Youngest Crew Member
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18 year-old Andre Manueli is determined to learn the most he can about sailing as he wants to one day become a ship’s captain and he is thankful to Captain Jonathan Smith for giving him that opportunity onboard the Uto-ni-Yalo.

Andre joined 15 other new recruits that will make a tough journey down to New Zealand onboard the traditional styled Canoe, the Uto ni Yalo for some refitting and maintenance for a week. While being the youngest crew member, Andre does not see the age gap between him and his fellow crew members as a hindrance.

"Sometimes they joke around about my age and being the youngest you have to listen when they say things, but I'm always learning and that is the most important thing for me," he said.

"Just the opportunity to be on this vessel and to take the trip down to New Zealand knowing that we will not be using any engine on anything like that is amazing.

"I'm lucky because some of the crew from the maiden voyage will be here to teach us about how to navigate and sail." Andre will only be a part of the first leg to New Zealand after which he will return before the Uto ni Yalo continues its journey a week later to Tahiti.

"I would love to be part of the full trip down to Hawaii but we will see."

Andre had just left Marist Brothers High School last year and he said that he's keen to follow the journey of the Uto ni Yalo!