Guam with our consistent tradewinds. It took three days going, and three days back.
My crew of three plus myself made a great team, sailing the Rubicon. We were able to find some good waves to surf as well. The people on Woleai were some of the warmest, friendliest people we’ve ever met. They welcomed us with open arms, invited us to join their men’s circle for celebration of tuba drinking. We brought gifts, they also gave us some gifts of their local bananas to take back with us.
While sailing down, we experienced some wind direction shifting, into a possible tropical depression. We were nervous it would develop into something serious, but thankfully it struggled its way off to the west.
Overall the trip was a success, mission accomplished. We will definitely be going again in the future.
Here are photos from the trip:
Surf gang departure Thurs. 11pm
Ready to fish ~ 1st day
Got one!
Land ho!
Setting anchor
Our greeting committee
The boys
Main highway
Modern vs. Traditional
6 palm paradise
Surf ahead
Found the waves
Gifts for the locals
He’ll be back
Traditional canoe house
Rubicon & downtime
Beach paradise
2 boys
Clearing customs
Local brew (tuba)
School grounds
War relics
Woleai Community School
The salesman
Baby canoe $5 (cowrie shell was $5 too)
Baby canoe + Rubicon
More good waves!
4ft & perfect!
My son Shane
Shane
Shane
Shane eating breakfast
I found a girlfriend (from visiting catamaran)
Departure party
Shane & Kawika with tuba
Yes, the women go topless
Cutest boys ever!
Tommy (our liaison)
Pirates heading home
Easting first
Speed 7.6 knots 125 nautical mi. to go
Pirate Captain Ken
Happy crew arriving home
We made it!
Wife Libby greeting committee (don’t mention girlfriend)
I have been waiting to see the Photos of this expedition! Ken your son Shawn is so tall. He looks so much like you. I hope the Penn Reel and Lures bring you big fish. The photos reminds me of my first trip working for Air Micronesia flying into Yap, Palau, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Majuro. We also were greeted with the local attire! That was back in 1967-68…
Your Old Friend,
Jack Sparrow
Looks like a great trip, and it only to three days. The surf looks fun too. I have a friend who tried a trip south in the 1970’s and did run into a typhoon. It chased them north for weeks and with lose of electrical power no one knew where they were. His name was Wayne and worked at the Coral Reef Dive Shop.
My dad sent me this link. Very nice adventure! Born on Guam and haven’t been back since ’74. Love the photos! Looking forward to more. Hafa adai!
Hey Ken Good to see you doing something that I know you love. There is nobody doing it any better than you. That sure looks like an island paradise. I spent a week in Ulithi one time and caught fish everyday. I didn’t have my board with me but I did see some surf similar to your photos. At night we hung with the locals and drank Tuba and also had what they called The Blue Flame, that high proofed Bicardi rum. I left Guam 31 years ago and still think about it daily. Good luck in your business, you have a wonderful adventure to share with your clients.
Woooww first of all my name is Love and i am from that paradise that u guys visited. I was actually on the island when you arrived. we met at the church and i am very happy to actually see your posts and your comments about your experiences back there..I miss the place too. im sure they are looking forward into seeing you again…its always good to find things about my place on line….peace out..
It looks like that was quite an adventure. If you ever need a volunteer for another trip like that let me know. I still talk a lot about my fishing trip with you. Take care Ken and your family.
Would this be the Buddy Smith who went to school in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Va? I know Buddy enjoyed sailing but lost touch of his adventures.
Susan
Hello Mr. Nahaloa? Sorry I forgot how to spell the last name, but we where working together at Guma Mami, (IGH)
Hello,
I’m a french Tv reporter and I would like to get some informations about Woleai islands. I plan to make a documentary on this island during the next total eclipse of the sun on next march. Could you help me ?
Best regards
Régis