[VUDA, 23 January 2022] — The Uto ni Yalo Trust (UNYT) and Tradewinds Marine Group entered into a 10-year partnership yesterday that establishes the Vuda Marina as the Western home of the Uto ni Yalo vessel, and will see the two organisations collaborate in their shared passion for the revival of traditional voyaging, environmental activism, and community-focused programs.
The partnership, valued at approximately FJD $300,000 will not only enable the UNYT to conduct outreach programs with communities in the Western division, but also provides for berthing and annual haulouts for maintenance of the flagship vessel the S.V. Uto ni Yalo.
The Tradewinds Marine Group is a private family company and has deep ties to the voyaging and sailing communities throughout Fiji. The Group also operates two international marinas (Vuda Marina and the Copra Shed Marina), in addition to The Fibreglass Shop, a fibreglass factory that builds the Islander Boats, outrigger canoes, pontoons, sailing dinghies and customised builds.
Speaking at the signing yesterday, Vuda Marina General Manager Mr Adam Wade said that they are delighted to provide this corporate sponsorship to the Uto ni Yalo and looked forward to working with the UNYT in bringing some of their programs to the communities in the West.
“Knowing that she will be back on the water and teaching real-life sailing and traditional navigation skills to all generations of Fijians is an achievement that we wish to see continue for many years to come,” he said.
“Fiji has an incredible history of sailing and our forefathers were renowned for their sailing skills–we are happy to support this transfer of knowledge.”
UNYT Trustee Reverend James Bhagwan said that the Trust was grateful for this partnership, and for the assistance of Tradewinds Marine in the completion of the much-needed maintenance work on the Uto ni Yalo.
“Please know that the value you offer us as a community of voyagers far exceeds the dollar value of this partnership as it ensures a greater reach and impact of the work that the Trust does throughout the country,” he said.
Following the signing of the partnership agreement and completion of the Uto ni Yalo overhaul, the UNYT presented a sevusevu and iTatau to the Tui Vuda yesterday to thank him and the Vanua for allowing us to work in the area, and to seek his blessings in the naming of the Vuda Marina as the home of the Uto ni Yalo in the West.
In giving his blessings, the Tui Vuda expressed excitement at the prospect of the UNYT undertaking programs in partnership with Tradewinds Marine that will revive traditional sailing culture for the people of the West and Vuda.
Following more than a year undergoing major maintenance work, the Uto ni Yalo is expected to leave Vuda Marina and arrive at the National Sailing Centre in Suva this weekend.
-ENDS-
Media Contact:
Dylan Kava | Mobile: +679 906 1989 | Email: dylan.kava@gmail.com
Matelita Buadromo | Mobile: +679 992 7556 | Email: matelitaratu@yahoo.com
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